Thick hardwood forests, rustic bridges across streams, and wildflower prairies surround Sica Hollow State Park 30 miles east of Britton in Northeastern South Dakota. This historic area features bridle trails, an equestrian friendly campground, picnic areas, nature trails, and opportunities for bird watching and stargazing.
This unique area was named Sica (meaning bad or evil) by the Dakota tribe. It earned this name because of mysterious occurrences throughout the area and the red colored streams. The iron-tinted water appears as blood. Today visitors to this South Dakota state park enjoy walking along the Trail of the Spirits to get a closer look at this strange phenomenon.
Nearby Roy Lake State Park, only 15 miles east of Sica Hollow, features a lakeside resort and campground where guests may swim, boat, fish, hike, camp, picnic, and more.
Activities
Looking for a unique getaway? Well, look no further than Sica Hollow State Park. This interesting park offers a mysterious flair to the traditional outdoor activities found within most state parks.
Here you may experience a spooky hike (or ride) through the woodlands, have lunch in one of the scenic picnic areas, search for one of the many geocaches hidden inside the park, and learn more about the history and legends of the area.
And if you plan to visit during the winter, you will also have the added opportunity to snowshoe.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Sica Hollow State Park:
Hiking at Sica Hollow State Park
Take a walk along one of the spookiest trails in the country during your visit to Sica Hollow State Park. The Trail of the Spirits, a self-guided nature trail, leads through the woodlands and out to a brook that’s said to contain water the color of blood. This unique trail is said to seem eerily silent except for the occasional sound of drums or chanting.
This interesting park also offers guided ‘Moon Hikes’ for summer visitors. During these night time excursions guests learn more about the area’s history, flora, and fauna, as well as the stars in the sky.
Horseback Riding at Sica Hollow State Park
For visitors traveling with their own horses, there are 8 miles of equestrian trails that wind throughout the woodlands surrounding Sica Hollow State Park. The park also has primitive horse friendly campsites.
Birding at Sica Hollow State Park
Sica Hollow State Park lies along the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Birding Trail, an area that details 38 prime bird watching sites within the lakes and wetlands region of the state. The park’s deciduous woodlands, steep hillsides, and open meadows are ideal for viewing a variety of warblers, flycatchers, vireos, woodpeckers, as well as Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, and Purple Finches.
Nature and Wildlife at Sica Hollow State Park
“Mountains of the Prairie,” that’s how Henry Wadsworth Longfellow described the serene area surrounding Sica Hollow State Park. This area of woodlands, hills, and prairies is also home to a variety of wildlife including birds, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, prairie dogs, rabbits, and opossum.
Pets
Pets are allowed inside Sica Hollow State Park as long as they are supervised, leashed, and cleaned up after.
Camping at Sica Hollow State Park
Planning to visit the area with your horse? Sica Hollow State Park features a primitive camping area with 8 non-electric equestrian campsites that are available year round and located near the multi-use trails. Vault toilets, picnic areas, and a water pump are also available for registered guests.
Camping
For additional overnight accommodations, check out the nearby lakeside resort and campground inside Roy Lake State Park. This comfortable park has 98 campsites, 3 camping cabins, 8 modern cabins, and 5 suites, all nestled within the surrounding woodlands, many with beautiful views of the lake.
The rustic camping cabins have one large room with bunk beds, electricity, heat, and air conditioning. Each of the modern cabins and suites have 1 or 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, electricity, heat, and air conditioning.
All campsites and camping cabins have a picnic table and fire ring and are conveniently located near flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. The park also features trails, a beach, and opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing.
Park Location
Sica Hollow State Park
44950 Park Road
Sisseton, SD 57260
Phone: 605.448.5701
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Sica Hollow State Park:
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