Fisher Grove State Park
Scenic woodlands, mixed-grass prairie, and wetlands surround the James River inside Fisher Grove State Park. This picturesque area lies 8 miles east of Redfield in northeastern South Dakota. This area was once home to Belchers Ford, a stopover for the Watertown-to-Pierre stage line. Today the park is named for the area’s first permanent European settler, Frank I. Fisher. Visitors to this serene South Dakota state park enjoy kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, camping, bird watching, and picnicking. The park is managed and maintained by the adjacent Fisher Grove Country Club.
Activities
Fisher Grove State Park offers guests a rustic get away year round. The park features river activities, a campground, historic 10-hole golf course, a nature trail, and picnic areas with warming shelters, tables, playgrounds, and restrooms. You’ll enjoy your visit to this peaceful park whether you come for a day or spend a few nights. Considering a visit during the winter? The park offers winter activities too, such as snowmobiling. Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Fisher Grove State Park:
Golfing at Fisher Grove State Park
Fisher Grove Country Club lies adjacent to Fisher Grove State Park. This semi-private Country Club features a 10 hole golf course with tree lined fairways and greens alongside the James River. The Country club has been here since 1950.
Boating at Fisher Grove State Park
Enjoy a scenic paddle along the James River during your visit. A tributary of the Missouri River, the James River flows for about 710 miles between South Dakota and North Dakota. Bring your own kayak, canoe, or paddle board or rent one nearby before heading in.
Hiking at Fisher Grove State Park
Take a walk along the nature trail inside Fisher Grove State Park. This easy flat path guides you along the James River and through the woodlands and tall-grass prairie. Interpretive signs line the trail highlighting the flora, fauna, history, and geology of the area. Guests may also hike or bicycle on the park roads.
Fishing at Fisher Grove State Park
Spend a quiet morning fishing along the James River during your visit to Fisher Grove State Park. Here you may catch catfish, northern pike, rock bass, gar, bullhead, carp, and freshwater drum along the river’s shoreline. Just remember to pack your angling gear and pick up a South Dakota fishing license ahead of time.
Birding at Fisher Grove State Park
Fisher Grove State Park lies within the Glacial Lakes and Prairies region of South Dakota. This area consists of the Central and Mississippi migratory flyways that millions of birds cross each spring and fall. And the park is one of 38 prime birding sites on the Glacial Lakes & Prairies Birding Trail. Along this extensive trail many songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl may be easily observed. During your visit here take a walk along the birding trail that follows the James River for a chance to see American Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Mourning Doves, Black-capped Chickadees, Western Meadowlarks, American Goldfinches, Indigo Buntings, Grasshopper Sparrows, Prairie Falcons, and Red-headed Woodpeckers.
Nature and Wildlife at Fisher Grove State Park
Discover the beauty of northeastern South Dakota with a visit to Fisher Grove State Park. The area around the park is a mixture of woodlands, rivers, streams, marsh and prairie. Here you may see prairie dogs, chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, deer, mule, rabbits, and opossum.
Pets
Pets are allowed at Fisher Grove State Park as long as they are supervised and leashed. Pets are not permitted inside park buildings or in the swimming area.
Camping
Fisher Grove State Park features 22 campsites available year round. The campsites are a mix of electric and non-electric. Campers have convenient access to flush toilets, showers, and drinking water May 1 through September 30. Water may be turned off in the park between Oct 1 and April 30, vault toilets are open during that time.
Park Location
Fisher Grove State Park 17290 Fishers Ln Frankfort, SD 57440 Phone: 605.626.3488 Park Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Fisher Grove State Park:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a South Dakota state parks entrance license?
An annual park entrance license costs $36 per vehicle. A temporary (7-day) license costs $8 per vehicle or $4 per motorcycle. Camping fees are separate.
What are the best state parks in South Dakota?
Custer State Park (bison herds, Needles Highway), Palisades (quartzite formations), Good Earth (archaeological site), and Bear Butte (sacred mountain) are top destinations. Custer is the crown jewel.
Can I see bison at Custer State Park?
Yes, Custer State Park is home to approximately 1,300 free-ranging bison. The annual Buffalo Roundup in late September attracts thousands of spectators and is held to manage the herd size.
What is the best time to visit Custer State Park?
September and October offer the best conditions — fall colors, the Buffalo Roundup, and comfortable temperatures. Summer is peak season with warm weather. Wildlife is active year-round. Needles Highway closes in winter.
Explore More South Dakota State Parks
Fisher Grove State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in South Dakota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in South Dakota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
