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Peaceful Fort Sisseton One reason I enjoy traveling is to discover terrific, out-of-the-way places that few people know about. During my three-month trip around America in 1995 (see Previous Roadtrips, 1995-1999), the most outstanding "hidden jewel" that I stumbled across was the Cumberland Island National Seashore on the southern coast of Georgia. So far during this trip, that honor goes to Fort Sisseton State Park in northeastern South Dakota.
I drove out to Fort Sisseton (pronounced "SIS-a-ton") while I was in Webster doing research at the Day County Courthouse, having spent the previous nights at a motel, on Ole Svang's homestead, and at a bland state park nearby. I planned to stay at Fort Sisseton for only a night or two before heading up to Bismarck, North Dakota, but I enjoyed it so much that I stayed for a week and a half, mostly getting caught up with my website and e-mail, and just relaxing.
I'm still trying to figure out why more people don't visit this park. And I left only because the empty campground would be filled the next night for the start of Labor Day weekend. Compared to all of the crowded and dingy state park campgrounds that I stayed at in the southeastern U.S. that cater to obnoxious beer-chugging, muscle-t-shirt-wearing powerboat owners, this park was a real gem.
Fort Sisseton was built in 1864, a few years after the Dakota Uprising, on what was then the wild frontier of the Dakota Territory (think "Dances With Wolves" and you'll get the picture). For the next 25 years, the fort was manned by soldiers of the U.S. army and cavalry, most of whom weren't thrilled to be stationed at this remote outpost.
Fort Sisseton was abandoned in 1889 and the buildings soon fell into disrepair, but in 1960 the land was acquired by the South Dakota State Parks Department. They've worked hard ever since to restore the fort and have done a wonderful job. There are about 15 buildings open to the public, each labeled with an interpretive sign and filled with interesting displays inside, including the North Barracks, which now serves as the spacious and informative Visitor Center.
This park, being a former army base, reminded me of Fort Snelling in Minneapolis or Fort Laramie in Wyoming except there are very few visitors and, unlike those parks, there's a campground. The wonderful 14-site campground overlooks a beautiful prairie that provides magnificent sunset vistas across the prairie each night.
Surprisingly, the campground was empty (or nearly empty) every night I was there. The restrooms and showers are located in a former stable that's reputed to be the longest stone building in the U.S., and the grounds are well-kept. A gentle wind blew through the campground each day, the weather was perfect, I was well-stocked with delicious carrot cake from Jim's Supermarket in Webster, and I fell asleep each night to the soft chirping of crickets. For nine peaceful days, all was right with the world.
Fort Sisseton is one of the best kept secrets in the Dakotas and it made my list of 10 Favorite State Parks in the U.S. There isn't a lot of glitz here. But if you appreciate history, enjoy solitude, and like watching beautiful sunsets over the prairie from a quiet campground, you'll love this out-of-the-way gem.
Above left: I was planning to stay at Fort Sisseton for only a day or two, but I liked the peaceful campground here so much that I stayed for a week and a half. Fort Sisseton State Park is one of the most peaceful places I've ever visited. Above right: The Officer's Quarters at Fort Sisseton State Park.
Above left: The North Barracks building has been converted into the Visitor Center. It contains a replica of the actual barracks as it looked in the 1860s. Above right: An inquisitive horse, of course.
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