State Parks

Photo © SDTourism

Lake Herman State Park

Melting glacial ice formed this 1,350-acre lake thousands of years ago. Lake Herman State Park is located on a peninsula and offers visitors spectacular views of Lake Herman. Camping, boating, fishing, and cross country skiing are favorite activities at the park. Observe wildlife in the native oak woodlands and prairie grasses that inhabitat a variety of birds and animals.

Lake Herman has been a popular campsite for hundreds of years. Before white settlers entered the region, it was popular among Native Americans traveling to nearby Pipestone quarries.

The first settlers at Lake Herman were Herman Luce and his son, William. They settled the timberland on the east side of the lake and assumed squatters' rights on June 17, 1870. The log cabin in the park was built for Herman Luce in the summer of 1871. The cabin is made of sturdy oak logs hand hewn to fit snugly and chinked to keep out the cold.

Luce's cabin briefly served as a U. S. Land Office, with Herman Luce in charge. In 1977, the Herman Luce Cabin was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Activities

Birdwatching
Boating
Camping
Canoeing/Kayaking
Cross country skiing
Disc Golf
Fishing
Hiking
Historical interest
Horseshoes
Snowshoeing
Swimming

Fees

Daily: $6 per vehicle
Annual: $30 first vehicle | $15 for second vehicle | $65 transferable license
Campsites - electrical: $19
Campsites - non-electrical: $15
Camping Cabins: $40 per night

Park Specs

Open: Year-round

Park Size: 72 campsites and 2 cabins (each sleeps 4 people)

Directions:

2 miles west of Madison off SD Hwy 34

Nearest Town: Madison

Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.CAMP (2267).

Maps

Contact Info

Lake Herman State Park
23409 State Park Drive
Madison, SD 57042
605.256.5003
Email: LakeHerman@state.sd.us

Amenities

Beach
Boat Ramp
Campground
Camping cabins
Canoe/kayak rentals
Drinking water
Dump station
Electric campsites
Fishing dock
Fishing pole checkout
Flush toilets/showers
Game checkout
Paddleboard rentals
Picnic Shelter
Playground
Ski beach
Vault toilets