National Recreation Trails   Sign in Create Account
Skip Navigation

Spirit Mound Summit Trail

Go to navigation
Go to footer
This information is a public record of the 2004 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Spirit Mound Summit Trail

State
  • Length
    0.75 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back
 (1 review)

/
View of the prairie from Spirit Mound Summit Trail, north of the town of Vermillion, South Dakota; photo by Fiana Shapiro.
View of the prairie from Spirit Mound Summit Trail, north of the town of Vermillion, South Dakota; photo by Fiana Shapiro.
Ceremony Site. Photo by Donna Maddox.
Ceremony Site. Photo by Donna Maddox.
Stream flowing softly. Photo by Donna Maddox.
Stream flowing softly. Photo by Donna Maddox.
Photo by Fiana Shapiro.
Photo by Fiana Shapiro.
Photo by Fiana Shapiro.
Photo by Fiana Shapiro.
Photo by Fiana Shapiro.
Photo by Fiana Shapiro.
  • View of the prairie from Spirit Mound Summit Trail, north of the town of Vermillion, South Dakota; photo by Fiana Shapiro.
  • View of the prairie from Spirit Mound Summit Trail, north of the town of Vermillion, South Dakota; photo by Fiana Shapiro.
  • Ceremony Site. Photo by Donna Maddox.
  • Stream flowing softly. Photo by Donna Maddox.
  • Photo by Fiana Shapiro.
  • Photo by Fiana Shapiro.
 Upload a Photo

Location: Spirit Mound Historic Prairie

  • States: South Dakota
  • Counties: Clay

Spirit Mound, or Paha Wakan, was known by many tribes before Lewis and Clark's expedition came to the area. These tribes told Lewis and Clark that the mound was occupied by little people who shot any human who came near. On August 15, 1804, Lewis and Clark took eleven men and their dog to explore the mound. While they didn't find any little people, Clark reported that they "did see a most beautiful landscape; numerous herds of buffalo were seen feeding in various directions." Historians recognize the mound as one of the few remaining sites where we know with certainty that Lewis and Clark actually stood.

Accessibility Information

No text provided.

Reviews

Donna Maddox
Donna Maddox
Oct 28, 2018
Nothing but peace

I was in Vermillion for a graduation. Unfortunately, I could not enjoy due to a bad bout with vertigo. My husband would ask where do you want to go? My answer was always spirit Mound. I felt relief without medicine. So had many picnics and hikes on Spirit Mound. This Florida girl will be back. The most peaceful relaxing place I know.

 Add a Review

Allowed Uses:

Dogs, on leash Hiking/Walking

Public Contact

Mark Steck
SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks
28771 482nd Ave.
Canton, SD 57013
[email protected] • (605) 987-2263

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 1176
  • Elevation (high): 1246
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • National Designations: Part of the Lewis & Clark Nat<apos>l Historic Trai
  • Surface (primary): Paved
  • Surfaces (additional): --
  • Tread Width (average): 60"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): 3
  • Tread Grade (maximum): 5
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    Jun 1, 2004
Suggest an Edit  
Top