The Great Lakes of South Dakota Association is a private, nonprofit corporation dedicated to promoting tourism and the best interests of the public for fishing and hunting along the Missouri River in Central South Dakota. Our Association is made up of many small businesses working together to increase visitation, and visitor spending, along the Missouri River.

The Great Lakes of South Dakota present 443 miles of recreational activity. The four lakes that make our region, Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark Lake, were created when the Missouri River was dammed to control flooding.

The Great Lakes of South Dakota Association was created in 1962 by Governor Nils Boe to make sure that the reservoir system was accessible to the general public. In 1969, the Great Lakes Association worked with the State Department of Transportation to pass a one cent gas tax that was dedicated to building perimeter roads. The result of that tax was the creation of State Highways 1804 and 1806, ensuring visitor access to the great lakes.

And today, the Great Lakes of South Dakota Association still works on issues to ensure that visitors and sportsmen can enjoy the waters and shores of the four lakes. From questions about boat ramps to working with county commissioners, Federal and State commissions and departments, to represent the small business people along the Missouri River.

Get your toes in the water with a Great Lakes of South Dakota Association membership

It's our business to promote the visitor industry along the Missouri River. The Great Lakes of South Dakota Association knows that few visitor businesses can afford a full-fledged marketing plan to convince people to vacation along the Missouri River. But by pooling our resources and expertise, we can enjoy the impact of a coordinated marketing plan.

We can help you tap into the visitor market by putting information about recreation along the Missouri River into visitor's hands. That's because most of the visitors who toured South Dakota last year either called or wrote for information to help plan their trip.