Historic Fort Randall & Chapel — Attraction in South Dakota

The Fort Randall Military Post was established in 1856 to help keep peace on the frontier. It was located on the south side of the Missouri River in South Dakota, just below the present site of the Fort Randall Dam. Wikipedia We used to walk thru this chapel in the sixties. No one seemed concerned about the lack of maintenance. Since then the Corp of Engineers have fenced it off, stabilized walls and placed canopy over structure. There is an adjoining area to see the layout the the fort's structures. This is right below the fort Randall dam. Downstream is the large camping area. Fishing is very popular below and water sports above the dam. Pickstown was built for the laborers that worked on the 50's and still provides hotel, gas, marine, restaurant, a nice swimming beach. Remote area but still popular for...

The only thing left of Fort Randall is some of the chapel. However, they have done an excellent job of making a visit worthwhile. They have plaques set up in a walking self tour around the fort with information about the buildings and people in front of where each building stood. In some parts you can see portions of the rock foundation where the buildings stood. I think it was about a half mile walk all together. Recommend. The earthen dam is right next to it which is pretty cool to...

Neat little piece of history here! Ironically the chapel is the only structure left standing, and I don't see it landing long, the sandstone is weathering quickly. The rest of the fort stead is basically holes in the ground, centered around a long list parade ground. The plaques posted offer insight into history that's being forgotten, both early American and native Indian culture. Very interesting and worth checking out if your near the Fort Randall damn! Check it...