Union: River Landscape and History

The Missouri National Recreational River protects sections of the Missouri River in Union County, South Dakota. It preserves stretches of the river that have not been channelized or dammed, as well as floodplain forests, wetlands and prairie habitats. This means the focus is not only on the water, but also on a range of natural habitats. The Missouri National Recreational River Water Trail extends from the Fort Randall Dam near Pickstown, South Dakota, to Sioux City, Iowa.

Union Grove State Park: Landscape and Trails

Union Grove State Park began around 1936 as a county park. Its nutrient-rich glacial soils support lush growth of native woody plants. There are two types of trails: multi-use trails of up to 4.3 miles are suitable for horseback riders and mountain bikers; a 1.2-mile hiking trail is reserved exclusively for pedestrians. The trail lengths represent two different scales: up to 4.3 miles for multi-use trails compared with 1.2 miles for the footpath. This lets you consider both your activity and the distance when planning your park visit. The park is 11 miles south of Beresford on I-29, Exit 38.

Fort Brule in Union County

A memorial block erected by the Old Settlers Association of Union County, South Dakota, marks the site of Fort Brule in Union County. Separately, the Elk Point Election Site is designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and classified as a city park. The site of a vote is believed to be in present-day Heritage Park on the outskirts of Elk Point. Here, you can find both a marked historic site and a location attribution passed down as an estimate.

Museum and Regional History

The Union County Historical Society Museum houses an extensive collection of historical acquisitions from Union County and southeastern South Dakota. It is located in the Charles Murtha House, a two-story, triple-walled brick house completed for Charles Murtha in 1892. On the same visit, you can explore both the regional collection and the building that houses it. Visits are available by appointment arranged in advance by phone, so be sure to call ahead to schedule your visit.

A Separate Local Highlight: Golf in Beresford

Bridges at Beresford Golf is a public 9-hole golf course in Beresford, South Dakota. The course covers 140 acres and features well-maintained fairways, ponds and gently rolling hills. Its name honors eight bridges throughout the course, each donated by a South Dakota community. The nine holes give you a clear sense of the course’s scale; the bridges explain its name, while the ponds and hills shape the landscape. The facility also includes a fully equipped bar and a snack bar.

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Discover more destinations: North Sioux City, Beresford, Elk Point, Lawrence County, Aurora County, Pennington, Perkins County, Jerauld County

For the broader travel overview: South Dakota.