Description - These rolling hills were left after the last glacier receded less than 20,000 years ago. It is easy to understand why these hills, located in the middle of the plains, were held in awe by ancient Indian tribes. Through the centuries, these hills become the subject of many legends. A journey through the area still reveals the natural occurrences that fueled the legends.
The Hollow's first Indian visitors named it "Sica," (pronounced she-cha) meaning evil or bad. Eerie Sioux legends recall mysterious happenings here. Along the Trail of the Spirits, a Registered National Recreation Trail, you'll see gurgling reddish bogs, which Indians saw as the blood and flesh of their ancestors. Swamp gas and stumps glow in the dark, and small waterfalls are heard echoing as trapped air escapes. Indian lore also gives new meaning to Sica's streams, rustic bridges, waterfalls, and wildflowers. An interpretive guide is available to bring these legends to life.
Sica Hollow State Park has also earned attention nation-wide. The Old River Warren and Coteau des Prairies are designated National Natural Landmarks. The Trail of the Spirits, a self-guided interpretive foot trail, was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1971.
Attractions
- Fifteen miles of marked trail guides horseback riders through 900 acres of woodland, which remains much as it did when the first settlers arrived in the 1840s.
A group base camp features water, vault toilets, fire grates, tie rails and table shelters. Available by reservation only, please call the park office at (605) 448-5701.
Recreation - Picnicking. Hiking/biking trails. Horseback trails. Cross-country skiing. Near snowmobile trail.
Location -
Located 15 miles northwest of Sisseton, off S.D. Highway 10, within 35 miles of I-29
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