You grew up hearing the stories of Lewis and Clark and their expedition through and around South Dakota, but have you ever thought of following in their footsteps? Fortunately, there is no need to purchase a canoe and drift aimlessly down the Missouri River, as you can follow in Lewis and Clark’s footsteps via the historical Spirit Mound Historic Prairie:

Located near Vermillion is the 320-acre Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, which was a summertime stop for the Lewis and Clark expedition. 
TripAdvisor/LauriH44
In August 1804, Meriweather Lewis, William Clark, and company were said to have camped along the South Dakota prairie with the local Wičhíyena Sioux, who told tales of the "mountain of the Little People" where present-day Spirit Mound is located. 
Humanities Texas/Wikimedia Commons
After spending a few weeks with the Sioux, Lewis and Clark traveled to the Spirit Mound Historic Prairie in search of these devil-like creatures they had heard so much about, only to come up empty-handed. 
TripAdvisor/Ginacbird

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Despite never finding the demonic 18-inch-tall men with large heads, Lewis and Clark left Spirit Mound (and South Dakota in general) with a new appreciation of the area, thanks to its scenic views and ample wildlife. 
TripAdvisor/FredPurdue
Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, the Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is one of South Dakota's most popular hikes, thanks to its easy 0.75-mile trail that allows hikers to follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark! 
TripAdvisor/FredPurdue
Can you see why Lewis and Clark fell in love with the South Dakota prairie? 
AllTrails/Kevin Muff
To learn more about the Spirit Mound Historic Prairie and trail, please visit the Spirit Mound Trust's website.
TripAdvisor/FredPurdue

Do you have a favorite hike or attraction that you would like to see featured on Only in South Dakota? Be sure to nominate it here! For even more historical places around the Mount Rushmore State, check out The History Of This Iconic South Dakota Store Is Unexpectedly Awesome.

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Featured Addresses
Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie, 31148 SD-19, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA