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, you'll see gurgling reddish bogs, which Indians saw as the blood and flesh of their ancestors. Indian lore gives new meaning to Sica's streams, rustic bridges, waterfalls, and wildflowers. An interpretive guide is available to bring these legends to life.

Lake Francis Case draws visitors to Snake Creek Recreation Area. The park is popular with boaters and anglers, as well those looking for scenic beauty along the Missouri River. History buffs will enjoy knowing that the Lewis and Clark expedition traveled through the area, where they were told to watch for "burning bluffs" along the river.

August 25, 1804, was a stiflingly hot day when members of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery visited Spirit Mound. They came to the site because they had heard that little people with big heads inhabited the mound. At the mound the expedition didn't find any little people, but did find a "most butifull landscape."

A day-use park, Spring Creek offers water-lovers access to the Oahe Reservoir. The lake has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and its clear waters are ideal for boating, sailing, fishing, water skiing and diving. Campers, history buffs, mountain bikers and hikers will find new adventures in this rugged land first explored by Lewis and Clark.

Springfield Recreation Area is nestled along the shore with breathtaking views of the Missouri River. Adjacent to the park overlooking the river is a beautiful nine-hole golf course, and a bike trail connects the park to the town of Springfield.

Situated on the rolling prairie bluffs, the east and west campgrounds provide anglers the opportunity to stay overnight. Two ramps offer access to Lake Oahe for boating and fishing fun. Swan Creek is one of the SD state parks along the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Rich glacial soils support a lush growth of native woods in this hidden treasure. Horseback riders, hikers, bikers and cross-country skiers enjoy several miles of trail through the forest along Brule Creek. The trees and plants attract a variety of birds sure to keep botanists and birdwatchers entertained for hours. Campers enjoy the quiet well-shaded campsites, and the horse camp is the perfect base for a weekend of riding.

Tucked along the shore of Lake Madison, this small but complete park meets the many needs of campers, anglers and boaters. Campsites offer picturesque views of the 2,800-acre lake, while anglers enjoy both on- and off-shore fishing.

Excellent walleye and small mouth bass fishing is supported by a relatively stable lake level and cool water temperatures. With most fishing done from boats, the protected marina offers convenient boat launching, regardless of the wind direction. In the autumn, hunters use this as a base camp to hunt pheasants and Canada geese.

Anglers enjoy this recreation area as a prime location to stay when fishing for walleyes and an abundance of other Lake Oahe fish. The boat ramp provides easy access to the water. In the fall, pheasant, grouse and waterfowl hunters come to camp.

A popular campsite for the Arikara and Mandan people in the past, West Whitlock now draws modern-day campers and fishermen to its shores. When the area became a park, it was named for Mrs. J.F. Whitlock, whose pioneering family once owned the land. Whitlock Crossing was the name given to a small settlement that operated a ferry across the river near the area.