Climb To The Top Of An Observation Tower With Stunning Panoramic Views At Nicollet Tower In South Dakota

When most people think about South Dakota, they focus in on the southwest corner of the state. While the Black Hills and Badlands are certainly beautiful, there is a lot more to discover about South Dakota. Come visit the northeast corner of The Land of Infinite Variety and climb to the top of a huge observation tower for some stunning views.

Located just 3.5 miles west of Sisseton is the Joseph N. Nicollet Observation Tower and Interpretative Center. The 75-foot tall tower stands as a monument to French explorer and cartographer Joseph Nicollet, who helped to accurately map the area we now call South Dakota.

The tower rises above the Lake Traverse Reservation lands and gives visitors the ability to see for miles into South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.

Climb the 96 steps to the top of the tower. The open-air platform allows for unobstructed views. Often times there will be no other visitors and you can enjoy the solitude and scenery.

Many visitors enjoy climbing to the top right around sunset. There is certainly something magical about South Dakota during the golden hour.

The tower is free and open to the public year-round. The interpretive center is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Nicollet Tower may not be the most well-known observation tower in the state, but its sights make it well worth a visit!

Have you been to the top of Nicollet Tower? Were you impressed by the views? Tell us in the comments below!

Interested in seeing more of South Dakota from great heights? Check out the Stone Fire Tower in South Dakota for stunning views and a bit of exercise too.