Many of South Dakota’s first settlers moved in and built farms and homesteads. Agriculture is a big part of our past and present, and here’s a beautiful farm that you can explore. The Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve is located at 272 Westshore Drive in McCook Lake, South Dakota. The best part? It’s free to visit!

Stephen Searls Adams built founded his homestead in 1872. Snuggled up on the banks of the Missouri River, it encompasses 1,500 acres. The property was donated to the state in 1984.
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve/Facebook
The farmhouse has been restored and furnished with antiques from the 1800s.
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You can check out the charming little schoolhouse, too.
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This little one-room schoolhouse is quaint and adorable.
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During warm months, the fields fill with wildflowers.
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There is so much to see and do here that you can spend an entire day exploring. Take a hike on one of the trails - you'll find 10 miles to wander.
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Practice your skills on the archery range.
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Say hello to the farm animals.
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Play on the playground.
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Take a hayride.
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The farm is home to more than 100 species of birds, so bring your binoculars!
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It’s open year-round, and fall is a great time to make a trip out to play at this farm! For more information, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website.

To celebrate more of South Dakota’s rural heritage, take a look at these 10 charming farms in our state.

 

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