Goldsmith (Brookings)

Lake Goldsmith in Brookings County, South Dakota

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Lake Goldsmith is a 290-acre natural lake in Brookings County, South Dakota, located approximately two miles from the city of Volga and just ten minutes west of Brookings along U.S. Highway 14. Featuring two miles of shoreline and reaching a maximum depth of nine feet, this shallow prairie lake is characterized by its gentle contours and diverse wildlife habitat. The watershed surrounding the lake consists primarily of agricultural cropland, creating a quintessential eastern South Dakota landscape where farming heritage meets outdoor recreation. A wooded area with an extended beach along the southern end of the lake provides scenic beauty and habitat for abundant wildlife, including large populations of American White Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, and egrets that can be spotted year-round. The lake features a public boat launch with easy access for anglers and boaters, making it a convenient destination for local residents and visitors exploring the region's natural lake system. Lake Goldsmith is part of a network of quality fishing lakes in the area, with nearby Lake Poinsett located 14 miles to the northwest, Lake Campbell 12 miles to the southeast, and undeveloped Lake Sinai also within the vicinity.

Lake Goldsmith is actively managed and stocked by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, supporting diverse fish populations that make it an excellent year-round fishing destination for anglers of all skill levels. The lake is particularly noted for its populations of Walleye, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Black Bullhead, and Saugeye, with fishing success peaking during spring and fall seasons when cooler water temperatures increase fish activity. Beyond the lake itself, the greater Volga and Brookings County area offers numerous attractions for visitors, including the Brookings County Historical Museum in Volga's City Park, which showcases pioneer history through vintage farm equipment displays, the Trygve Trooien Horse-Drawn Museum, a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse, and historic log cabins. The nine-hole Meadow Creek Golf Course features natural prairie and wetland topography just south of Volga, while Schadé Vineyard winery offers tastings and tours west of town. Approximately ten miles northwest lies Oakwood Lakes State Park with full camping facilities, and the city of Brookings provides additional amenities including McCrory Gardens, the South Dakota Art Museum, the Children's Museum of South Dakota, downtown shopping and dining, and South Dakota State University campus attractions, all easily accessible for day trips from Lake Goldsmith.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"