Richmond (Brown)

Richmond Lake in Brown County, South Dakota

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Richmond Lake is an 823-acre man-made reservoir located 12 miles northwest of Aberdeen in Brown County, South Dakota, nestled in the heart of the state's Glacial Lakes and Prairies region. Created by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression era by damming Foote Creek and its unnamed tributaries, the lake was completed in the spring of 1937 as one of 657 lakes constructed across South Dakota to provide water resources and recreation during the drought-stricken Dust Bowl years. The lake reaches a maximum depth of 23 feet with an average depth of 8 feet, offering diverse habitat for an impressive variety of game fish including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, channel catfish, and yellow bullhead. Richmond Lake Recreation Area is divided into three distinct units providing year-round outdoor opportunities: the South Unit features a 24-site campground with electrical hookups, a camping cabin, swimming beach, picnic areas, playgrounds, and boat ramp; the Boat Ramp Unit on the eastern shore near the dam offers convenient lake access with fishing docks and public facilities; and the Forest Drive Unit encompasses a scenic 200-acre forested area with extensive multi-use trail systems perfect for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. The lake's shoreline is enhanced by mature trees planted by the WPA, creating a shaded haven for outdoor enthusiasts, while three public access sites maintained by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks ensure convenient entry points around the lake.

Richmond Lake serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the Aberdeen area's abundant attractions and activities throughout all four seasons. Just a short drive south, visitors can experience the magic of Storybook Land and the Land of Oz in Wylie Park, a beloved 210-acre theme park offering free admission to walk through enchanting displays of nursery rhyme characters and Wizard of Oz scenes, with affordable rides including a miniature train departing from an authentic 1881 train depot, carousel, roller coaster, and hot air balloon ride. Aberdeen's Wylie Thunder Road provides additional thrills with go-karts, adventure mini-golf, bumper boats, and Euro Bungy, while the Aberdeen Aquatic Center features a 9,000-square-foot pool complex with towering waterslides, lazy river, and sandy play area perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. History enthusiasts can explore the Dacotah Prairie Museum showcasing over 100 years of natural history and pioneer artifacts that tell the story of South Dakota's prairie heritage, while the annual Brown County Fair in August brings carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment to the region. Richmond Lake Recreation Area's 18-hole disc golf course and practice holes wind through the Forest Drive Unit's wooded terrain, and the park's three-mile multi-use trail system doubles as groomed cross-country ski and snowmobile trails during winter months, with a warming shelter providing respite for cold-weather adventurers. The lake maintains special fishing regulations including a 15-inch minimum length limit for walleye, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass to ensure sustainable populations and trophy-sized catches, making it a premier destination for anglers seeking quality fishing experiences in northeastern South Dakota's beautiful Glacial Lakes region.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"