Staycation Directory

Staycation in South Dakota’s Farm Island Recreation Area

March 8th, 2010

Located east of Pierre, Farm Island attracts all types of visitors … campers, swimmers, hikers, anglers, bird watchers and bicyclists. With easy access to Lake Sharpe and popular beaches and trails, this park stays busy throughout the year. Additionally, the park has ties to the Lewis and Clark expedition, which is detailed in the new Lewis and Clark family center.
Water Activities
Anglers can fish for walleye, smallmouth bass, white bass, northern pike and perch on this Missouri River reservoir. Two boat ramps, a popular swimming beach and a wheelchair accessible fishing dock allow visitors of all types and ages a chance to play in the water. Canoe and paddleboat rentals available.

Camping
Ninety campsites in two campgrounds and two camping cabins, as well as a youth group camping area, are available from which to choose. Two comfort stations with showers are located in the main campground.

Nature trails
This park features an island nature area, which provides an outdoor classroom for visitors. Eight miles of hiking trails wind through the island and give hikers, walkers, cross-country skiers and bicyclists a chance for peace, quiet and nature observation. Bicycle rentals available.

Deer and a variety of birds are very common to see on the island. Trail users may also notice traces of beaver activity near the water, as well. Users also have access to a nature observation blind.
Farm Island Recreation Area
1301 Farm Island Road
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-2885

StaycationDirectory

Staycation Definition and History
A staycation (also spelled stay-cation, stacation, or staykation) is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in the US during the financial crisis of 2007–2009 in which unemployment levels and gas prices were high.Staycations also became a popular phenomenon in the UK in 2009 as a weak pound made overseas holidays significantly more expensive.The term was added to the 2009 version of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Common activities of a staycation include use of the backyard pool, visits to local parks and museums, and attendance at local festivals. Some staycationers also like to follow a set of rules, such as setting a start and end date, planning ahead, and avoiding routine, with the goal of creating the feel of a traditional vacation.
Benefits of a staycation
Staycations are far less costly than a vacation involving traveling. There are no lodging costs and travel expenses are minimal. Costs may include transportation for local trips, dining, and local attractions. “The American Automobile Association said the average North American vacation will cost $244 per day for two people for lodging and meals… Add some kids and airfare, and a 10-day vacation could top $10,000″. Staycations do not have the stress associated with travel, such as packing, long drives, or waits at airports. Staycations may be of economic benefit to some local businesses, who get customers from the area providing them with business. In 2008, the tourism bureaus of many U.S. cities also began promoting staycations for their residents to help replace the tourism dollars lost from a drop in out-of-town visitors.