Big Bend, River meander in Lake Sharpe, South Dakota.
The Missouri River creates a substantial curve through central South Dakota, forming an expansive bend in the landscape near Fort Thompson.
Native American tribes established settlements along this section of the Missouri River before the construction of the Big Bend Dam in 1963.
The surrounding region contains numerous archaeological sites revealing centuries of human habitation near this section of the Missouri River.
The Big Bend Dam generates hydroelectric power and maintains water levels in Lake Sharpe for recreation and water supply purposes.
This section of the Missouri River creates one of the largest natural river bends in North America, spanning 20 miles around a peninsula.
GPS coordinates: 44.12100,-99.58900
Latest update: June 5, 2025 01:14
Dignity
42.3 km
South Dakota Governor's Residence
65.8 km
South Dakota State Capitol
66.3 km
Chamberlain Bridge
39.9 km
South Dakota Hall of Fame
41.2 km
Fort Thompson Mounds
19.7 km
Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center
39.1 km
Verendrye Site
68.2 km
Lewis and Clark Memorial Bridge
40.6 km
Hughes County Courthouse
66.8 km
Chamberlain Rail Bridge
40.4 km
Holy Trinity Church
66.1 km
I. W. Goodner House
67.1 km
Peter Hansen House
65.8 km
Farr House
66.7 km
Dr. William and Elizabeth Blackburn House
64.7 km
Fort Pierre Congregational Church
67.8 km
Brink-Wegner House
67.1 km
Karcher–Sahr House
66.4 km
John E. and Ruth Hipple House
66.5 km
Jefferson Davis Carr House
67.9 km
Crawford–Pettyjohn House
65.4 km
Horner–Hyde House
66.8 km
Crow Creek Site
25.9 km
Methodist Episcopal Church
67 km
South Dakota Hall of Fame
41.2 km
South Dakota Tractor Museum
66.2 km
LaFramboise Island Nature Area
65.3 kmReviews
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