Vermillion, reservoir in South Dakota, United States
Lake Vermillion is a reservoir covering about 512 acres in McCook County, located approximately 5 miles south of Interstate 90. The waters are clear and suitable for fishing, boating, swimming, and paddling, with surrounding facilities including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas with tables and shelters, boat ramps, fish cleaning stations, and accessible restrooms throughout the park.
The lake was created in 1958 by damming the east fork of the Vermillion River, which had been documented on maps since 1801 when a French fur trapper first recorded it as Otter Stream. This transformation from a free-flowing waterway to a managed reservoir changed how the landscape was used for recreation and resource management.
The name Vermillion refers to the bright red quartzite rocks found along the river bank, which give the water and surrounding landscape a distinctive appearance. Today, locals and visitors gather here to fish, boat, and relax together, treating the area as a shared outdoor space where people reconnect with nature and each other.
The park is open year-round, though some facilities may close from October through April, so check ahead about water and shower availability. The site is easy to reach from Interstate 90 and offers ample parking, boat ramps, and accessible features, making it convenient for visitors of varying abilities.
The lake was originally called Otter Stream by French fur trappers in the early 1800s before being transformed into a reservoir in 1958. Few visitors realize that the red quartzite rocks that give the water its distinctive character and lend the name Vermillion were already visible along the river long before the dam was built.
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