Trail: Spirit Mound Summit Trail
National Park: SD Department of Game, Fish and Parks
Features: Archeo/paleo/historical
Creek(s)
Geological feature(s)
Grove(s)
Meadow(s)
Scenic viewpoint(s)
Wetland(s)
Activities: Dogs - On leash
Pedestrian - Walking/Hiking/Running
Snow - Snow play, general
Elevation: 1246 ft
Miles: .75 miles
Desc: Spirit Mound, or Paha Wakan, was known by many tribes before Lewis and Clark expedition came to the area. These tribes told Lewis and Clark that the mound was occupied by little people who shot any human who came near. On August 15, 1804, Lewis and Clark took eleven men and their dog to explore the mound. While they didn’t find any “little people”, Clark reported that they did see a “most beautiful landscape; numerous herds of buffalo were seen feeding in various directions.” Historians recognize the mound as one of few remaining sites where we know with certainty that Lewis and Clark actually stood.