Big Stone Island Nature Area Maps

Big Stone Island Nature Area Description

An 1823 expedition led by Major Stephan Long and geologist William Keating explored the Big Stone Lake region. Shortly after entering present-day South Dakota, they met an American Indian village on a rocky island (Big Island). This island is now the 100-acre nature area that is a natural refuge for a variety of wildlife, including songbirds, waterfowl and shore birds. During the 1800s and early-1900s, resort hotels dotted the shore and excursion boats frequented the island's brothel. In an attempt to close the facility, irate women reportedly burned and sank a boat. In the 1940s, military ai