Sica Hollow State Park

South Dakota offers some beautiful and interesting horse trails. One such trail is located in the northeastern section of the state. Sica (pronounced she-cha) Hollow offers far more than just another horse camp and trail. This is the place where the locals say, "legends come alive". The Eerie Sioux called this place "Sica" which when translated means "evil". There are lots of mysterious happenings along the "Trail of the Spirits", a registered National Recreation Trail, that traverses through the park. You may want to look for the gurgling reddish bogs, or a stream that sometimes runs red, which the Indians believed was the flesh and blood of their ancestors. At night you be able to see tree stumps actually glowing in the dark and don't be afraid if you should hear any strange moaning sounds after all this is Sica Hollow. This area of South Dakota will be a trip that you may never forget, for more reasons than just your riding experience.

The rugged, timber covered hills gives sharp contrast to the flat terrain as they spring out of the prairie. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow called this anomaly "Mountains of the Prairie," in his famous poem Hiawatha. Although different people have called this area many things, local horsemen call it "a wonderful place to ride".

The park is open year round although it could be hard to reach through the snow during the winter months. However, spring and summer are great times to visit and ride with the numerous species of colorful wildflowers springing up among all the green grass and trees. The fall of the year is particularly special with its colorful foliage and cool temperatures. The horse trails, no matter what time of the year, are a real pleasure to navigate.

When you enter the park continue on the gravel road until you reach the primitive equestrian campground. The cleared group camp, surrounded by a beautiful forest, offers facilities including horse trailer parking, running water, toilets, fire grates, tie rails and picnic tables with shelters. Fees for camping and for day use can be paid at the self-pay stations located though out the park.

From camp or from the day use parking area you can access the 15 miles of trails. The horse trail travels through 900 acres of rolling hills and varied terrain. This beautiful trail traverses through a forest of basswood, ash, oak, elm, and maple. When you ride to the top of the hills you will find the view to be spectacular as you look out over the fields and meadows below. Beautiful Roy Creek runs gracefully through the ravines and lower regions of the park adding a tranquil feeling to trail.

One of the loops of the horse trail passes by the small cemetery where the Roy family, the first white settlers in the area, is buried. As you ride though this gorgeous area you may catch a glimpse of a Broad-winged Hawk, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Willow or Least Flycatchers, Yellow throated Vireo, Veery, Black-and-white Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, or a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. You may even get a glimpse of a deer, wild turkey, marmot, beaver, chipmunks, squirrels, or even a mink. You just never know what may be around the next turn in the trail.

This area offers the horseman an experience of unique opportunity. It is like a "spirit" lives in the hills of Sica Hollow. So, if you are looking for a unique experience in your trail-riding journey, why not consider riding in Sica Hollow. That is of course, you are not afraid of the legend of Sica Hollow. Happy Trails.

Directions: Sica Hollow is located 35 miles from Interstate 29. From the Interstate 29 take state highway 10 to Sisseton, from here continue west for 11 miles, turn north on state highway 25, and drive 5 miles to the Park.

Sica Hollow State Park
11545 Northside Drive
Lake City, SD 57247
phone: (605) 448-5701
e-mail: roylakestp@gfp.state.sd.us

Reservations can be made through the park manager at Roy Lake State Park (605-448-5701)

About the author: Janine, an international equine writer, has written articles for numerous publications (print and on-line). She has her own informative web site for horse travelers and trail riders, and offers travel guides, and much more. In addition to appearing on several radio shows and giving enlightening group talks, she and her husband, Jim, are also members and the designated American Trail and Travel experts for "The Long Riders Guild", a worldwide equestrian organization.