Spirit Mound
This trail leads to the summit of Spirit Mound, a sacred site for several Plains Indian tribes. Some tribal members make pilgrimages to Spirit Mound, say prayers on top, and leave offerings. As you approach and walk to the top, please do so respectfully.
On clear days, the summit offers views as far away as the Big Sioux River to the southeast, the James River to the west, and the Nebraska Bluffs to the south. Before starting out on this 0.8-mile trail to the summit, be aware that there is neither water nor shade between here and the top.
INSET - Taking Measure: In his journal, William Clark described the mound as a "regular parallelagram...300 yards in length...[by] 60 or 70 yards...leaveing a leavel Plain on the top of 12 feet in width & 90 in length."
TRAIL MAP - Indicates that the sign is situated at 1200' elevation and the Spirit Mound Summit is at 1300' elevation. The trail crosses Spirit Mound Creek.
Marker is on South Dakota Route 19 0.1 miles north of 312th Street, on the left when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
