The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District, will temporarily close or reduce services at multiple sites along the Missouri River in South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota and Montana beginning May 1, 2025.
These closures will also impact supporting services, including janitorial, refuse, mowing, park attendant, fire ring cleaning and weed control. USACE will post closure signage at each location.
Affected areas in central South Dakota include:
- North Shore Campground, near Fort Thompson
- Good Soldier Day Use/Boat Ramp upstream from Big Bend Dam – one vault toilet closed
- North Shore Beach Day Use/Boat Ramp upstream from Big Bend Dam near Fort Thompson – one comfort station and one vault toilet closed
- Old Fort Thompson downstream from Big Bend Dam – one comfort station closed
- Left Tailrace downstream from Big Bend Dam – one comfort station and one vault toilet closed
- Oahe Visitor Center at Pierre/Fort Pierre – closed
- In mid-May, powerhouse tours will be suspended at Oahe and Big Bend
Due to limited seasonal staffing, the following maintenance and safety service reductions will be in effect:
- Safety patrols reduced, especially during peak weekends and holidays
- Janitorial services for comfort stations and trash removal reduced from being done daily to being done an average of 3 times per week
Omaha District Commander Col. Robert J. Newbauer says these temporary adjustments are being made to ensure visitor safety, protect environmental resources and sustain critical hydropower and dam operations. He says the Corps is committed to resuming full services when conditions allow and they thank visitors, volunteers and partners for their continued support and understanding…