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.
Erected by Spirit Mound Trust; South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; and National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. The sign is a part of the Missouri National
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Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.
Location. 42° 52.057′ N, 96° 57.366′ W. Marker is near Vermillion, South Dakota, in Clay County. Marker is on State Highway 19, 0.1 miles north of 312th Street, on the left when traveling north. The sign is one of several at a small asphalt pull-off loop road with a sign stating "Welcome to Spirit Mound Historic Prairie". Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vermillion SD 57069, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. From Lewis and Clark to the Future (here, next to this marker); Lewis and Clark Were Here...and Here... (a few steps from this marker); Lewis and Clark Visit Spirit Mound (a few steps from this marker); Vermillion / Historic Highway (approx. 5.7 miles away); Meckling & Lincoln (approx. 6 miles away); Meckling (approx. 6 miles away); Old Vermillion (approx. 6.1 miles away); The First Baptist Church, Vermillion, South Dakota (approx. 6.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vermillion.
More about this marker. This sign is located at the head of the trail to the Spirit Mound.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2011, by Rich Pfingsten of Forest Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 945 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 14, 2011, by Rich Pfingsten of Forest Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
