A Sioux name meaning "red stream", Vermillion is a small town in the southeastern tip of The Mount Rushmore State. Perched on a hill along the banks of the Missouri River, it's the proud home of the University of South Dakota (USD).
Several attractions are worth noting. The historic downtown with its numerous restaurants and retail stores makes for a pleasurable afternoon stroll. The National Music Museum's collection of rare instruments, some dating back to the Middle Ages, is interesting. And Valiant Vineyards is a satisfying getaway with fine dining, wine tasting, and B&B accommodations.
Other points of interest include: the Austin-Whitmore House Museum, W. H. Over Museum, Spirit Mound, and The Main.
The outdoors is the biggest attraction. The 18-hole Bluffs Golf Course offers a multi-level game with 10 acres of beautiful woods, lakes and wetlands. At Spirit Mound, birds, butterflies, and myriads of wildlife are displayed on over 300 acres of grassland habitat with hiking trails throughout.
Clay County Recreation Area sits on 121 acres with facilities for fishing, boating and canoeing. Camping out under the stars is something that everyone should try. While only limited facilities are available here, nearby towns offer additional sites that are worth checking into. Biking is very popular here, also. And the 67-mile Lewis & Clark Trail from Vermillion to Springfield is considered to be one of the best bike routes in the state.
USD's recreational facilities are open to the public for a nominal fee. A weight room, pool, and racquetball courts await with a promise of pleasure. And for those who would rather watch than play, there's plenty of football, basketball, baseball, soccer and numerous other NCC competitions to keep fans happy.
Missouri River Expeditions outfitters offer various kayaking and camping packages lasting from one hour to three days, some with gourmet dinners. Tourists are taken on a trip of a lifetime down the great Missouri River through countless wildlife habitats ? a great way to top off a vacation!
Vermillion, a little town big on fun, is located in southeastern South Dakota.
