On our recent family reunion in South Dakota, a cousin arranged for us to go on a Jesse James Pontoon Boat Tour on Split Rock Creek at a park of the same name near Garretson, South Dakota. It didn’t cost very much and it didn’t take very long but it was a load of fun.
We were about twenty or so people on this “Norwegian Cruise Lines” vessel. The guide and pilot is Norwegian by ancestry and was a total hoot. He gave everybody a nickname. His regular job is teaching Native American History and Language at a local high school. He knew his stuff.
As we poked along in the boat he told us about the Lakota Native Americans and a little about their culture. He talked about the flora and fauna, he showed us flint tools and talked about what they were for. All the while asking us questions and making fun of us. He engaged the kids a lot, and didn’t make fun of them. I bet he is a great teacher.
He grew up in the area and he knew my cousin very well. He also pointed out that the land on both sides of the creek was privately owned. The fine for trespassing is $105 per person. I don’t think he was joking about that.
He showed us where Jesse James hid out for a while in a cave high up from the creek. He talked about how in years past the landowner let people go look at it. He’s been there apparently the cave is extensive and has ten foot high ceilings. No tours any more, no trespassing, stay away!!
We got to the end of the creek’s dammed up portion and he pointed out the nice cottage. That looks perfect to me.
On the way back he hailed the kayakers. Everybody was a target for this guy. Totally good natured and fun. The tour only lasts a half hour or so but he packs a lot of fun into it.
Here’s the dam across the creek. Built by the WPA way back when. It’s amazing how much the WPA and the CCC built that is still being used today. What a legacy all these years later.
Here’s a link to the Jesse James Tour facebook page.
And here is some more information about Jesse James and the Split Rock Creek. And yet even more information about this beautiful creek in southeast South Dakota.
Those rocks are beautiful! Sounds like a great tour, very nice scenery, information, and lots of laughs.
Fun! The rock formations are gorgeous. I don’t think I would have gotten motion sick on that “cruise ship.”
oh how I love fun and easy ways to learn some history of places we visit and I’m sorry we missed this on our several RV stays in SD…. we chose the state as our domicile when we were full time RVers (and otherwise homeless)… the State is incredibly favorable for FullTime RVers…. and scenically and historically it is way underrated… we found something new and wonderful every time we went there …. but obviously we got to the end of that chapter of our lives too soon, since we missed this tour ))).
I love it all.
Who knew that such beauty exists in Eastern South Dakota? It was a great time!
A good guide can make all the difference. Sounds like you struck lucky with this one.
A very nice tour. I think I can get on with this version of Norwegian cruise line.
A good tour guide can make all the difference. Sounds like you had a gem of a guy. Interesting pictures! Enjoy the rest of your week.
Wonderful place. Amazing pics.
wow what a neat tour! That little house is appealing to me, looks like it’s in such a special spot.