📷 Photo by Wolfgang Weiser on UnsplashOahe Dam
Pierre, SD
A huge rolled-earth dam holding back Lake Oahe, one of the largest reservoirs in the country. The visitor center and overlook show the scale.
Oahe Dam is an earthen dam on the Missouri River north of Pierre, South Dakota, impounding Lake Oahe. Construction began in 1948, and President John F. Kennedy dedicated the dam on August 17, 1962. According to South Dakota Missouri River Tourism it ranks among the ten largest dams in the world.
According to Wikipedia, the reservoir is the fourth-largest man-made lake in the United States and stretches about 231 miles (roughly 370 kilometers) upstream to Bismarck, North Dakota. On top of the dam stands the Oahe Dam Visitor Center (SD Hwy 1804), which also houses the tourism office. It tells the story of the construction, recalls Kennedy's visit and shows Lewis and Clark exhibits. Next to it stands the 1877 Oahe Chapel, moved in 1964 after the reservoir flooded its original site; the key is available at the visitor center.
Powerhouse tours are offered seasonally but, according to the tourism website, were suspended until further notice. Please check opening hours and tours in advance.
- Nearest town
- Pierre, SD
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 44.4509, -100.3940
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Campground 1Campsite1 mi from Oahe Dam
- Campground 2Campsite1 mi from Oahe Dam
- Campground 3Campsite2 mi from Oahe Dam
- Pierre National GrasslandCampsite21 mi from Oahe Dam
All campsites in South Dakota · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Oahe Dam?
Oahe Dam is in Pierre, SD, at GPS 44.4509, -100.3940. It is about 2 mi from Lake Oahe.
Can you camp near Oahe Dam?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Campground 1, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Oahe Dam?
Oahe Dam is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Up the Missouri River through South Dakota and Quartzite, corn and reservoirs – by camper from Falls Park in Sioux Falls along the Missouri to Pierre.
What is there to see near Oahe Dam?
Places worth a stop nearby: Dignity (70 mi), Sitting Bull Monument (74 mi), Cedar Pass Campground (91 mi) and Wall Drug (97 mi).
When is the best time to visit Oahe Dam?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)