After over four years since its closure in 2018 due to flooding, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks reopened the Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area near Selby.
For the reopening, most of the hiking trails and bridges have been restored, and a picnic shelter and playground are also operational. The dam and the lake have not been restored, and the department is still working on returning electricity to the park’s campsites.
The recreational area closed in May of 2018 when a flood came through and washed out both the entrance road to the park and the lake’s dam.
After the flood, community members created a non-profit to help financially support the reconstruction of the park. The organization, called the Friends of Lake Hiddenwood, raised nearly $115,000 to help repair the park’s $233,000 access road.
According to District Park Supervisor Dan Richards, the community and its support was vital in getting the park repaired.
“Their assistance includes helping to create temporary access into the park, spending countless hours fundraising, and organizing the many volunteers who assisted in keeping the park maintained,” Richards said.
Now that it's open, the Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area is offering day activities as well as camping opportunities. As of now, only primitive camping is allowed.