10 Easy Road Trips From Watertown, South Dakota: Small-Town Adventures Worth the Drive
If you’re based in
Watertown, SD (in Codington County) and feel like you’ve “done it all” close to home, don’t worry—you’re surrounded by small-town gems and quiet countryside that make for perfect
short road trips.
All of the ideas below are
outside Codington County but still close enough for a relaxed day trip. We’ll hop around nearby counties like Clark, Day, Deuel, Grant, and Hamlin to find fun things to do near Watertown without spending half your day in the car.
Most of these drives are under an hour, so you can sip your morning coffee at home and still be back in time to sleep in your own bed.
1. Chase the Prairie Sky at Clark’s Potato Day & Local Parks (Clark County)
The town of
Clark, South Dakota, about an hour west of Watertown, is classic small-town prairie. It’s quiet most days, but when events pop up, the whole place feels like a big family reunion.
Why go:
- Experience small-town festivals like Potato Day (held in Clark), where you’ll find quirky contests, comfort food, and that “everyone knows everyone” vibe.
- Stretch your legs at local parks and ball fields—perfect if you’re traveling with kids or dogs.
- Enjoy wide-open country roads along the way, great for sunset photos and those “pull over and just look” moments.
Road trip tip: Take the slower, backroad routes when you can. The rolling fields and big sky between Watertown and Clark are half the fun.
2. Fish, Camp, or Just Unplug Around Enemy Swim Lake (Day County)
Drive about an hour north and a little west, and you’ll end up in
Day County, home to some truly peaceful lakes. One local favorite is
Enemy Swim Lake, tucked into quiet, wooded shoreline.
What to do near Enemy Swim Lake:
- Fishing: Bring your rod and try for walleye, perch, and other local catches.
- Camping & cabins: Make it an overnight getaway at a campground or cabin in the area.
- Slow walks: Many areas around the lake feel almost like a retreat—great for walking, reading, and doing a whole lot of nothing.
On my last visit, I ended up just sitting by the water for nearly an hour, listening to the wind in the trees. Sometimes that’s all you really need from a road trip.
3. Explore the Glacial Lakes Near Waubay & Pickerel Lake (Day County)
Day County is dotted with
glacial lakes that look especially beautiful in the early morning and at sunset. Around towns like
Waubay, you’ll find lakes such as Pickerel Lake and others that are popular with anglers and boaters.
Why this makes a great day trip from Watertown:
- The drive is usually under 1.5 hours.
- You can hit multiple lakes in one loop.
- There are plenty of spots to launch a boat, fish from shore, or have a lakeside picnic.
Pack a cooler, some camp chairs, and layer up—lake country can feel a little cooler, especially if the wind picks up.
4. Relax by the Water in Clear Lake (Deuel County)
Head about 30–40 minutes east from Watertown into
Deuel County, and you’ll reach the town of
Clear Lake. It feels like a classic South Dakota farm community, surrounded by lakes and farmland.
Ideas for your Clear Lake road trip:
- Stroll through town and grab a bite from a local café or diner.
- Hit nearby lakes for boating, paddleboarding, or just skipping rocks.
- Check local listings for small-town events such as parades, fairs, or ball games.
Clear Lake is an easy choice if you want something low key—no long lines, no crowds, just a change of scenery and friendly faces.
5. Drive the Backroads Around Lake Cochrane (Deuel County)
Also in Deuel County,
Lake Cochrane is a scenic spot that feels almost like a hidden retreat tucked into the hills near the Minnesota border.
What makes Lake Cochrane special:
- Clear water and a more “up north” feel than you might expect this far south.
- Pretty lakeside drives, especially in late summer and fall.
- Opportunities for boating, swimming, and quiet dock time.
If you’re into photography, keep your camera handy. On calm days, the water mirrors the sky, and it makes for beautiful shots—perfect for your social feeds.
6. Step Into Granite Country in Milbank (Grant County)
Around 1 to 1.5 hours northeast of Watertown you’ll find
Milbank, the county seat of
Grant County. This area is known for its
granite quarries and rolling, rocky countryside.
Things to do in and around Milbank:
- Walk through town and check out historic buildings and small shops.
- Drive rural roads to see granite outcrops and old farmsteads.
- Look for local parks or walking trails where you can stretch your legs.
The landscape here has a different feel from the flatter fields around Watertown, so even the drive can feel like a mini escape.
7. Picnic and Explore Lakes in Grant County
Beyond Milbank itself,
Grant County offers quiet lakes and parks that make for relaxed, no-rush afternoons.
Make it a simple, stress-free picnic day:
- Grab sandwiches and snacks in Watertown before you leave.
- Pick a lakeside park or public access area in Grant County.
- Bring a blanket, a frisbee, and a good book.
Sometimes the best “attraction” near Watertown isn’t a big tourist site at all—it’s just a peaceful lake with no schedule and no notifications.
8. Unwind at Lake Poinsett (Hamlin County)
Just south of Watertown in
Hamlin County sits one of the region’s favorite getaways:
Lake Poinsett. The drive is usually under an hour, and the lake is big enough to feel like a true vacation spot.
Why Watertown locals love Lake Poinsett:
- Plenty of room for boating, water-skiing, and tubing.
- Lakeside cabins, campgrounds, and seasonal spots.
- Beautiful sunsets over the water, especially on clear summer evenings.
If you only have half a day, you can still drive down, sit by the shore, and be back in Watertown before it’s too late.
9. Visit the Town of Hayti and the Hamlin County Countryside
While you’re south of Watertown, spend some time around
Hayti, the county seat of
Hamlin County. It’s a small town with farm-country charm and easy access to nearby lakes and open spaces.
What to do around Hayti:
- Take a short walk through town and chat with locals at a café or gas station—this is where you get the best fishing and road tips.
- Explore surrounding gravel roads for classic South Dakota scenery—grain bins, barns, and endless sky.
- Combine it with your Lake Poinsett trip for a full loop.
If you enjoy slow drives with good music and open windows, this area is perfect for a Sunday-afternoon cruise.
10. Create Your Own “Lake Loop” Across Deuel, Grant, Day, and Hamlin Counties
Here’s a fun idea if you like wandering more than following strict plans: turn these nearby counties into your own
custom lake loop.
How to build your loop:
- Start in Watertown and pick two or three lakes in different counties—maybe Lake Poinsett (Hamlin), a Day County lake, and a Deuel County lake.
- Mark them on your map, then link them together with the smallest highways and county roads.
- Stop whenever something catches your eye: an old barn, a tiny town café, or a random roadside view.
This kind of drive is less about a single destination and more about the feeling of freedom. No lines, no tickets, no pressure—just you, the road, and the South Dakota countryside.
Planning Your Road Trips From Watertown, SD
To make the most of these short road trips near Watertown:
- Check the weather: Wind and storms can change plans fast around the lakes.
- Fill up on gas in Watertown—some small towns have limited hours.
- Bring cash: Handy for small-town diners, bait shops, and local events.
- Pack a “car kit”: Water, snacks, a light jacket, sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe a small cooler.
Whether you’re into fishing, photography, long drives, or just finding a quiet place to think, these nearby counties—Clark, Day, Deuel, Grant, and Hamlin—offer plenty of
things to do near Watertown without leaving eastern South Dakota.
Share Your Favorite Watertown Road Trips
Have you taken a favorite
day trip from Watertown that isn’t on this list? Maybe a hidden lake, a tiny café, or a scenic backroad?
- Drop a comment with your go-to spots and tips.
- If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or family who live in or visit Watertown and are always asking, “What should we do this weekend?”
Your stories and suggestions can help other travelers discover new adventures just a short drive from home.
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