Pickstown, SD

Pickstown is a quiet, friendly community in southern South Dakota, sitting right along the Missouri River next to Fort Randall Dam. Home to around 230 residents today, the town has a fascinating backstory. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built it from scratch in 1946 to house the thousands of workers constructing the dam. Once the project wrapped up in 1956 and created Lake Francis Case, Pickstown transitioned from a busy government boomtown into a peaceful residential community.

For newcomers, everyday life here largely revolves around the water. Lake Francis Case and the neighboring North Point Recreation Area provide quick access to boating, camping, and some of the finest walleye fishing in the state. The quiet streets still follow the original planned grid, and the local Pickstown Museum preserves the area's rich heritage, including childhood memories of broadcaster Tom Brokaw. With simple highway connections and plenty of open space, it makes an appealing destination for anyone seeking a relaxed pace and great outdoor recreation.