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Oak Lake Field Station®

Outreach and Service to the Community

Oak Lake Field Station is available for use by educational groups, civic organizations, government agencies, private families and religious organizations. Limited facilities are available for camping, canoeing, hiking, fishing and picnic activities. Individuals must contact the Oak Lake Field Station at South Dakota State University to check availability on the proposed usage dates before making online reservations. Off-road driving, unauthorized collecting of plants and animals, excavation, alcoholic beverages and pets are prohibited on field station property. Muzzleloader hunting is allowed from Dec. 1 through Jan. 1. Please contact Catherine Luze via email.

Students from Nebraska's Hastings College sitting in a boat
Students from Nebraska's Hastings College visit Oak Lake Field Station in June as part of a class studying prairie habitats. Field Station staff provide a guided tour of Oak Lake on the station's research boat.
Project WILD curriculum students
Budding science teachers receive instruction with Project WILD curriculum materials at Oak Lake Field Station during fall semester. The field station has a long history of environmental education instruction for public school teachers and students.
Carabid beetle workshop students
Carabid beetle workshop offered by USDA staff has been offered every other year at Oak Lake.
SDSU volleyball students
The SDState volleyball team utilizes Oak Lake Field Station for a team building retreat prior to the beginning of the season.

The field station is open throughout the year to the general public. Most activities are limited to spring, summer and fall months due to severe winter traveling conditions. Cross-country skiing and ice fishing are popular winter activities. During the warmer months, the station's activities include undergraduate and graduate research, environmental workshops, summer science camp for middle schoolers, nature hikes (hardwood forest, upland prairies, wetlands and lake environments), canoeing, swimming and overnight camping. Camping is restricted to tents and certain locations on the field station property.

Additional questions regarding the field station