Photography by Jill Emmer

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Oacoma & Chamberlain, SD: Walleyes and Relaxation at Cedar Shore Resort

A Nice Walleye!

On Saturday we left Custer and started to head east towards home. We stopped about halfway in the Chamberlain/Oacoma area of SD. I have heard of Chamberlain/Oacoma many times from my dad - an avid fisherman. Apparently if you like to catch walleye or fish of any kind -  Chamberlain is a sportsman's paradise. It is also known for its premiere hunting.

Arlo also found it good for relaxing

Seeing Arlo laying on the chairs gave me an idea for a family shot

As soon as we pulled into the Cedar Shore Resort - we saw evidence of this. The parking lot was lined with Lunds. And the resort has its own marina with a bait shop, fuel and sundries right on the property. 

For a family with two little boys - this was the perfect stop! The first night we enjoyed dinner at the resort's restaurant. I had the walleye (of course!) and it was mouth-watering. As we ate, we watched an idyllic scene out on the lawn - several kids and a golden retriever laughing and jumping in the warm sunlight.  Afterwards, the boys took a quick swim and we headed back to our "cabin" (it was more like a beautiful house!) across the street. We had views of the stars and the Missouri River.

Our cozy house at Cedar Shore Resort

Cedar Shore Resort - on the banks of the Missouri River

The next morning we met up with our guide Raymond. He is the marina manager at Cedar Shores and he stole a little piece of my heart that day. He was just so darn patient and kind with our boys. I wasn't surprised when he said that he and his wife have three girls who are all very successful. I loved hearing about his life in Chamberlain. We spent the day out on a pontoon chatting and fishing the river. We pulled in some white bass, jacks and walleye!  

Wetting the lines for one of the first times this season!

We laughed that Arlo looked like a turtle when he sat down

Before this trip, Cy had listed "fishing" as the number one activity he wanted to do. It was great to see that come to life at such a wonderful place.

That's our boat! The shore is rugged and beautiful!

If you are ever making the trip out to the Badlands/Custer from the Twin Cities, consider Cedar Shore Resort the perfect halfway spot to spend a day or two. It is an easy stop too - about 3 miles off the highway. You could easily spend a week there! 

Great day for a kayak

Thanks so much Ron, Cory and Ray for the wonderful stay! Learn more about Cedar Shore Resort at www.cedarshore.com

We toured a beautiful house boat!

And, also thank you to South Dakota Tourism and Travel Mindset for this opportunity to discover #MyGreatPlace 

Family Pier Portrait