This long, gently winding waterway extends for approximately 100 miles, reaching a maximum depth of 140 feet at Fort Randall Dam.

Popularly fished species include walleye, northern pike, perch, and several species of bass. When they're ready to reconnect with the world, anglers visit communities such as Chamberlain, Platte, Pickstown, Presho, Plankinton, Wagner and Winner that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Lake Francis Case cuts through grassy prairie and grain fields that provide habitat for pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, prairie chickens, turkeys and geese. Hunters also pursue big-game animals such as white-tailed deer, mule deer and antelope.

Two national wildlife refuges, Lake Andes and Karl E. Mundt, are set aside to protect the area's natural resources, waterfowl and wildlife. At the Lake Andes National Wildlife Refuge, visitors may encounter any number of species indigenous to the area, from beaver to white-tailed deer. During the spring and fall migrations, bird watchers enjoy a great diversity of birds.

At the nearby Karl E. Mundt National Wildlife Refuge, just below Fort Randall Dam, bald eagles sit high atop cottonwood trees lining the shore. Winter is prime eagle-watching time.

Old Fort Randall, a military fort built in 1856, once stood in the shadow of Fort Randall Dam. Today, visitors can walk the parade grounds and imagine what life was like at this lonely frontier post. Remnants of only one building ­ the fort's chapel ­ remain standing.

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