Orman Dam, also referred to as Belle Fourche Dam, is a historic earthen dam located in Butte County, South Dakota, about 8 miles east of the city of Belle Fourche. Completed in 1911, it created the Belle Fourche Reservoir to provide water for irrigation and is now a popular spot for fishing, boating, and camping.
The dam was recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1989.
Key Details
Name: Orman Dam.
• Location: On Owl Creek, Butte County, South Dakota, near Belle Fourche.
• Purpose: Created the Belle Fourche Reservoir for irrigation. Completion: 1911.
• Significance: Was the largest earthen dam in the world at its completion and is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
• Recreation: The surrounding reservoir and area offer activities such as fishing (for species like walleye and bass), boating, and camping.
• Management: Operated and maintained by the Belle Fourche Irrigation District.
Recreation at Belle Fourche Reservoir
The Belle Fourche Reservoir, formed by Orman Dam, is managed by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks and provides numerous recreational opportunities.
• Fishing: A popular destination for catching walleye, bass, catfish, and other species.
• Boating: Facilities are available for boating, and you can find boat ramps at the reservoir.
• Camping: The area includes camping facilities, amenities like showers and restrooms, and picnic areas.
• Activities: Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, biking on park roads, and other water sports.
Enjoy Belle Fourche Reservoir with the best in boat rentals, jet ski, waverunners, and water sport tours for all ages.
The lake was created as a result of the construction of Orman Dam on Owl Creek. The reservoir has an average depth of twenty-five feet, but has areas as deep as sixty feet at full capacity.
Rocky Point Recreation Area is located on the 8,000 acre Belle Fourche Reservoir. The reservoir was created, when Orman Dam was constructed to store water for agricultural use. At the time of its completion, Orman Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world. In 1989, Orman Dam was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. This state park offers many fun activities such as archery, biking (on park roads), bird watching, boating, canoeing and many other fun activities for the whole family.
The park offers 62 campsites and is located 8 miles east of Belle Fourche off SD Hwy 212. Additionally, the park offers camping cabins, fish cleaning stations, toilets, showers, picnic tables, boat ramp access, and other great amenities that will make you stay a blast.
Rocky Point is popular with local anglers for walleye, bass, perch, catfish and tigermuskie. Enjoy a fun, relaxing stay at Rocky Point Recreation Area!
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
