Platte is located on Highways 44 and 45, minutes from the magnificent Missouri River, Lake Francis Case, and three state parks offering fishing, boating, hiking, camping, swimming and more. A leader in retail sales for towns of its size, Platte is thriving with diverse businesses and unique shopping opportunities so there is no need to venture elsewhere. Platte has two motels, a bed and breakfast and six lodges. There are eight different eating establishments and three convenience stores to satisfy any food craving. The area has always been dependent upon agriculture. Pastures in the hills near the Missouri River support many cattle operations. Crops grown in the area include corn, wheat, soybeans, oats, alfalfa and grasses and there are cattle, hog and sheep operations. Nine churches serve the spiritual needs of the town and area.
History
Captain Meriwether Lewis and William Clark passed near present day Platte in 1804 on their way up the Missouri and in 1806 on their return. Historians and visitors can follow the path of the historic trek of the Lewis and Clark Trail. In 1900, the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad extended the line from the southeast end of Charles Mix County to the northern part. It was determined that the railroad would stop at a point that became Platte. Lots in the new town were laid out and sold in March of 1900. Many businesses in area settlements picked up and moved to the end of the rail line”thus Platte was born along with a new century. The Platte Volunteer Fire Department dates back to the beginning of the town. One of Platte’s first firetrucks, a 1923 American LaFrance truck, is housed in Anne’s Firehouse on Main Street.
Recreation / Community Activities
Lake Francis Case provides some of the best walleye fishing. Always known as an excellent walleye fishery, other species also inhabit this large, pristine, Missouri River reservoir. Sauger, small-mouth bass, white bass, crappie, and channel catfish offer other opportunities for angling enthusiasts. Numerous boat ramp facilities exist in the area, along with modern fish cleaning stations. Several fishing tournaments, both public and private, are held in the area each year.
The Department of Game, Fish and Parks owns and manages three campgrounds in the Platte area–Snake Creek Recreation Area, Platte Creek Recreation Area and Buryanek Recreation Area. A total of 214 campsites are available between the three areas; all but 23 spots have electrical service. Camping cabins nestled among the trees or overlooking the water can be found at Snake Creek and Buryanek. All areas have modern restrooms and shower facilities, dump stations, boat ramps, and fish cleaning stations. Snake Creek Recreation Area also offers a marina, complete with restaurant, lounge, convenience store, bait shop, floating fuel dock and cabin rentals.
The Platte area offers hunting opportunities in the state for both small and big game. Long known as a hot-spot for ring-necked pheasants, the area continues to provide quality hunting experiences. The American Legion sponsors an annual Paralyzed Veterans Pheasant Hunt and Banquet in November with vets coming from many states. Small lakes and sloughs provide plentiful waterfowl hunting, as well as the migration of snow and blue geese. White-tail and mule deer trophies and Merriam turkey can also be hunted in the area
Lake Platte Golf Course challenges both beginners and seasoned veterans over the nine-hole course. A scenic setting next to Lake Platte, watered greens and fairways, and mature trees provide an enjoyable and challenging golfing experience.
Restored as a museum and showcase for area artisans and artists, as well as memorable antiques, the old creamery building houses paintings, weaving, glassware, sculpture, metalwork and handmade furniture are just some of the treasures that can be found. The Lyric Theatre Museum is located in the lower level and houses a wide variety of historical items from the Platte area. The Lyric Theatre has been completely renovated and a new movie is shown every Friday through Monday evening. The theatre is also home to productions of musical entertainment, plays, and community events, all in an intimate 250-seat setting.
The Platte community is fortunate to have two city parks. North Park boasts a softball field, tennis court, and sand volleyball court. A variety of playground equipment can also be found to entertain the younger crowd. Two shelters with tables provide opportunities for picnicking. The newly developed South Park features two playground equipment sets, tennis court and picnic shelters. Plans are underway for a walking path, pond and waterpark.
Unique to the Platte is having three Hutterite Colonies north of town only minutes away from each other. The Platte Colony, Cedar Grove Colony and Grass Ranch Colony Meals and Tours are sometimes available upon request with advance notice.
Contact Information
- Phone: 888-297-8175
- Website: plattesd.org
Source: City of Platte
