What is Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course like?
Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course sits in Madison, one of 2 courses in the city and 77 across South Dakota. It plays 9 holes, par 27, across 2,196 ft — an average of about 244 feet a hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is prairie/open — wide open prairie fairways, which puts the emphasis on big arms and wind management. Exposed prairie layouts let you throw everything you have, but a crosswind will move a disc thirty feet off line before it lands.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course
More disc golf in Madison
Madison has 2 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baughman-Belatti Park Disc Golf Course | 9 | Beginner | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course?
Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,196 ft, averaging about 244 feet per hole.
Is Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course free to play?
Yes. Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wide open prairie fairways and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course located?
Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course is in Madison, South Dakota, at coordinates 43.99171, -97.16511. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Lake Herman State Park Disc Golf Course?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.