Wagner Lake

Wagner Lake had its beginning in 1933 when the Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Lee Chapman, and several businessmen donated funds to purchase pastureland just West of Wagner. The dam, spillway, and a bridge were a WPA Project built with county relief works. 

Today, the results of volunteer efforts are very evident.  A new picnic shelter has been constructed, the old bath house has a new tin roof, stone picnic tables are placed here and there, and an artesian well is flowing complete with a rock waterfall and ponds. The old diving tower is now a gazebo. On September 3rd, 2000 the Wagner Community Memorial Garden was dedicated.  It consists of flower plots that are dedicated to a deceased loved one, an organization, or family.  The Garden is on the North side of the lake below the artesian well on rock tiers that volunteers landscaped so many years ago. There are two walking bridges now; one over the waterfall, and a larger one connecting the north and south sides of the lake.  A walking/bike trail starts on the southeast corner of the park and goes completely around the lake.  There are still projects for many other improvements in the planning stages.

Present and former Wagner residents can donate to the cause tax-free  by mailing contributions to Wagner Lake Project, c/o Commercial State Bank, Wagner, SD, 57380 or to Wagner Community Memorial Garden, c/o Wagner Chamber of Commerce, Box 1103, Wagner, SD, 57380.

We are relying solely on volunteer labor and contributions.  Join us in making Wagner Lake a beautiful area once again for families to rest, picnic, and fish with their children.