Visit
45229 SD-10Sisseton, SD 57262Gathering: Sunday 11:00 am (Sunday Worship)
When to go
Worship and gatherings
- Sunday11:00 am · Sunday Worship
About
Summary
Dakota Sonshine is a Christian ministry located in Sisseton, South Dakota, serving the Lake Traverse Reservation and surrounding communities. Founded in 2001 by Don and Teena Lykins, the organization focuses on evangelism, discipleship, and community outreach. The congregation gathers for Sunday worship at 11:00 am 1.
Details
Dakota Sonshine is a Christian ministry dedicated to reaching individuals and families in and around the Lake Traverse Reservation with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Founded in 2001 by Don and Teena Lykins, the organization has grown over the past two decades to become a cornerstone of spiritual and community support in the region. The ministry operates from a large campus featuring a barn for gatherings, bunkhouses, zip line, suspension bridge, gravity coaster, pool, large gym, kitchen, bathhouse, and cabins. The property offers spectacular views of South Dakota sunrises and sunsets. The ministry offers Summer Camp for children aged 9-16, VBS programs in local communities, mission trips, outreach and missions, equine assisted learning, conservation efforts, and family assistance programs. The facility includes heated and cooled accommodations and has hosted mission groups from across the country. The ministry emphasizes community connection and spiritual growth through its welcoming atmosphere and diverse programs 3.
From Faith Near Me
Dakota Sonshine in Sisseton, SD, offers a welcoming Christian community rooted in evangelism and hands-on outreach. First-time visitors would notice the expansive, family-friendly campus with unique facilities like a barn for gatherings, zip line, and scenic vantage points. Sunday worship is held at 11:00 am, and the ministry emphasizes spiritual growth through programs ranging from equine-assisted learning to mission trips.
Pros
- Clear Sunday worship time at 11:00 am with a dedicated church campus.
- Family-focused ministries including Summer Camp for ages 9–16 and Vacation Bible School.
- Diverse facilities for gatherings, retreats, and community events (barn, gym, cabins).
- Strong community outreach through mission trips, conservation efforts, and local partnerships.
- Welcoming atmosphere highlighted in visitor accounts, with heated/air-conditioned accommodations.
- Accessible contact options via phone, email, and a detailed website.
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Brad C2 years ago
I have watched Dakota Sonshine ministry grow for 20 years. Don and Teena, and their family have given their lives to the Dakota Sonshine vision of serving people. The fruit of that labor is evident in the beautiful camp, with the quaint bunkhouses, the barn for large gatherings, South Dakota’s longest zip line, the cool suspension bridge, the gravity coaster, the pool. One of my favorites is the incredible vantage point from their property that magnifies the beauty of the of South Dakota sunrise and sunsets. The horizon is spectacular! The new church is amazing! Pastor Don preaches verse by verse from the Bible and the church is a beautiful mosaic of diverse people that made me feel loved and welcome. If you are looking for a church home, I recommend Dakota Sonshine Christian Fellowship. If you’re interested in more of the vision of Dakota Sonshine, check out their website. God is on the move in this place!
- Karen Sparks2 years ago
Stayed here while an a mission tri. Group from KY. VBS at Enemy swim community. Pastor Don Lykins from Dakota Sonshine preached the word in Revival each night. We were blessed and challenged with his words from the Lord. Praying the seed of faith was planted in the hearts of the children and adults during this week.
- Danny Chung3 years ago
What a great community. The property is beautiful and the staff is so welcoming. They have great speakers who share the truth in love. This is for anyone and everyone who is looking for a community to connect with.
- Austin Biddy2 years ago
Throughly enjoyed our time with Dakota Sonshine. Don & Teena and their families have a heart to serve God and love people. Would encourage anyone to attend their new church or partner with their ministry!
- Jessi Clarkson2 years ago
I have had the pleasure of staying here and serving for over a week on a missions trip. Our church from North Carolina was there for outreach projects to a local reservation. We fell in love with the people in Sisseton as well while there. This place is just up the road from the city, near Nicolette Tower, but encompasses acres of farmland with an incredible view. There are cabins with bunkbeds to house both men and women and a bathhouse with restrooms and showers in between. All are heated and cooled!! There is a large gym with that is disguised as a barn with a large kitchen that also has bunk rooms. The gym has a FULL basketball court inside, a stage, and ping-pong, and carpet ball. There are other activities available depending on the season, like a giant water slide with a swimming pool, an enormous swinging bridge, and a zip line. Don, Teena, Abbey, Jared, and family are amazing hosts and caretakers and have big hearts. The animals there are treated with enormous kindness and love. Cows, horses, goats, chickens, roosters, dogs, are part of the family pets. Rosie, the cat will end up in your lap if you sit down anywhere 🐱🐈. Also, if you are interested in seeing buffalo (bison), they are not too far away! They have a large vegetable garden and are growing many pumpkins for a Harvest Fall Festival in the fall. There is also a beautiful little chapel with stunning views of the sunset that come through the windows. If you are looking for a local welcoming church in Sisseton, SD, please visit. You’ll be glad you did! Services are 11:00 am each Sunday morning.
- Tanner and Autumn Sager3 years ago
Dakota Sonshine has a welcoming family friendly atmosphere and is a great ministry with a heart to see all people grow and mature in Christ.
- William Jackson2 years ago
Even though I volunteered with Youthworks and helped out here, just listening to Mr Don and some of his family speak genuinely changed my life, and it’s clear they really care for and love what they do.
- Kakos Oneiropolos8 years ago
I have actually been to this camp on several mission trips, helping to build the water slide and some of the buildings. The people are very kind and the camp is good with an awesome purpose.
- Bryce Clarkson3 years ago
Truly a beautiful place, with amazing people who God is doing an amazing work in. I can’t wait to come back!
- Melody Mosteller3 years ago
Awesome experience. Beautiful campus and church
Services and facilities
Services
- Summer Camp
- Retreats
- Outreach And Missions
- Equine Assisted Learning And Discipleship
- Conservation And Cultural Preservation
- Family Assistance
- Youth Outreach Programs
- Vbs (Vacation Bible School)
Facilities
- Barn For Gatherings
- Bunkhouses
- Zip Line
- Suspension Bridge
- Gravity Coaster
- Pool
- Large Gym
- Kitchen
- Bathhouse
- Cabins
- Nicolette Tower View Area
- Heated And Cooled Cabins
Events and programs
Summer Camp
Annual
A Christian summer camp for children aged 9-16, offering a 4-day/3-night experience focused on biblical principles.
Mission Trips
Seasonal
Opportunities for mission teams to join in outreach and service in the Lake Traverse Reservation.
Revival Services
Seasonal
Nighttime revival services featuring preaching by Pastor Don Lykins
Connect
- Contact page
- Open contact page