One of the advantages of living in Sioux Falls is the proximity to several of the South Dakota State Parks. Since we planned to visit state parks and recreation areas while living there, we purchased annual passes for our vehicles on the South Dakota State Parks website.
Good Earth State Park
We visited Good Earth State Park three times during our three months in Sioux Falls. The first time was the day we took our kayak to Lake Alvin. The park is close to the lake, and the day pass we had purchased at the lake was good for all parks and recreation areas.
We walked through the Visitor Center and looked at the exhibits to learn more about the park. We also picked up trail maps and planned to return when we had more time.
The next opportunity to visit Good Earth State Park was over Labor Day weekend. For their upcoming photo contest, they held a Photo Hike Sunday, September 2. We gathered with photographers of all ages and followed our guide on the Basswood Trail through the park’s wooded portion.
The most photographed plant on the walk was the Jack-in-the-pulpit. Whenever one was sighted, the youngest photographers scurried over to take multiple pictures of the bright red berries.
When they had moved on, Andy would take a picture or two as well.
The trail was easy and provided many opportunities for pictures. We passed a bush with bright yellow flowers, where insects were feeding on the pollen. One flower had four different species of insects feeding together.
Towards the end of our walk, the ranger found a black wooly bear caterpillar and let one of the youngest hikers hold it in his hand.
One of the categories for the photo contest was the Big Sioux River. Since we did not see the river on the group hike, we returned to Good Earth State Park with Max and Sadie on Labor Day. This visit, we walked the River Trail, taking both the River View Loop and Flood Plain Loop to get as many river views as we could. It was another beautiful day, and the dogs had a great time.
Along the Flood Plain Loop, we saw a large yellow daisy field, with monarch butterflies everywhere.
We enjoyed the time we spent at Good Earth State Park. If you are in the Sioux Falls Area, we hope you have a chance to visit.
Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park is one of the unique areas in South Dakota. We overnighted there several years ago on the way back from Custer National Park. We visited again on August 11 to watch the Perseid meteor shower.
While I was in Kansas City the last weekend of August, Andy took his camera out for a hike through the park. He walked along Split Rock Creek and took pictures of the Sioux quartzite formations found there.
There are four hiking trails in the park that lead hikers from the top of the formations to Split Rock Creek‘s shores.
Palisades State Park Trail 
Split Rock Creek Shoreline 
Tree Roots Growing Through Rocks 
Fishing at Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park is a great place to hike, fish, and camp. We hope that you have a chance to visit.
Newton Hills State Park
On a cool, sunny Sunday at the end of September, we drove about 30 miles south from our RV at Tower Campground to Newton Hills State Park. After parking the car, we began our hike into the forest along the Woodland Trail.
This swinging bridge is at the beginning of the trail. It was fun to cross.
On the website, Newton State Park is described as “a dark forest, amidst a vast open prairie.”
The woodland trail guides hikers through a forest of tall trees, small plants, and meandering creeks. We enjoyed the walk, often stopping to listen to the sounds of nature. It was a great escape from the constant highway sounds at the RV Park.
On the bark of trees and the forest floor, we saw plants that are only found in this moist, dark environment.
When we had completed the Woodland Trail, we drove to the Overlook Tower in the park’s ‘prairie’ section. Near the tower is a field of beautiful wildflowers.
We enjoyed our day at Newton Hills State Park and hope our travels take us back that way. There is a campground in the park, with access to the trails.
Not far from the park, we saw a portage sign for the Big Sioux River. Since we are always looking for places to kayak, Andy turned down the road so we could check it out.
We were surprised to see how high the river had come out of its banks during the recent flooding. It was still high and flowing fast.
We are not done with Sioux Falls! Our next post will feature Devil’s Gulch and Split Rock Park. To receive an email when we post it, sign up at the bottom of this page.