Harrisburg, South Dakota

Lake Alvin is a beautiful lake outside Sioux Falls that is surrounded by pines and prairies. Its proximity outside the city means it is very quiet and very calm. The water is perfect for kayaking or canoeing, and there are multiple trails leading to shore to carry them in easily.   The park itsel...

Bur Oak, Riparian, Grand Ravine, and River Lookout Loop Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a river located near Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Leaders Park Trail is located in Leaders Park in Sioux Falls. Park on the street at the "Leaders Park" sign and head to the right, where you will find the start of the mountain biking trail. The trail consist of a 1.6 mile loop full of slopes, inclines, prairie grasses, and forests. The park is c...

Falls Park in Sioux Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the area, and for good reason. It is a beautiful park in the heart of the city, spanning 123 acres and consisting of waterfalls, trails, a lookout, and a café.  Paved sidewalk trails run all around the falls and offer great looko...

Great Bear Ski Valley is a ski area in Sioux Falls that also has wooded trails that run throughout the property. The trails are free to hike and offer a secluded, private place to get outside and away from the city.  In the winter, the trails can be used to cross country ski as well. We found thi...

The hike is a very simple hike, you can make it longer or shorter as you would like. There is one spot were the trail gets a little steep and is rutted, you go from the rivers edge, to up on top of the cliffs and bluffs area.  Fall is a great time to go and visit Palisades State Park, with the Fa...

Palisade State Park offers lots of activities, including camping, hiking, kayaking, and even swimming in the river. Steep cliffs made from pink quartzite give way to Split Rock Creek, a river perfect for kayaking. Up on a cliff, there is a campground with fire pits and picnic tables at each site....

Devils Gulch Park is located in Garretson, South Dakota, about a half hour from Sioux Falls. It’s free to visit, and is a great spot to hike or picnic. There are trails along the river and cool bridges to walk across.  Along with trails, there’s a covered picnic area right when you pull in. A nea...

Otter Stream Trail is located in Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area. It has a lake, campground, and hiking trails. Be advised that there is an entrance fee. This trail wraps around beautiful grasslands and into shaded forests. The trail sits across the street from Lake Vermillion, and scenic v...

The South Dakota State Park system has several tent sites on the north side of the lake. Nice lake for boating during the day. We stayed here for the night on our way to Badlands and enjoyed the outdoor feel of the campground.Make your campsite reservation here: http://gfp.sd.gov/state-parks/...

The Sioux River Red Rock Trail is located in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. It is a 2.6 mile paved out and back trail that runs along the Sioux River. This trail offers great views of the river, red rock formations, and even a waterfall. It is great for all skill levels, and dogs are allowed on leash...

The badlands of South Dakota meet the prairies of Minnesota in Blue Mounds State Park.Located in the extreme southwestern corner of Minnesota, Blue Mounds is one of the largest prairie parks in the state. A majority of the 1,500 acres of grassland sits atop a massive outcrop of Sioux quartzite ro...

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is located outside Vermillion, South Dakota and consists of a 1.4 mile hike up to the top of a prairie mound. Lewis and Clark made the trek years ago, making it a historical marker to visit and see. Beautiful wildflowers line the trail, mixed in with acres of prairie...

Near the border of South Dakota in Minnesota, 30 minutes north of I-90 on County Route 23 or State Route 75 is the historic town of Pipestone. From the center of town heading north on Hiawatha Avenue is the entrance into Pipestone National Monument. Entrance into the monument is free, but may be ...

Abbott Trail is located at Lake Herman State Park in South Dakota. The park itself is beautiful and offers many things to do, including canoe rentals, camping, parks, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Abbott Trail is 2.7 mile hike that works for all skill levels. At the trail head, there is a gaze...

Clay County Park Nature Trail is located in Vermillion, South Dakota and includes a 2.1 mile loop hike that runs along the river. At the trailhead, you will find a lookout and picnic area, along with public bathrooms. The trail itself winds through prairie grasses and forests, and at times goes r...