As the season changes, South Dakota State Parks transform into scenic destinations with vibrant fall foliage, perfect for outdoor adventures. Whether your family is seeking a new adventure to enjoy quality time being active outdoors together or you are simply looking for a quiet, family-friendly getaway to unwind and reconnect close to home, several state parks near Sioux Falls are ideal for a quick day trip or a fall retreat. Within an hour of Sioux Falls, you’ll find multiple state parks offering miles of hiking trails, excellent fishing spots, playgrounds, archery ranges, kid-focused educational events, campsites, and cabins. At Newton Hills and Palisades State Parks, lodges are also available for reservation, ideal for birthday parties, baby showers, family reunions, or a cozy fall retreat. These lodges feature hot showers, heat, full kitchens, private bedrooms, bathrooms, and large indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. Plan your fall getaway with campfires, s’mores, stargazing, and so many fun things to do!
Big Sioux Recreation Area
Distance from Sioux Falls: 9 miles
Stay Options: Campsites and Camping Cabins
Activity Ideas: Archery, Hiking, Disc Golf, Fishing, Lawn Game Checkouts, Volleyball, Playgrounds
Big Sioux Recreation Area is known for its scenic views of the bluffs. It offers a quiet retreat close to Sioux Falls and also hosts an annual Halloween Trails Trick or Treat hike each fall. The park is a favorite for many campers year-round and is also a great spot for day trips.
Palisades State Park
Distance from Sioux Falls: 20 miles
Stay Options: Campsites, Camping Cabins, and Lodging
Activity Ideas: Fishing and Pole Checkouts, Hiking, Wildlife Watching, Playgrounds, Picnics
Palisades State Park recently expanded. The new King Campground offers additional campsites, cabins, and a picnic shelter. The park is known for its iconic hikes along Split Rock Creek, with beautiful views of the Sioux quartzite rock formations. Palisades State Park also features a lodge with its own private area within the park.
Newton Hills State Park
Distance from Sioux Falls: 30 miles
Stay Options: Campsites, Camping Cabins, and Lodging
Activity Ideas: Hiking, Designated Horse Trails, Nearby Fishing, Wildlife Watching, Biking
Newton Hills State Park is known for its miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Wildlife watching is especially ideal in the fall. With multiple accommodation options, including cabins, lodges, and campsites, there are many ways to retreat, unplug, and reconnect. Each of the lodges offer a private setting within the park, ideal for family and friend events.
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Distance from Sioux Falls: 26 miles
Stay Options: Campsites and Camping Cabins
Activity Ideas: Fishing, Boating, Playground, Picnics, Basketball
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area is conveniently located near the interstate, making it a popular camping destination. Several campsites and camping cabins overlook the lake offering great views. During the fall, the campground continues to see many visitors with kids often riding bikes and families spending time around the campfire in the evening cooking s’mores and stargazing.
Lake Herman State Park
Distance from Sioux Falls: 50 miles
Stay Options: Campsites and Camping Cabins
Activity Ideas: Hiking, Fishing, Disc Golf, Boating, Wildlife Watching, Biking, Checkouts
Lake Herman State Park offers a variety of activities and beautiful fall colors. With numerous campsites overlooking the lake, it’s a great destination to discover new adventures while also relaxing in the evening around the campsite stargazing. The park provides checkout equipment, such as lawn games, offering an additional inexpensive opportunity for families.
Good Earth State Park
Distance from Sioux Falls: 10 miles
Stay Options: None
Activity Ideas: Hiking, History, Museum, Picnics, Bird Watching, Pollinators, Playground, Events
Good Earth State Park is a must-see for families. It offers regular programming, miles of hiking trails, and a museum. It’s a great park to spend the day having a picnic, exploring the visitor center, and enjoying the trails. In the fall, the park hosts an Indigenous Artists of the Prairie event that Is also worth experiencing!
Lake Alvin Recreation Area
Distance from Sioux Falls: 13 miles
Stay Options: None
Activity Ideas: Fishing, Picnics, Playground, Wildlife Viewing
Lake Alvin Recreation Area is a popular day-use park that attracts many visitors to the lake. In the fall, it’s a perfect spot for a picnic and a hike. Being so close to Sioux Falls, it offers a great way to recharge and enjoy nature while also staying close to home.
Beaver Creek Nature Area
Distance from Sioux Falls: 13 miles
Stay Options: None
Activity Ideas: Hiking, Picnics, Historic Site, Biking, Bird Watching
Beaver Creek Nature Area is a quiet destination in the fall to visit during the day. The park is known for history with interpretative signage and a place to enjoy a picnic. A great park to spend a few hours running in the grassy fields and watching birds.
Beaver Creek Nature Area is a quiet destination to visit during the day in the fall. The park is known for its history with interpretive signage. A great place to enjoy a picnic and in the fall a must-see event is the Homesteader Day Harvest Festival.
Union Grove State Park
Distance from Sioux Falls: 46 miles from Sioux Falls
Stay Options: Camping
Activity Ideas: Hiking, Picnics, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Viewing, Bike Riding
Union Grove State Park is known for vibrant fall colors and a quiet fall camping getaway. Families can spend the day hiking, biking, and watching wildlife. In the evenings, the perfect park to stargaze while relaxing and reconnecting around a campfire.
