Fall is a magical time when nature puts on a brilliant display of colors. It’s also a very popular time for photos! All over the Sioux Falls Area in the fall you can find couples taking engagement photos, families taking their yearly photos, and even high school students taking their senior photos! Within an hour or so of Sioux Falls there are tons of different places you can take beautiful fall photos.
Want to combine fall photos with fall camping? Check out some of our favorite camping locations near Sioux Falls! Or take a look at the different South Dakota State Parks near Sioux Falls for a great day trip!
Whether you’re looking for the perfect family photo spot or simply want to capture the beauty of the season, here are some of the best places in the Sioux Falls Area for fall photos.
Falls Park
Falls Park is a must-visit for anyone in Sioux Falls, especially in the fall. The cascading waterfalls framed by the vibrant fall foliage make for a stunning backdrop. The park’s mix of water, rock formations, and trees creates a picturesque setting for photos.
Good Earth State Park
Good Earth State Park offers sweeping views of the Big Sioux River and miles of trails surrounded by dense forests. In the fall, the park’s trees transform into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows. The scenic overlooks provide panoramic views that are perfect for wide-angle shots, while the wooded trails offer a more intimate setting for close-ups.
For those wanting a bit more of an overlook view of fall with trees below them, Good Earth is one of the better places to go near Sioux Falls.
McKennan Park
McKennan Park is a historic park in Sioux Falls that boasts mature trees and beautifully landscaped gardens. In the fall, the park’s tree-lined paths become a canopy of golden leaves, making it an ideal spot for family photos.
Arrowhead Park
Arrowhead Park is known for its serene ponds and prairie landscape. During the fall, the park’s tall grasses and scattered trees take on warm hues, creating a unique and tranquil atmosphere. The reflective waters of the ponds add an extra dimension to your photos, making Arrowhead Park a hidden gem for fall photography.
Leaders Park
Leaders Park is a lesser-known spot in Sioux Falls that offers beautiful fall scenery. The park’s mix of wooded areas and open fields provides diverse photo opportunities. In the fall, the park’s trails are surrounded by colorful foliage, making it a great place for both posed portraits and candid shots of kids playing in the leaves.
Palisades State Park
Just a short drive from Sioux Falls, Palisades State Park is worth the trip for its dramatic cliffs and scenic overlooks. The park’s quartzite rock formations are especially striking against the backdrop of fall colors. Whether you’re photographing the cliffs from below or capturing the view from above, Palisades State Park offers a unique setting for fall photos.
Big Sioux Recreation Area
The Big Sioux Recreation Area offers a mix of wooded trails, open meadows, and river views, all of which are enhanced by the vibrant fall foliage. The park’s variety of landscapes provides plenty of options for different styles of photography. Whether you’re looking for a spot to capture the changing leaves or a scenic overlook of the river, this area has it all.
The Outdoor Campus
The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls is a great place for nature lovers and photographers alike. The campus features both prairie areas, wooded trails, and a pond. In the fall, the trails are lined with colorful trees and wildflowers, making it a perfect spot for capturing the beauty of the season.
The Outdoor Campus is a favorite of many photographers for fall photos in Sioux Falls.
Terrace Park
Terrace Park offers a picturesque setting with its lake, gardens, and mature trees. In the fall, the park’s tranquil waters reflect the vibrant colors of the surrounding trees, creating a beautiful backdrop for photos. The park’s different features add a charming touch to any fall photo session.
Newton Hills State Park
While Newton Hills State Park, near Canton, is a bit more of a drive, it is well worth it for fall! Newton Hills has beautiful rolling hills covered in trees. Hike to a overlook for the perfect fall photo, capture a photo on the suspension bridge, or get some action shots while hiking.
Enjoy Your Fall Photos!
These locations around Sioux Falls offer some of the best opportunities to capture the beauty of fall. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just looking to snap some great photos of your family, these spots are sure to provide the perfect backdrop for your autumn memories.
