The golden colors of fall here in South Dakota are beautiful! There is nothing quite like the fields right before harvest or how beautiful the midwest sky is against the fall trees. The only thing that is bad about fall here in the Midwest is how short it is!
Which means limited time to check out the fall colors! Fall is a great time to take in a hike or go for a walk with your family. For some favorite spots to hike near Sioux Falls check out this article! To add fun activities to a family walk try out these suggestions.
Here are some top picks of where to go to enjoy the fall colors! To make it even easier we made a list of the top places in Sioux Falls and a list of top places within an hour drive! Each location has a note of why it made the list.
Sioux Falls:
The Outdoor Campus
Located right in the heart of Sioux Falls the Outdoor Campus is a great spot to enjoy fall! Enjoy their walking trails with beautiful tree cover, pond, and playscape. Walk inside to check out all the free programming they offer while you are there!
The Japanese Gardens at Terrace Park
This park is, of course, beautiful in the spring and summer but don’t miss out on it in the fall! With the beautifully maintained landscaping and pond it shines in the fall.
McKennan Park
This beautiful park is located in a historic district surrounded by historic homes. Enjoy the tall trees, playground, bandshell, and tennis courts.
Arrowhead Park
A hidden gem of the Sioux Falls Parks! It may be slightly outside of town for some but this Sioux Falls Park is worth the drive! The fields of prairie grass blowing, ponds, and walking paths are a quiet place to enjoy the outside.
Tuthill Park
This is a Sioux Falls Park filled with trees! Located in an area of Sioux Falls that isn’t flat makes this a wonderful park to visit in the fall! Make sure to drive to the top to check out the gardens and Tuthill House.
Mary Jo Wagner Arboretum
The east side of Sioux Falls is where you will find the Mary Jo Wagner Arboretum. They offer a wonderfully maintained garden and walking trails with a creek running through the bottom part of the park. With plenty of trees, it’s full of fall color!
Sioux Falls Area:
Good Earth State Park
Just minutes away from the east side of Sioux Falls is where you will find Good Earth SP ! This state park has some great easy hiking options. Walk through a field of native grassland, into the woods, to several overlook decks where fall is thriving!
Lake Alvin State Park
This park is perfect if you want to enjoy the fall colors while sitting by the water! This lake has a no-motor boat policy. Which means that it’s peaceful to enjoy!
Newton Hills State Park
Located outside of Canton this is one of South Dakota’s most visited parks! With plenty of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails it’s great for those who love getting outside. For those who want to experience fall on a hike-this is the place to go!
Palisades State Park
With the river and unique rock formations Palisades SP is striking in the fall. A great place to enjoy a fall picnic since there is so much to look at around you!
Big Sioux Recreation Area
Brandon has a beautiful place to enjoy the fall colors-Big Sioux Rec! For those looking for a more smooth hike they have a long paved trail. Enjoy the fall colors while hiking near the river and over a suspension bridge on one trail!
Beaver Creek Nature Area
A lesser-known nature area near Brandon is Beaver Creek. If you want to enjoy a more secluded place to go hiking, then this is your spot! Follow the creek for the sounds of the outdoors to relax you.
Wherever you go make sure to plan accordingly. Pack water, snacks, and wear the right clothing for the weather. Enjoy all that fall has to offer before winter comes!
