Palisades State Park

Came here for the first time yesterday. I didn't stay long because it was a bit cold outside and the trails were slippery. Maybe I shouldn't have been doing that Midwest thing where you treat house shoes like regular shoes. Will definitely come back to explore this area more. I will say that I think the admission should be reduced (or even free) during winter months, but 10/day or 40/year is reasonable.

This is truly is one of the great treasures of Eastern South Dakota. As you scope the prairie landscape you will come along some amazing rock cliffs of Pipestone granite with the Spit Rock creek running below. If you are into rock climbing or a swim in the creek or just a quiet picnic with the family then Palisades State Park is the place for you. Sence you are in the area check out Sioux Falls and Falls Park which has the same Pipestone Granite as the Big Sioux River runs through it forming the Falls. South of Sioux Falls is Yankton South Dakota which was the Dakota Territorial Capital from 1860 to 1889 when South Dakota became a state. Yankton has much history to offer along with breathtaking views of the Mirrouri River. Thanks for visiting Palisades State Park and the great state of South Dakota and come again.

Dated on Tuesday, October 7th. It’s my second time being there since three years ago. I took my mom to see this park and took a short hike on King and Queen Trail. She liked this park. It’s really a hidden gem in South Dakota because you drive for a bit after took an entrance that looks like a bland park.

Wow, this is probably the most beautiful place I’ve seen so far in the Midwest, within four hours of Lincoln. I would recommend this to anyone. It has gorgeous waterside walks and impressive, unexpectedly rosy pink rock formations, some of which are upwards of 3 to 4 stories tall. I brought my climbing gear, and this is my first experience with quartzite rock, which I was surprised by how slippery it was, as well as being sharp, so I didn’t end up, throwing any top ropes up, but just scrambled around, which I would only recommend if you feel confident around heights, and understand the risks. Climbing, logistics-wise, this location is really for Trad climbing, as bolts for sport climbing aren’t allowed in the park. We didn’t see a single rope climber there while we were there, despite perfect weather, but we could see chalk marks on some areas. For the next time, I plan to spend more time checking out the walking trails downstream from the bridge on the parking lot side, and this would also be a stunning and safe place to do some paddleboarding. All in all, I would definitely return, and check out the full trails parallel to the river for the adorable overlooks downstream from the bridge on both sides of the river (the trail that stretches upstream from the bridge is also pretty but a little bit more rugged). It also made for a great picnic area with tables and trash cans. 10 out of 10 would return.

Palisades State Park is definitely the best thing to visit for outdoors adventures in the Eastern part of South Dakota. The geological rock features here are so massive and impressive. You can hike down to the river edge and get some really good views from there. There is also multiple lookout points. The park also has a nice campground and a Frisbee golf course. A day pass is $15, but is good for other state parks on the same day.