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Palisades State Park, located in southeastern South Dakota, is a hidden gem for both families and solo travelers. This park is very unique and offers outdoor activities for everyone. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the park!
Table of Contents
Where is Palisades State Park?
Palisades State Park is located in South Dakota, United States. It’s located in the southeastern part of the state, about 23 miles (37 kilometers) northeast of Sioux Falls.
How to Get to Palisades State Park
There is no public transportation to Palisades State Park, so you will have to take your own vehicle or rent a car.
From Sioux Falls, head northeast on I-229. Then, head east for about 6 miles on I-90. Take exit 406 and turn left. After 2 miles, turn right onto 258th St.
2 miles later, turn left onto 484th Ave. After 2 more miles, turn right onto 256th St. Finally, turn left onto Palisades Drive to reach the entrance to the park.
Is Palisades State Park Worth Visiting?
Palisades State Park is a very unique place. I greatly enjoyed my time visiting there on my way to Sioux Falls. I highly recommend it if you happen to be in the area!
Unique Geography of Palisades State Park
The park’s most distinguishing feature is its towering quartzite rock cliffs, which rise up to 50 feet above the surrounding landscape. The quartzite in Palisades State Park is some of the oldest rock in North America. In fact, geologists say that the quartzite spires are about 1.2 BILLION years old!
These cliffs are made of Sioux Quartzite, a pinkish-red rock that gives the park its signature look.
History of Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park was officially established in 1940. Prior to this, in the late 1800s, the town of Palisades was a busy town that relied on a flour mill with a large water wheel. The Palisades Bridge, which was constructed in 1908, is still standing today.
What to Do in Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top things to do:
1. Hiking
There are a variety of scenic hiking trails to check out in this park. I cover the 5 main trails in the next section of this guide!
2. Outdoor Games
Palisades State Park allows you to rent various equipment and games free of charge!
These include: ladderball sets, volleyball nets, frisbees, basketballs, cornhole set, and baseballs. It is a perfect activity for families who are visiting!
3. Fishing
Split Rock Creek is stocked with fish, and visitors can try their luck at catching bass, bluegill, or catfish.
You can find the locations for shorefishing with this map of Palisades State Park.
4. Rock Climbing
This park is a popular spot for rock climbing, thanks to its steep quartzite cliffs. Climbers of different skill levels can find routes that suit their abilities. The park allows climbing in designated areas. You can read more about rock climbing in Palisades State Park here.
5. Camping
The park offers both tent and RV camping, including amenities such as electricity and water. There are also picnic tables and fire pits available.
At night, Palisades State Park is a great place for stargazing due to its remote location.
Hiking Trails in Palisades State Park
King & Queen Rock Trail
This trail is 0.7 miles. It takes you to the heart of the park, where verticle walls of Sioux Quartzite line Split Rock Creek!
Split Rock Creek Trail
This trail is 1.5 miles. It takes you to through one of the wooded areas of the park, toward the southern shore of Split Rock Creek.
South Wall Trail
This trail is 0.4 miles. It takes you along a woodland path past Sioux Quartzite formations to a rock climbing area.
Balancing Rock Trail
This trail is 0.5 miles. It takes you past the King and Queen Rock formations to the Balancing Rock formation, where a large quartzite column stands perched on the wall overlooking the creek.
Pollinator Hill Trail
This trail is 0.5 miles. It takes you along an open field of wildflowers, where butterflies, birds, and bees allow this ecosystem to thrive.
Palisades State Park Entrance Fee
A single day pass for Palisades State Park is $8/vehicle.
You can also buy a 7-day pass for $20/vehicle, or an annual pass for $36/vehicle.
You can choose to pay the entrance fee when you arrive to the park, or you can pay ahead online.
Where to Stay Around Palisades State Park
Staying in Palisades State Park
If you are interested in staying in Palisades State Park, you can stay in a cabin for $55/night, a campsite with electricity for $26/night, or a campsite without electricity for $15/night.
You can book your cabin or campsite at Palisades State Park here.
Staying in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is the nearest big city to Palisades State Park, and has the most options for accommodations.
One of the most highly-rated hotels in the city is the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown. This hotel overlooks the Big Sioux River, and is only a short walk away from Falls Park!
If you are traveling on a budget, the Microtel Inn & Suites is another option. This hotel is located on the outskirts of Sioux Falls. Another option is Sleep Inn Airport. In addition to its proximity to the airport, this hotel provides good amenities at a decent price.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
