Located just northeast of Sioux Falls sits the gorgeous Palisades State Park, one of the most unique areas in all of South Dakota! The park is located just south of Garretson, 10 miles off Interstate 90. 25491 485th Ave, Garretson South Dakota. For more information, click here.

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For millions of years, Split Rock Creek cut deep gorges through Palisades State Park. Geologists estimate the Sioux quartzite spires are 1.2 billion years old.

Photo by @k.e.moni (Instagram)

Four hiking trails twist and turn through these beautiful rock formations.

Hike Your Own Hike

Scenic overlooks and rushing water make Palisades a remarkable getaway.

Livin’ Our Dream In The Phoenix

The park is popular among campers, photographers, sightseers, picnickers, rock climbers and hikers.

Brittany Kahl Photography

A huge flour mill was once located on the bluff overlooking the park. The mill was powered by a large water-wheel installed along the rushing Split Rock Creek. The once-bustling town of Palisades grew around the success of the mill.

by Aaron J. Groen – HomeGroen Photography

The cliffs and formations at Palisades are used by rock climbers to practice their scaling and rappelling techniques.

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Palisades State Park campground is next to the beautiful Split Rock Creek and has 34 single-family campsites and 6 cabins. Youth group campsites are also available. All campsites have electric hookups and some have full hookups. Each site also has a table, fire ring and grate. The campground is heavily wooded offering plenty of shade in the summer. Amenities include drinking water, vault & flush toilets, hot showers and a dump station. Firewood is also available for sale at the park. There’s also a playground, picnic area, biking trails and an amphitheater.

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Scenic overlooks and rushing water make Palisades a popular getaway. At only 157 acres, it is South Dakota’s second-smallest state park.

Vacation in America

For The Best lodging options in South Dakota, click here. For a list of South Dakota’s best activities, click here. For some of South Dakota’s most amazing Parks, click here.