Hiking Trails Around Sioux Falls Are Waiting For You This 4th Of

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There's nothing like spending a few hours outdoors enjoying all that Mother Nature has to offer. And what better place to explore but right in your own backyard?

The Sioux Falls area has some fantastic hiking trails. Thanks to Experience Sioux Falls and their hiking guide we can start exploring today.

What a great resource, Experience Sioux Falls is really on top of everything our city has to offer and that includes scenic outdoor fun.

You may think that all these places are part of a state park. Well, some are which require a State Park sticker to enter. And some you don't.

Here are the Best Hiking Trails Around Sioux Falls:

1) Palisades State Park

2) Newton Hills State Park

3) Good Earth State at Blood Run

4) Great Bear Recreation Park

5) Falls Park and The Big Sioux River Recreational Trail and Greenway

One of my favorites is Good Earth State Park at Blood Run. And yes you will need a park permit to enter.

Once you hit the entrance your sites immediately are fixed on the prairie grasses. A short drive to the visitor’s center and the view overlooking the beautiful valley of the Big Sioux River gives you such calm.

For many, while enjoying skiing and tubing in the winter, Great Bear Recreation Park is a close escape that offers off-season hiking on eight miles of trail. Oh, and there is no permit required.

And right in the middle of Sioux Falls, we have our Outdoor Campus. Another free one here. This may be one of the shortest trails in the offering at just two miles but you find the beauty, nature, and peaceful setting that will seem like an out-of-the-way hike that's just a short drive away. And, on campus, you will find the South Dakota Game Fish & Parks offices.

Check out your next hike today. And remember to spread the word to family and friends so when they come to visit Sioux Falls everyone can enjoy more than just your home cooking.

Twelve South Dakota Places to Put on Your "Must Visit" List!

Make the most of summer in South Dakota and visit these spots that speak to why Sd is great!

A lot of them you might have visited, some you haven't for sure, and some are old favorites that maybe you haven't been to in a while. So, while there is still a little time or even one more weekend, and gas prices are down a bit - - try and make it to one of these great places.

What can be found in these 12 locations?

What can't? Camping, fishing swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and tons of other great outdoors-type activities. Historical, educational exploration, hobby interests, kids activities, just plain old beautiful scenery, and- - to use an overused phrase- -lots more!

With all of that in mind, let's dive in!

Here Are The 7 Remaining Drive-In Theaters In South Dakota

If you were born last century...you know, in the nineteen hundreds (ugh)...you may have spent a summer evening in the car watching movies. I don't mean on your phone, I mean at the drive-in movie theater!

If you were in Sioux Falls in the 1970s and '80's you may remember seeing Jaws and Indiana Jones at The East Park or the Starlite Drive-In. Both drive-ins opened just after World War 2. The East Park didn't make it out of the '70s, closing in 1978. The Starlite survived long enough to see the birth of home video, closing in 1985.

FLASHBACK: Remember the East Park and Starlite Drive-in Theaters in Sioux Falls?

Drive-in movies had a bit of a resurgence during the pandemic. They were a way to go out and do something social without getting out of your car.

If you tried one during that time, or you remember the fun of a warm summer evening watching movies on that giant screen there are still places in South Dakota and around Sioux Falls you can do it.