GARRETSON, S.D. (KELO) – What used to be one of the smallest state parks in South Dakota has nearly tripled in size following years of expansion development.
Palisades State Park located in Minnehaha County has expanded, transforming pasture land into part of the state park.
“There was an opportunity to purchase an 80-acre parcel not too far from here, which started this vision of an expansion of Palisade State Park in particular. Then the puzzle pieces started coming together,” Secretary of South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, Kevin Robling said.
In 2019 South Dakota GF&P along with the Parks and Wildlife Foundation obtained land for the expansion and put in a combined over $1.5 million for the project.
“This is a perfect example of bringing landowners and the state together. It’s going to be a wonderful thing for generations to come,” Southeast Regional Supervisor for Game Fish and Parks, Derek Dorr said.
When selecting a park to expand, Robling says the location of Palisades State Park played a role.
“So being within 30 miles of Sioux Falls or 30 miles, let’s say 250,000 people, you know, 30% of the population is within 30 miles of this great park,” Robling said. “It’s just a great opportunity for a lot more people to come out and enjoy the great outdoors.”
The park has grown from 167 acres to 435 acres and is now home to 77 campsites increasing from 34.
“We were busting at the seams. So adding these acres for more people to enjoy the views and the scenery is huge,” Dorr said.
“Our outdoor heritage is who we are as South Dakotans. It’s just a big part of being a South Dakotan, the hunting, the fishing and the camping,” Robling said.
The park’s next step is developing more activities for campers such as playgrounds, an archery range, and a frisbee golf course.
Below shows the development map and development plans.
