- Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park in South Dakota offers camping, hiking, and fishing. The entry fee was $15 for an out of state vehicle and $10 for in state. I noticed there were many dog-friendly cabins throughout the park and we passed many dogs on leashes. They have recently changed where the entrance is, so the signs pointing to the park still lead to the old entrance, not the new one. For a $15 entry fee, which is one of the higher fees I have paid for a state park, I expected better signage. There are signs at the trailheads, but then once on the trail you are on your own. I took “wrong turn” and went down “wrong trails” multiple times. It was frustrating that the trails weren’t better marked. Split Rock Creek Trail is a 1.5 mile out and back trail that follows the creek. Parts of the trail were confusing and other parts were overgrown. Max didn’t have as much access to the creek as I thought he would because there was very tall brush between the creek and the trail. In my opinion, some trail markers would be the easiest, cheapest way to really improve this state park.
2. Sioux Falls
Falls Park offers a grassy lawn, paved walking paths, and views of the Sioux Falls. Dogs are welcome on leash. There is plenty of space to explore the rocks that surround the falls as well. You will also find a watch tower and a bridge to view the falls from. Further down, if you follow the river, you can spot some enormous catfish in the water. Parking is free in the designated parking lot. Since we went on a hot July day, Max did go for a swim in the falls, but I will admit the water did not look very clean.
