Absolutely beautiful area! We were there in 30 degree weather and will definitely be back in the…read morespring/summer to check things out again, we had a great time walking and checking out all the sites!

Went camping with the whole family and this park really brings out the adventurous side of you…read more Will definitely make plans to come back again!

One must considering viewing the falls for which a major populated city was named. Unbelievably…read morecreated by volcanic activity millions of years ago, this showcase is domiciled smack in the heart of Downtown Sioux Falls. Although it does have an elevator lookout with a platform for viewing, it does lack a movie detailing the falls creation as well as history of the Cities development.

As many many, many, many, many, many many other reviewers here have commented, the smell is…read morehorrendous. When we pulled into the parking lot for the falls, my husband was certain that our dog had had an accident in the car but I knew that couldn't be.We searched for what the smell could be and then I opened my door to get out and see if it was something outside. The smell punched me in the face like Mike Tyson. We tried to get our bearings and understand what was going on. Everyone else was walking around like nothing was happening. My husband googled it and we read that due to the proximity of the Falls to the wastewater treatment and pork slaughtering plants, there is always a terrible odor here. We decided to try to walk to the falls since we were already there, but we honestly barely made it. Near The Falls there were children playing and running and people walking and chatting like nothing was going on. I had my shirt up over my nose and mouth and at one point started to throw up. I only noticed two or three other people who were holding their noses and having difficulty with the smell. My husband did go up in the tower at the visitor center quickly and I remained outside because they do not allow pets. He said the smell was much improved from up at the top but you still get whiffs of it. We couldn't stay in the park for more than 5 or 10 minutes. It's really a shame because this park has a lot of potential. I don't think we are particularly sensitive to smells, but sewage mixed with death should be a difficult one for most people. The fact that these large families were picnicking and frolicking as if nothing was happening makes me wonder what their homes smell like or how they could possibly get used to or carry on with this stench. This was a terrible experience for us overall and we would never return and never recommend a stop here to anyone.

Dakota Nature Park is impressive in size as well as its history. Before this was a park, it was a…read morelandfill! I came this past weekend and the weather was just right, light sunshine with a light breeze. I can't speak for how this park is in the winter, but based on some of the billboards around the park, snow shoeing is a possibility! Lots of nice, paved trails throughout the premise. Unique animals can be seen in the water as well as on land. I didn't see any creatures this time around, but I don't doubt that they're there. Many families were on a scavenger hunts, great idea for an activity! I believe that during the summer, boats are available for rent to ride around the lakes. Lots of poop stations available for your pup's doo doo. Overall, I had a great time at this nature park. Ample parking available in the lots at the various entrances.

New to the Midwest from the northwest & was excited to lean that this place existed. It was damn…read morenear impossible to find any information about the park rules & rentals (other than location) so we figured we just had to go see for ourselves. Parking areas are nicely located with maps for you to see the trails. After getting on the trails we finally saw a sign that said unleashed dogs were not allowed, good to know for next time. Views we're great, paths free of debris & well maintained, lots of people fishing, walking & a few on canoes. This would be the perfect place to go for a walk except the amount of mosquitos is insane... & We Wore TONS of Bug Spray!! It got so bad we decided to go back to the car & walk around town.

It's a joke charging $10 bucks....for what? Porter is way, way over rated…read more I am reading the reviews and I am so confused by the reviews, creative, impressive, stunning and a must see. Not sure if those people are seeing the same sculptures as I? Waste of money.

Perhaps one of the greatest roadside stops on the highways of America! Not only is it a glimpse…read moreinto the mind of the creator, it is a fun way to spend the afternoon! The $10 admission was well worth it to us, some of the things we've paid way more to see can't come close to what we saw along the path in the grassy plains of South Dakota! The massive steel sculptures and creations capture your imagination and take you on a journey. Some are downright creepy, some are extremely bizarre and some are weirdly interesting! Many of the poetry boards that compliment the sculptures will leave you scratching your head and a few will leave you with a smile on your face! The photo opportunities are endless and the grassy path through the sculptures is a nice nature walk. Pets are welcome to come along, our little one had a ball climbing on the colorful creations, he thought they were there for him! A definite must stop on the Highway 90 in South Dakota, I/ mean, what else is there to do?!

I went for the first time yesterday with my man and our Frenchie, "Bobo" after work and let me just…read moresay, it was a beautiful day. Meeting families enjoying the weather and the trails was a highlight as well. Get out there and enjoy!!!

This park is full of history and legend, combined with the beauty of the gulch and stream...!…read more The highlight of the park...! The legend of Jesse James's leap across the chasm to evade a posse! You can now walk across a bridge that spans the gap which brings this jump into perspective. The steep, quartzite walls, and rushing water make it easy to understand the legend's persistence. The feat's impossibility adds intrigue to the natural landscape! The park also features hiking trails with views of the river, wildflowers, and prairie grasses. A narrow path has been etched into the landscape by Split Rock Creek! A two-tiered waterfall creates a symphony of rushing water amidst the terrain. The path offers various viewing points of the rock formations and stream. The park offers discoveries, including the historical marker about Jesse James, the waterfall, and multiple rock formations. Devil's Gulch offers an adventure for those who appreciate local lore and natural beauty!

It's hard for me to use the word "monument" here... When I think monument...I consider a monument…read moreto be something man made. To me this is more of just a gorgeous cutout of well kept and preserved natural landscape... A park. A vibrant scene. With over 400 native plant species, including big bluestem, little bluestem, and buffalo grass, the area teems with natural beauty. Stunning red stone bluffs and cliffs of Sioux Quartzite, a hard rock formed between 1.6 and 1.7 billion years ago.. A highlight of the area is Winnewissa Falls, a beautiful waterfall that cascades into Pipestone creek. Two main trails allow you to navigate this park. The Circle trail is a paved, 3/4-mile loop trail guides visitors to the key natural highlights including the quarries, historical markers, Old Stone Face, Winnewissa Falls, and the tallgrass prairie. The South Quarry trail is about 1/2 mile roundtrip, out and back on the same path, and it provides a look into the active quarrying pits where Indigenous people have been extracting pipestone for thousands of years. Both trails are easy to navigate and I'd consider them to be a very easy hike... And I'm not exactly athletic. Lol The paths are both paved and are considered wheelchair accessible. Parking is free, the lot is nice sized, and near the visitor center and restrooms. As you leave the lot heading towards the park you are basically at the starting point of the Circle trail. If you like a nice little walk... This is a great place to get out to and witness the enduring natural beauty of it's prairies, cliffs, and waterfalls, and explore remarkable geological formations... I'm willing to bet parts of the park are spectacular at sunset! And as long as you are in the area... Visit nearby Fort Pipestone and it's gift shop along with Keepers Gift Shop & Gallery!

We are enroute to Brookings, SD for football game and left a day early. Due to government shutdown,…read morethe visitor center is closed. I guess I missed a video and other displays. IDK. Stopped at a store in Pipestone and worker talked some about it. Today was a nice day in October and the place was very sparce with other visitors. The walking trail was short at .75 mile, so my spouse could handle it. It was very scenic and pretty. I read more about the monument from the brochure at the store downtown. It is also free to attend at all times.

Nice clean visitor center. Over 6 miles of scenic trails. Classrooms are available for rent. Neat…read morehistory of the Poncas.

They've different fun things to different ages of kids, and very nice rest area, my baby boy had…read morelots fun !

I absolutely love love love this park. When you have multiple children of different ages it's a…read morechallenge entertaining all of them. Here, you have many choices and by agree range.

Pretty park and city run campground. The sites are right next to each other but I'm guessing the…read morecampground doesn't get much use? No one else was here while we were here anyway, but that could just be the time of year. It's right next to the road, so it's noisy during the day. Electrical hookups for only $10 (pay down the street). Oh, and no restrooms on site (again, down the street). Sounds like a bunch of negatives but for a one night layover, it's a nice spot next to a calm pond with ducks. Take a walk to the island and enjoy the peacefulness.

I cannot for the life of me understand why they are calling this a Japanese garden. This is a small…read morestretch of grass and paving stones near some water. If this city wanted to call it a park, that would be passable, but it's actually insulting and frustrating that they are calling this a Japanese garden. I was able to find what I think is a Japanese maple and they had a bridge that looks like they tried to style it in a Japanese style over an empty bed of rocks that was possibly intended as a koi pond once upon a time, but as it stands, there is nothing Japanese about this location. It's really confusing. For anyone who's not clear, putting a stone lantern from Pier One next to a walkway does not make it a Japanese garden. To add insult to injury, they had the sprinklers going full blast at noon with only one pathway in and out. We got soaked, as did many other people who seemed like locals that were just trying to walk on their lunch break. I was hoping to stop here and feel a little more Zen but I left wet and annoyed.

Beautiful! You would never know you're in a big city. It was peaceful and a great spot to have a…read morepicnic and a walk.