State Parks

Photo © Jon Klemme

Good Earth State Park

/userdocs/Good Earth State Park

Good Earth State Park southeast of Sioux Falls is an important cultural and historical site as well as a unique nature retreat adjacent to the most developed and populated part of our state. The site itself is one of the oldest sites of long-term human habitation in the United States. The river, abundant wildlife, fertile flood plains, availability of pipestone (catlinite), and protection from winds made the area an important gathering place for seasonal ceremonies and a significant trading center for many tribal peoples from 1300-1700 A.D.

During this time, occupants were primarily Oneota Tradition Peoples, including Omaha, Ponca, Ioway, and Otoe, but many other tribes were attracted and participated in trading agricultural product as well as hides, pelts, and pipestone (catlinite).

This is the largest Oneota cultural site discovered to date in the upper Midwest. There are two other significant Oneota cultural sites located respectively in southwest Iowa and central Missouri.

Read More About This Park

Activities

  • Biking (on park roads)
  • Binocular Checkout
  • Birdwatching
  • Fishing
  • Geocaching
  • Hammock Checkout
  • Hiking
  • Historical Interest
  • Interpretive Signs
  • Lawn Game Checkout
  • Museum/Visitor Center
  • Picnicking
  • Snowshoe Checkout
  • Snowshoeing
  • Walking (on park roads)
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Upcoming Events

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Fees

  • Daily: $8 per vehicle
  • Annual: $36 first vehicle | $18 second vehicle (with coupon) | $80 transferable license

    Purchase Online

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Park Specs

Open: Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.

Park Size: Day use park; no camping

Directions:

From I-29 Exit 73 (Tea exit):

  • Head east on 271st Street, 9.4 miles
  • Turn north on 480th Avenue, 1.7 mile
  • The park entrance is on the east side of 480th Avenue

From the intersection of 57th Street and Highway 11:

  • Head south on Hwy 11, 1 mile
  • Turn east on 269th Street, 2 miles
  • Turn south on 480th Avenue, .3 mile
  • The park entrance is on the east side of 480th Avenue

Nearest Town: Harrisburg

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Contact Info

Good Earth State Park
26924 480th Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
605.213.1036
Email: GoodEarth@state.sd.us
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Amenities

  • ADA/Accessible Features
  • Group Picnic Shelter(s)
  • Hiking Trail(s)
  • Historical Site(s)
  • Nature Playscape(s)
  • Paved Trail(s)
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground(s)
  • Self-serve Entrance Kiosk(s)
  • TRACK Trail(s)
  • Vault Toilets (open year-round)
  • Visitor Center(s)
  • WiFi
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Special Event Rentals

Good Earth State Park features indoor and outdoor facilities to accommodate a variety of special events, from meetings to family reunions to weddings. Learn more

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Newsletter

Check out all that is happening this month at Good Earth State Park! | November 2024

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Park Hours

May 1 to Sept. 30

6 a.m-11 p.m.

Oct. 1 to April 30

6 a.m-9 p.m.

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Visitor Center Hours

Summer Hours

Open House Weekend in mid-May to Labor Day
Mon: Closed
Tues-Sat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sun: 1-5 p.m.

Winter Hours

Labor Day to Open House Weekend in mid-May
Mon: Closed
Tues-Sat: 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Sun: 1-4 p.m.

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Volunteer

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ADA / Accessible

  • Group Picnic Shelter(s)
  • Paved Trail(s)
  • Picnic Tables
  • Visitor Center(s)
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GPS Coordinates

GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 43.47997
Longitude: -96.61351
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Additional Info

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