Good Earth State Park

Fees

Daily: $8 per vehicle
Annual: $36 first vehicle |$18 for second vehicle | $80 transferable license
Amenities
  • Drinking water
  • One vault bathroom
  • Picnic Tables
  • Snowshoe checkout
  • Visitor Center
  • Wi-Fi
Activities
  • Birdwatching
  • Hiking
  • Historical interest
  • Snowshoeing

Address

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

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.

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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