While in South Dakota in August for a family reunion, I had a little free time so I went to the nearby Big Sioux Recreation Area near Sioux Falls.
It’s a sizeable state park featuring a lot of different terrain. River bottoms, prairie, forest, valleys and hills.
It has a moderate entrance fee and like it seems everything else in the Midwest, is impeccably maintained.
I went their for the hiking and geocaching.
I had the place to myself during the weekday that I was there.
The Big Sioux River winds through the park. Tell the truth the Big Sioux River seems to everywhere in my family history. Our family church is near the Big Sioux River and many of my relatives were baptized in it. It runs through Dell Rapids where many of my family live and where the reunion is held. It is one of those long winding rivers that seems to be everywhere.
South Dakota is a surprising state. My vision is that it is flat but for a flat place it has lots of hills and valleys and even mountains and forests. Think Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
It has lots of big majestic trees.
And high hills with great views and skiesl
I didn’t spend much time there. Went on a little hike, found a few geocaches and took some photos.
Big Sioux Recreation Area is relatively unknown gem of a place. I’ll be back.
I’m linking with Skywatch Friday
,,,this is ny kind of place, thanks for takiing me along!
Beautiful skies and trees! Nice trails and boardwalk.
Take care, have a wonderful day and happy weekend!
I enjoy going to places for a walk/hike/ride that I’ve never been to before. Thanks for sharing that beautiful place with us!
It’s beautiful there.
beautiful area to enjoy
Looks like a really pretty area. SD is an place I would like to visit. I like the old wooden bridge over the river!
These big wide-open skies are not only beautiful but help put daily life and worries into perspective.
I’ve been to South Dakota twice, the last time in 2002. It is a beautiful state with many surprises for those who do a little research, but we only stayed in Sioux Falls overnight and never explored the area. So thank you for taking us along for the walk.
You have captured the beauty of the place very well!
Beautiful trees and sky.
Great views!
Good shots.
Most probably goes right by that geocache without noticing it. But not you, you hawk eye.
Beautiful series of ‘trail’ shots ~ favorite is the bridge/boardwalk ~ great perspective ~ Xo
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
I enjoyed seeing the beautiful sky shots and trees.
Happy Weekending, Yogi!
It is nice to have such a beautiful place all to oneself when out hiking. Peace and tranquility. I know what you mean about wind in a cottonwood tree–lovely sound.
Amazing place, Loved the post and photos.
Greetings