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.

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Activities

  • Birdwatching
  • Hiking
  • Historical interest
  • Snowshoeing
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Fees

  • Daily: $6 per vehicle
  • Annual: $30 first vehicle|$15 for second vehicle|$65 transferable license
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Park Specs

Open: Year-round

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

  • Drinking water
  • One vault bathroom
  • Picnic Tables
  • Visitor Center
  • Wi-Fi
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Park Rating


Special event fees

Establish facility use fees for special events held at the Good Earth State Park visitor center and adjacent grounds.          

Good Earth State Park visitor center - Classroom A, $100 for 2 hours, $200 for 4 hours, $400 for 8 hours;  Classroom B (includes kitchen), $200 for 2 hours, $300 for 4 hours, $600 for 8 hours; Full Classroom (A and B), $250 for 2 hours, $450 for 4 hours, $900 for 8 hours.

Non-Profit Rate for Good Earth State Park visitor center - Classroom A, $30 for 2 hours, $60 for 4 hours, $120 for 8 hours;  Classroom B (includes kitchen), $60 for 2 hours, $90 for 4 hours, $180 for 8 hours; Full Classroom (A and B), $75 for 2 hours, $135 for 4 hours, $270 for 8 hours.              

Good Earth State Park picnic shelter - $100 for 4 hours; and $200 for all-day (6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. from May 1 to September 30, exclusive, and 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from October 1 to April 30, exclusive).

Good Earth State Park wedding event - include full classroom, amphitheater, picnic shelter, outdoor patio, and special one-day event park entrance license for guests, $1,500 for 1-49 people, $2,000 for 50-100 people, $2,500 for 101-149 people, $3,000 for 150-200 people.

Good Earth State Park wedding event (ceremony only) - picnic shelter or amphitheater and special one-day event park entrance license for guests for a maximum time of 2 hours, $350 for 1-49 people, $400 for 50-100 people, $450 for 101-149 people, $500 for 150-200 people.

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Visitor Center Hours

Summer Hours (Open House Weekend - Labor Day)
Monday - Wednesday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Winter Hours (Labor Day - Open House Weekend)
Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.        

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Park Hours

May 1 - September 30 - Park is closed 11 p.m. - 6 a.m.

October 1 - April 30 - Park is closed 9 p.m. - 6 a.m.

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GPS Coordinates

GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 43.29157
Longitude: 96.36519
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