Palisades State Park, located in southeastern South Dakota in the town of Garretson, is one of the most unique areas in South Dakota. The park used to be the the second smallest state park and recently expanded from 167 acres to 435. The expansion has added an entirely new landscape of native grasses and open prairie to the once wooded park. The new expansion has added many new activities including more day use, a disc golf course, and a lot more camping. The expansion has brought a large amount of new wildlife to the area and will continue to be a haven for all wildlife species.

The Coteau des Prairies, a flatiron-shaped plateau formed by glacial movement, is home to Palisades State Park. Known for its unique terrain and breathtaking views, Palisades State Park is a mecca for rock climbers, hikers and campers. Palisades now has over 6 miles of hiking trails.

Split Rock Creek, flanked by 1.2 billion-year-old, fifty-foot high quartzite rock cliffs and spires, offers some of the best rock climbing in South Dakota. Hiking trails snake through the quartzite formations and overlook the rushing waters of Split Rock Creek below. Canoe enthusiasts and kayakers enjoy stunning views of the towers quartzite spires as they paddle through Split Rock Creek.

Palisades State Park is on of the few places in the nation that contains catlinite. This mineral, also known as pipestone, is found in the matric of quartzite and is used by Native Americans for making peace pipes, or "calumets". Several pipestone quarry sites can be found within the park.

Facilities: Palisade State Park has 111 camping sites, 10 cabins and a lodge available for reservations. Visitors to Palisade State Park are sure to enjoy nearby attractions such as Devil’s Gulch, Big Sioux Recreation Area, and Beaver Creek Nature Area.

Click here for more on Palisades State Park from Southeast SD Tourism.

Call 1-800-710-CAMP or go to Travel SD Website.