Palisades State Park

Palisades State Park is a South Dakota state park where Split Rock Creek cuts through deep gorges flanked by pink Sioux quartzite cliffs. The rocky landscape spans 435 acres and features 5 hiking trails, camping facilities with 111 sites and 10 cabins, plus rock climbing areas.

The area was settled in 1865 when pioneers established a town near Split Rock Creek and built a flour mill. Water from the creek powered this mill, forming the basis of early settlement in the region.

Native peoples mined catlinite from this area to craft ceremonial pipes used in spiritual rituals. The material held sacred importance in their traditional practices.

The park has well-marked hiking trails of varying difficulty and designated climbing spots throughout the grounds. Visitors should be aware that the pink rock surfaces become slippery when wet, so sturdy footwear is advisable.

The pink quartzite formations here rank among the oldest exposed rocks in South Dakota at over 1 billion years old. They offer visitors a rare glimpse into the geological forces that shaped the region during Earth's ancient past.

Location: Minnehaha County

Website: https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/palisades-state-park

GPS coordinates: 43.68750,-96.51690

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:04