Good Earth State Park, Nature reserve in Lincoln County, South Dakota.
Good Earth State Park is a nature reserve southeast of Sioux Falls featuring walking paths through fertile flood plains and natural river landscapes. The grounds cover 250 hectares and connect open fields, wooded areas, and riverbank zones into a continuous natural space.
Archaeological evidence shows continuous human settlement from around 1300 to 1700 AD, making this one of the oldest inhabited locations in the United States. This extended timespan documents multiple generations of communities who utilized the fertile river landscape.
This location served as a trading hub where the Omaha, Ponca, Ioway, and Otoe peoples exchanged agricultural goods and maintained important connections. The site reflects the sustained presence and practices of these communities across several centuries.
The park is accessible most days of the week, allowing visitors to explore the walking trails at their own pace. Bring appropriate footwear and weather protection, as trails pass through varying landscape zones.
The area contains substantial deposits of pipestone, a red mineral that indigenous peoples used to craft ceremonial pipes and sacred objects. This material held deep spiritual meaning for the communities and served as an important trade commodity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
