Palisades State Park is another hidden gem in the Great Plains states.

Tucked away in the southeast corner of South Dakota, it is the second-smallest park in the state at 157 acres.

Split Rock Creek flows through the park, bisecting towering walls of Sioux quartzite, found only in a small region where Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa intersect. Since it is very resistant to erosion, the towers stand where the river has etched its way through them over the past 1.2 billion years.

A nice little stop on our trip east, with quick jaunts to nearby Split Rock Park and Devil’s Gulch.

To The Creek

Beautiful, well maintained paths run along Split Rock Creek beneath towering rock.

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Palisades State Park Monoliths

A few monolithic rocks towering out of the waters of Split Rock Creek.

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Peaceful Picnic

The west side of the park is developed into a very nice picnic area.

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Chimney

This chunk of Sioux quartzite looks like a chimney left standing after a house burned down.

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People Mover

A single bridge crossing Split Rock Creek allows foot and bicycle traffic to access the far side.

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Sioux Quartzite

Only found in a very limited area in the region, Sioux Quartzite makes a colorful base for the park.

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Kayaking Along

A lone kayaker enjoys the calm water of Split Rock Creek flowing south out of Palisades State Park.

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Loafing On The Ledge

Stopping for a time-out to enjoy the scenery.

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