ATTENTION Trail TRACKers: As a precaution against COVID-19, Kids in Parks is taking steps that may impact your TRACK Trail visits and prize mailings. Acknowledge any guidelines, restrictions, or closures mandated by your local city, county or state.
Learn more

Good Earth State Park

TRACK Trail map at Good Earth State Park

The TRACK Trail at Good Earth State Park is a 2.25-mile roundtrip hike that follows the Basswood Trail and Cottonwood Loop.

The TRACK Trail brochures will help you explore features of the prairie, woodland, and river ecosystems.

Good Earth State Park southeast of Sioux Falls is an important cultural and historical site as well as a unique nature retreat close to the most populated area of the 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.

Track an adventure here
Good Earth State Park Sticker

Location Details

Recreational Features: Picnic Tables, Birding, Playground
Amenities: Restrooms, Visitor Center
ADA Compliant: Partial
Seasonality:
Golden prairie at sunset
Sunset on observation deck
Big Sioux River

Adventures for Good Earth State Park

Track Adventure
e-Adventure
Hiking

Animal Athletes

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
2.25
The Animal Athletes adventure challenges kids to exercise with the animals. This brochure gives kids eight different animal exercises they can do along the trail. From hummingbird hand-swings to lizard pushups, kids are sure to have fun getting in shape with the animals during their outdoor adventures.
Download Brochure
Birds of South Dakota brochure
Track Adventure
Hiking

Birds of South Dakota

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
2.25
The Birds of the South Dakota brochure shows kids where to look for different birds along the trail. The brochure contains illustrations of some of the more common woodland birds and information on how to identify them through various clues.
Download Brochure
Track Adventure
Hiking

Nature's Relationships

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
2.25
In the Nature's Relationships brochure you will discover how everything in nature is connected... even us. As you walk along the trail, the brochure will tell you a story about a few of the relationships that can be found. Many more relationships exist, so keep your eyes and heart open and you will discover many of nature's relationships - even yours.
Download Brochure
Track Adventure
Hiking

Prairie Power

Difficulty:
Moderate
Trail length:
2.25
Prairies are very important ecosystems filled with life and activity. Use this brochure to discover how prairies attract pollinators and have the power to thrive.
Download Brochure

Directions

26924 480th Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Latitude: 43.486593200000
Longitude: -96.608532100000
Map this with my map app

Partners

The Pelican Lake Recreation Area TRACK Trail is made possible through a partnership between between the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation's Kids in Parks program and the South Dakota State Parks Department.

Trails Nearby

6 Miles
Big Sioux Recreation Area
6 Miles
Big Sioux Recreation Area NTDGC
15 Miles
Palisades State Park
19 Miles
Newton Hills State Park