Our Projects
Great places don’t happen by accident. Use the interactive map to see what we’re dreaming up – and find ways to join the cause.

The museum’s current displays are due for a much-needed upgrade. Updates will help preserve and share the Fort’s history with future generations, creating an immersive experience for all visitors. Donate now
One of the few parks without a playground facility, this unique 1880s-themed playground is designed to complement the military fort’s historic charm. This project will give children a chance to explore, climb, and create memories while connecting with history. Donate now
This thoughtfully designed facility will feature restrooms, office spaces, a museum, and artifact storage areas. Both the building and its accompanying parking lot will be partially sunk into the ground to preserve and enhance the unobstructed views of the historic fort. Donate now
A key feature in the master plan for Fort Sisseton, a formal event stage and lawn area would provide a dedicated space for programs, educational talks, presentations, and musical performances. Donate now
The addition of an indoor fish cleaning station will provide visitors with a convenient and efficient facility, especially during the winter months when Big Stone Lake becomes an ice fishing hot spot. Donate now
A new education center will seat up to 60 guests and include a kitchenette and restrooms. This versatile facility will host educational programs, special events, and potentially rentals, enriching the experiences of countless visitors. Donate now
An indoor fish cleaning station addresses the needs of the park’s vibrant angling community. This comfortable, fully equipped facility will offer convenience and shelter year-round. Donate now
Plans for expanded access to Lake Thompson include a new road, parking, shore fishing access, and restroom facilities. The project will also include a picnic shelter designed to host special events and programs, as well as provide a space for group activities like reunions, weddings, and other gatherings. Donate now
This state-of-the-art classroom will be capable of seating 40-60,Complete with restrooms and a kitchenette. The versatile facility will host educational programs for school groups, nursing home residents, and lifetime learners to engage in enriching activities, and offer a charming setting for special events. Donate now
The completed project will serve as a versatile space for hosting special events, educational programs, and group activities—including family reunions, weddings, and other gatherings. Donate now
A new shelter on the East Unit will be an ideal event space, providing a versatile and scenic facility for hosting special events, educational programs, and group activities. Donate now
An all-inclusive playground was constructed at Adams Homestead, but budget constraints prevented the inclusion of some key features. Completing the planned additions to this popular playground would provide an even more inclusive and engaging experience for visitors. Donate now
An amphitheater would provide a more inviting and functional facility for park programs. With improved ADA accessibility, it would offer stable shade to protect visitors from the heat, as well as convenient restroom access, creating a more comfortable and inclusive experience for all attendees. Donate now
The West Midway campground currently lacks a playground to serve the 78 campsites in the vicinity. Adding a playground within the campground would provide a convenient and accessible play area for families, enhancing the overall camping experience. Donate now
In 2017, Good Earth State Park unveiled a new chapter of its history with the opening of a state-of-the art visitor center. Learn more
This bridge would provide access between SD and IA, enhancing regional connectivity and outdoor recreation opportunities. It’s a pivotal step in realizing the original master plan vision for a bi-state park system. Donate now
When Good Earth State Park was envisioned, inclusivity was at the heart of its design, from the fully ADA-compliant visitor center to the multi-mile limestone trails and scenic observation decks. Now, we can take that vision one step further by creating an all-inclusivePlayground for our young visitors. Donate now
Much of the historic Native American village site and the enigmatic pitted boulder lie south of the main overlook platforms. A new overlook platform further south would provide direct views of this important area, enhancing visitors’ understanding and appreciation of its cultural significance. Donate now
Adding a platform at one of Newton Hills’ most popular scenic overlooks will highlight the distinctive features at this forested oasis in eastern South Dakota. Donate now
Operation: Mobility is a volunteer-driven campaign working to provide up all-terrain track chairs and trailers to destinations around the state. Learn more Donate now
The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls has introduced thousands of people to outdoor recreation through free classes and programs. For its next chapter, we’re setting our sights on even greater impact. Learn more Donate now
Over 90,000 visitors each year are drawn to this park’s pink Sioux quartzite rock formations along Split Rock Creek. Since 2018, we’ve worked to expand the park’s footprint, facilities and visitor access. Learn more
This project will incorporate the amphitheater into the park’s day-use area, with expanded parking for greater accessibility. The site will serve as a venue for educational programs, weddings, and concerts. Donate now
A bridge across Split Rock Creek will open access to the stunning Western portion of the park's new property. Donate now
There is currently no buffer between the north campground road and adjacent private property. Acquiring additional 1-5 acres of land would create a protective buffer and could also allow for the addition of 10 to 15 new campsites. Donate now
The wooden bridge to the island at Wall Lake is nearing the end of its lifespan. Replacing it with a wider steel bridge would improve durability and functionality, allowing the use of maintenance equipment to better care for this popular fishing spot. Donate now
Designed to complement the area’s natural beauty, this family-friendly feature will serve as a key attraction. It’s a much-needed recreational facility for a growing population base and residential development north of Pierre. Donate now
This project provides a dedicated space at the Custer State Park Visitor Center for guest speakers, educational programs, and community events. It will offer ample parking, enhanced accessibility, and larger audience accommodation. Donate now
Completed in 2022, the Custer State Park Bison Center celebrates the story of one of North America’s most iconic creatures. Learn more
An interactive introduction to 71,000 acres of pristine Black Hills beauty, the Custer State Park Visitor Center has wowed visitors since its completion in 2016. Learn more
This iconic structure between the Hill City and Mystic trailheads is in urgent need of a full replacement. Aging components like footings, column caps, surface decking, and braces threaten the bridge's integrity. Donate now
This project will replace 20 existing signs with updated stories, images, and information that aligns with the new trailhead maps. Donate now
This historic building first opened its doors in 1934 as a museum. Today, as an outdoor education center, it encourages children and families to explore the unique ecosystems in the park. Learn more
Currently, all major interpretive sites are on the eastern side of the park, leaving the Sylvan Lake and surrounding western areas underserved. The addition of a welcome center on the west end of the park will ensure every guest enjoys an enriching experience. Donate now

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
The museum’s current displays are due for a much-needed upgrade. Updates will help preserve and share the Fort’s history with future generations, creating an immersive experience for all visitors.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
One of the few parks without a playground facility, this unique 1880s-themed playground is designed to complement the military fort’s historic charm. This project will give children a chance to explore, climb, and create memories while connecting with history.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
This thoughtfully designed facility will feature restrooms, office spaces, a museum, and artifact storage areas. Both the building and its accompanying parking lot will be partially sunk into the ground to preserve and enhance the unobstructed views of the historic fort.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
A key feature in the master plan for Fort Sisseton, a formal event stage and lawn area would provide a dedicated space for programs, educational talks, presentations, and musical performances.

Hartford Beach State Park
The addition of an indoor fish cleaning station will provide visitors with a convenient and efficient facility, especially during the winter months when Big Stone Lake becomes an ice fishing hot spot.

Lake Herman State Park
A new education center will seat up to 60 guests and include a kitchenette and restrooms. This versatile facility will host educational programs, special events, and potentially rentals, enriching the experiences of countless visitors.

Lake Poinsett Recreation Area
An indoor fish cleaning station addresses the needs of the park’s vibrant angling community. This comfortable, fully equipped facility will offer convenience and shelter year-round.

Lake Thompson Recreation Area
Plans for expanded access to Lake Thompson include a new road, parking, shore fishing access, and restroom facilities. The project will also include a picnic shelter designed to host special events and programs, as well as provide a space for group activities like reunions, weddings, and other gatherings.

Oakwood Lakes State Park
This state-of-the-art classroom will be capable of seating 40-60,Complete with restrooms and a kitchenette. The versatile facility will host educational programs for school groups, nursing home residents, and lifetime learners to engage in enriching activities, and offer a charming setting for special events.

Walker’s Point Recreation Area
The completed project will serve as a versatile space for hosting special events, educational programs, and group activities—including family reunions, weddings, and other gatherings.

Pickerel Lake Recreation Area
A new shelter on the East Unit will be an ideal event space, providing a versatile and scenic facility for hosting special events, educational programs, and group activities.

Adams Homestead
An all-inclusive playground was constructed at Adams Homestead, but budget constraints prevented the inclusion of some key features. Completing the planned additions to this popular playground would provide an even more inclusive and engaging experience for visitors.

Big Sioux Recreation Area
An amphitheater would provide a more inviting and functional facility for park programs. With improved ADA accessibility, it would offer stable shade to protect visitors from the heat, as well as convenient restroom access, creating a more comfortable and inclusive experience for all attendees.

Lewis & Clark Recreation Area
The West Midway campground currently lacks a playground to serve the 78 campsites in the vicinity. Adding a playground within the campground would provide a convenient and accessible play area for families, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Good Earth State Park
In 2017, Good Earth State Park unveiled a new chapter of its history with the opening of a state-of-the art visitor center. Learn more here.

Good Earth State Park
This bridge would provide access between SD and IA, enhancing regional connectivity and outdoor recreation opportunities. It’s a pivotal step in realizing the original master plan vision for a bi-state park system.

Good Earth State Park
When Good Earth State Park was envisioned, inclusivity was at the heart of its design, from the fully ADA-compliant visitor center to the multi-mile limestone trails and scenic observation decks. Now, we can take that vision one step further by creating an all-inclusivePlayground for our young visitors.

Good Earth State Park
Much of the historic Native American village site and the enigmatic pitted boulder lie south of the main overlook platforms. A new overlook platform further south would provide direct views of this important area, enhancing visitors’ understanding and appreciation of its cultural significance.

Newton Hills State Park
Adding a platform at one of Newton Hills’ most popular scenic overlooks will highlight the distinctive features at this forested oasis in eastern South Dakota.

Operation Mobility
Operation: Mobility is a volunteer-driven campaign working to provide up all-terrain track chairs and trailers to destinations around the state. Learn more here.

Outdoor Campus Sioux Falls
The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls has introduced thousands of people to outdoor recreation through free classes and programs. For its next chapter, we’re setting our sights on even greater impact. Learn more here.

Palisades State Park
Over 90,000 visitors each year are drawn to this park’s pink Sioux quartzite rock formations along Split Rock Creek. Since 2018, we’ve worked to expand the park’s footprint, facilities and visitor access. Learn more here.

Palisades State Park
This project will incorporate the amphitheater into the park’s day-use area, with expanded parking for greater accessibility. The site will serve as a venue for educational programs, weddings, and concerts.

Palisades State Park
A bridge across Split Rock Creek will open access to the stunning Western portion of the park's new property.

Springfield Recreation Area
There is currently no buffer between the north campground road and adjacent private property. Acquiring additional 1-5 acres of land would create a protective buffer and could also allow for the addition of 10 to 15 new campsites.

Wall Lake Lakeside Use Area
The wooden bridge to the island at Wall Lake is nearing the end of its lifespan. Replacing it with a wider steel bridge would improve durability and functionality, allowing the use of maintenance equipment to better care for this popular fishing spot.

Cow Creek Recreation Area
Designed to complement the area’s natural beauty, this family-friendly feature will serve as a key attraction. It’s a much-needed recreational facility for a growing population base and residential development north of Pierre.

Custer State Park
This project provides a dedicated space at the Custer State Park Visitor Center for guest speakers, educational programs, and community events. It will offer ample parking, enhanced accessibility, and larger audience accommodation.

Custer State Park
Completed in 2022, the Custer State Park Bison Center celebrates the story of one of North America’s most iconic creatures. Learn more here.

Custer State Park
An interactive introduction to 71,000 acres of pristine Black Hills beauty, the Custer State Park Visitor Center has wowed visitors since its completion in 2016. Learn more here.

Mickelson Trail
This iconic structure between the Hill City and Mystic trailheads is in urgent need of a full replacement. Aging components like footings, column caps, surface decking, and braces threaten the bridge's integrity.

Mickelson Trail
This project will replace 20 existing signs with updated stories, images, and information that aligns with the new trailhead maps.

Peter Norbeck Education Center
This historic building first opened its doors in 1934 as a museum. Today, as an outdoor education center, it encourages children and families to explore the unique ecosystems in the park. Learn more here.

Custer State Park
Currently, all major interpretive sites are on the eastern side of the park, leaving the Sylvan Lake and surrounding western areas underserved. The addition of a welcome center on the west end of the park will ensure every guest enjoys an enriching experience.