Union Grove State Park is comprised of about 500 acres of trees, trails, hills, and nature just south of Beresford. The park is about 45 minutes south of Sioux Falls just a few miles east off of I-29.

I had never been to this state park before so I decided this would be a nice place for our dog Percy and I to go on a trip of social distance for an afternoon.

During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the land that makes up the park was converted into a country park and maintained by the county. In 1967 the state of South Dakota was deeded full ownership of the park. In 2001 the name of the park was changed from Union County State Park to Union Grove State Park.

The park offers amenities for Horseback riders, hikers, bikers, campers, and cross-country skiers. Union Grove State Park has several miles of trail running through the woods and along Brule Creek. If you are a nature lover or bird watcher this is worth your effort to spend some time there. If you are into camping they have about 25 campsites, some with electricity, 4 horse camping sites, showers, 2 picnic shelters, and equestrian camps with corrals.

Percy and I walked much of the trail system running through the park. It was a nice walk through the woods with a few steep hills to navigate. We encountered lots of songbirds, squirrels, some geese on the creek and even kicked up a couple of deer. On a scale of 1 to 10 ... I give it a “Why wouldn't ya!?” Fun little park to enjoy some outdoors!

Union Grove State Park South Dakota

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