You don’t need a gym membership to stay active in South Dakota. Sioux Falls has more than 45 miles of free, paved trail [1], the Black Hills have a 109-mile former rail line for walkers and riders [2], and a resident’s annual state park pass is $40 a carload [3]. Here’s where to start.
At a glance
The Sioux Falls Recreation Trail
The Sioux Falls Recreation Trail has more than 45 miles of paved trail, usable in all four seasons [1]. Its centerpiece, the Greenway Recreation Main Trail Loop, runs 19.13 miles along the Big Sioux River, past city parks including Falls Park, open fields and wooded stretches [1].
- Getting on: use one of 11 main park access points [1].
- Hours: open daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Falls Park and the Downtown River Greenway stay open until midnight [1].
- Detours and restrooms: the city’s interactive trail map shows restrooms, bike fix-it stations and trail detours [1].
The George S. Mickelson Trail
The Mickelson Trail runs 109 miles through the Black Hills, from Edgemont to Deadwood [2]. Completed in September 1998, it has more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels, on a crushed limestone surface [2]. Most of it doesn’t exceed a 4% grade, but some parts are considered strenuous: Dumont is the highest point, and the 19 miles from Deadwood to Dumont make up the longest climb [2].
- Pass: $5 per person for a day or $20 per person for a year [2][3]. Daily passes are sold at trailheads, the trail office and authorized vendors; annual passes can be bought online [2]. Keep the pass on you or your bike [3]. A state park entrance license doesn’t cover the trail [3].
- Hours: open year-round, dawn to dusk [2].
- Plan ahead: water isn’t available along the trail, and cell coverage ranges from poor to none [2].
State park entrance licenses
South Dakota’s park entrance license is required for motorized vehicles entering designated state parks, recreation areas and lakeside use areas, and it doesn’t cover camping [3]. It’s sold online, by phone at 1-800-710-2267, at park offices and entrance kiosks, and at Game, Fish and Parks offices [3].
| Pass | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual entrance license, per vehicle | $40 | $60 |
| Daily entrance license, per vehicle | $10 | $15 |
| Transferable annual license (hang tag) | $90 | Not available |
| Custer State Park 7-day license, per vehicle | $25 | $25 |
| Mickelson Trail daily pass, per person | $5 | $5 |
| Mickelson Trail annual pass, per person | $20 | $20 |
An annual license covers everyone in the vehicle and expires the May after the license year [3]. Qualifying South Dakota disabled veterans and former prisoners of war can apply for a free lifetime entrance license, and the Park Rx program lets participating health care providers prescribe outdoor exercise along with a free daily or discounted annual license [3].
Indoor laps in Sioux Falls
For icy days, the city’s Midco Aquatic Center at 1601 South Western Avenue sells day passes [4]:
| Age | Day pass | Fall/winter/spring pass (indoor only) | Annual pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 4 | Free | ||
| Child, 4 to 17 | $5 | $70 | $80 |
| Adult, 18 to 64 | $6 | $170 | $190 |
| Senior, 65+ | $5 | $95 | $110 |
Sioux Falls residents who receive free or reduced school lunches or medical benefits can qualify for reduced-income rates, including a $1 adult day pass in fall, winter and spring [4].
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for adults to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week [5]. Three 50-minute brisk walks on the Sioux Falls loop, or a Saturday ride on the Mickelson Trail plus two weekday walks, along with two strength sessions at home, would get you there.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [6]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [6]
- 12-inch loops [6]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [6]
- Made of latex [6]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor or in the grass, with a strap to carry it to the park. [7]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [7]
- About 74 x 24 inches [7]
- Elastic carrying strap [7]
- Hand wash only [7]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and bike rides. [8]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [8]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [8]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [8]
- Quick-release buckle [8]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- City of Sioux Falls: Recreation Trail
- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks: George S. Mickelson Trail
- South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks: Park Entrance License
- City of Sioux Falls: Midco Aquatic Center Admission
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
How much is a South Dakota state park pass?
An annual park entrance license is $40 per vehicle for South Dakota residents and $60 for nonresidents. A daily license is $10 per vehicle for residents and $15 for nonresidents. The license is required for motorized vehicles entering designated state parks and recreation areas, and it isn't valid on the Mickelson Trail.
How long is the Mickelson Trail and does it cost money?
The George S. Mickelson Trail is 109 miles long, from Edgemont to Deadwood, on a former rail line with more than 100 converted railroad bridges and 4 rock tunnels. A trail pass is $5 per person for a day or $20 per person for a year.
Is the Mickelson Trail closed?
Part of it. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks lists a closure from November 30, 2026 to May 1, 2027, or until the project is done, from Saw Mill Road to Carroll Creek Road, between the Custer City and White Elephant trailheads, while two bridges are removed and drainage and grading are fixed.
How much exercise should adults get?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week.