Rachael Westergard

Leaders Park Trail is located in Leaders Park in Sioux Falls. Park on the street at the "Leaders Park" sign and head to the right, where you will find the start of the mountain biking trail. The trail consist of a 1.6 mile loop full of slopes, inclines, prairie grasses, and forests. The park is conveniently located in Sioux Falls and is free to use.  There are signs posted throughout that warn ...

Palisade State Park offers lots of activities, including camping, hiking, kayaking, and even swimming in the river. Steep cliffs made from pink quartzite give way to Split Rock Creek, a river perfect for kayaking. Up on a cliff, there is a campground with fire pits and picnic tables at each site. Cabins are also available to rent down the road from the campground. The sites are relatively far a...

Great Bear Ski Valley is a ski area in Sioux Falls that also has wooded trails that run throughout the property. The trails are free to hike and offer a secluded, private place to get outside and away from the city.  In the winter, the trails can be used to cross country ski as well. We found this place this summer and consider it a gem of Sioux Falls. There is no traffic noise, hardly any othe...

Falls Park in Sioux Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the area, and for good reason. It is a beautiful park in the heart of the city, spanning 123 acres and consisting of waterfalls, trails, a lookout, and a café.  Paved sidewalk trails run all around the falls and offer great lookout spots to sit by the falls or take some pictures. Be sure to visit in the winter when they're froz...

Lake Alvin is a beautiful lake outside Sioux Falls that is surrounded by pines and prairies. Its proximity outside the city means it is very quiet and very calm. The water is perfect for kayaking or canoeing, and there are multiple trails leading to shore to carry them in easily.   The park itself is about 59 acres and is best known for its water recreation. The park has a dock that is great fo...

Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is located outside Vermillion, South Dakota and consists of a 1.4 mile hike up to the top of a prairie mound. Lewis and Clark made the trek years ago, making it a historical marker to visit and see. Beautiful wildflowers line the trail, mixed in with acres of prairie grasses. The mound may not look too far, but the gradual incline up to the top of the mound can be ...

Kiwanis Trail runs along the south side of Lake Mitchell in South Dakota. Along with a hiking trail, there is also a trail specifically for mountain biking. The hiking trail is about two miles long and is a pretty easy hike for all ages. Along the hike, you'll wind through forests, plains, and right along the shore of the lake. There are also picnic areas in clearings along the trail that give ...

Otter Stream Trail is located in Lake Vermillion State Recreation Area. It has a lake, campground, and hiking trails. Be advised that there is an entrance fee. This trail wraps around beautiful grasslands and into shaded forests. The trail sits across the street from Lake Vermillion, and scenic views of the lake can be seen from multiple areas in the trail.  Eastern South Dakota is known for it...

Abbott Trail is located at Lake Herman State Park in South Dakota. The park itself is beautiful and offers many things to do, including canoe rentals, camping, parks, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Abbott Trail is 2.7 mile hike that works for all skill levels. At the trail head, there is a gazebo with information and pamphlets for hikers, along with a nice shaded spot to sit. There are birdho...

Once thought to be the highest point in Iowa, the Ocheyedan Mound stands tall in the middle of prairie grasses and cornfields. Though it was surpassed by Hawkeye Point, it is still one of the highest points in Iowa. The trail is free to public and easy to park at. It is a mowed trail that has a pretty steep incline towards the top of the hill. Because of this, this may not suit all skill levels...

Willow Creek Park Trail is located at Willow Creek County Recreation near Ocheyedan, Iowa. It has a peaceful lake with multiple docks, a .6 mile trail that runs around the lake, a playground, and picnic area. It is easily accessed off IA-9 and is free. The trail travels through prairie grasses and along the lake. The park has lots of wildlife, including many birds, fish, and frogs. It is a very...

Five Ridge Prairie State Preserve is located in Westfield, Iowa. The trail winds through both wooded areas and open prairie. It spans 4.8 miles and is mainly used for hiking and running. It is free to park at, though to get here, you'll have to drive a gravel road.  The trail has slopes and flat areas, making it an intermediate hike. There are beautiful flowers along the trail, so keep your eye...

Fall time in Colorado is incredibly scenic, and if you drive up to Crested Butte, you may find herds of sheep being led down the mountains. Drive along Kebbler Pass in September and October, and look for these huge herds of sheep. Though it can be difficult to track them down, they make for amazing photos and a very rad experience! Border collies can be seen herding them across roads and slowly...

The Sioux City Riverfront Trail spans over ten miles and follows along the Missouri River. It passes the welcome center, a river museum, and multiple parks. The trail is relatively flat, and suits people of all ages, so bring the family!  As you walk along the trail, you can get beautiful views of the Missouri River and of downtown Sioux City. There are picnic areas and parks along the trail fo...

Devils Gulch Park is located in Garretson, South Dakota, about a half hour from Sioux Falls. It’s free to visit, and is a great spot to hike or picnic. There are trails along the river and cool bridges to walk across.  Along with trails, there’s a covered picnic area right when you pull in. A neat part of the park is its history with Jesse James. It’s told that Jesse James jumped across the rav...

Clay County Park Nature Trail is located in Vermillion, South Dakota and includes a 2.1 mile loop hike that runs along the river. At the trailhead, you will find a lookout and picnic area, along with public bathrooms. The trail itself winds through prairie grasses and forests, and at times goes right up on the cliffs next to the river.  This trail is beautiful and free to access. Downtown Vermi...

The Ed Winkel Memorial Trail is located in Sibley, Iowa. It spans over 8 miles and includes a paved section that covers the first mile. Along the trail, you'll pass a golf course, cornfields, prairies, and many wildflowers. Dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed. This trail is great for hiking, bird-watching, or biking. This trail is a great way to see the town and check out the surroundi...

The Sioux River Red Rock Trail is located in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. It is a 2.6 mile paved out and back trail that runs along the Sioux River. This trail offers great views of the river, red rock formations, and even a waterfall. It is great for all skill levels, and dogs are allowed on leash.  The trail has recently been updated with a nice bridge that crosses the river. The trail is relat...