Spencer Park

Imagine a spacious and well-maintained green oasis nestled in the picturesque city of Sioux Falls, located in the USA. This is Spencer Park—a popular destination for active recreation, sports, and family leisure.

One of the park's main highlights is its diversity: there is something for everyone here, from fans of classic picnics to competitive disc golf players who can enjoy the specially equipped 9-hole course. For those who prefer speed, the park features a network of singletrack forest trails approximately 1.6 km long, perfectly suited for beginner mountain bikers and trail runners.

Special attention is given to four-legged friends. Spencer Park is famous for its fenced dog parks, divided into separate areas for large and small breeds. With soccer fields, volleyball courts, and easy access to the city's bike path network, this location is rightfully considered one of the hubs of the city's sporting life.

To plan your visit or for more information regarding events at the park, you can use the following contact details:

There is something for everyone in this park. Sports enthusiasts can test their accuracy on the 9-hole disc golf course or organize a friendly match on the soccer fields and sand volleyball court. For those seeking a thrill, there are specialized singletrack trails—winding natural-surface paths that cut through wooded terrain and varying elevations, offering a great experience for cyclists and trail runners.

Pet owners will find one of the city's best dog park areas here. Dogs can safely run off-leash in spacious fenced sections while their owners socialize in the shade of the trees. A modern playground is available for children, and cozy shelters equipped with electricity make the park an ideal spot for family picnics or outdoor birthday celebrations.

Don't forget about winter activities: when the snow falls, the park transforms to offer Nordic ski trails. Additionally, the park serves as an excellent entry point to the city's overall bicycle path system, allowing you to start a long journey along the Big Sioux River, enjoying the peace and beauty of the local nature in any season.

Getting to the park is easy, as it is conveniently located in the southern part of the city at 3501 Cliff Ave. If you prefer traveling by private or rental car, you will easily find parking spaces along Cliff Avenue. The park’s proximity to the scenic Big Sioux River serves as an excellent landmark.

For those using public transport, the Sioux Area Metro (SAM) buses serve the area. It is recommended to check the current schedules and routes on the official city portal in advance. Taxis from the city center are also readily available and offer a quick ride.

Cyclists and walkers will find the journey particularly enjoyable. Spencer Park is a major access point for the city's extensive network of bicycle paths and the Big Sioux River Greenway, making it easy to include the park in a longer route through the city's natural attractions.

The history of these lands dates back to 1872, when Delavan S. Cole settled here and created a site known as Coles Park. The area received its current name after it was acquired by the Spencer brothers, who were prominent figures among the region's early settlers. However, the most significant period of development began during an unusual time.

During World War II, the federal government purchased this site for use as a Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD). A residential complex for workers, administrative buildings, and even a large school—costing an impressive $5 million at the time—were constructed here. In the 1940s, life in Spencer Park was buzzing with activity, featuring clubs, boxing matches, movie screenings, and baseball games.

After the war, in the late 1950s, the residential buildings were handed over to charitable organizations, and the territory eventually returned to its recreational status. Today, only certain elements of the layout and a historic atmosphere—carefully preserved by the city's residents—remain as a reminder of its rich past, transforming a former strategic zone into an oasis of peace and sports.

When planning your visit, consider what activities you wish to enjoy. For a leisurely stroll along the main trails, getting to know the area, or a quick round of disc golf, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is also enough time for dog owners to let their pets run around in the specialized off-leash zones.

If you are planning a full family outing with a picnic under a shelter, a game of soccer or volleyball, or a mountain bike ride on the singletrack trails, you should set aside 2 to 4 hours. A visit to the park can easily extend to half a day, especially if you decide to combine it with a trip along the adjacent city bike path network.

The park is hospitably open to visitors every day. You can plan your visit from early morning until late evening: official operating hours are from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. This allows you to enjoy a morning run in the rays of the rising sun or take an evening walk under the lamplight.

Despite the consistent schedule, it is recommended to check the city's official website or the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation portal before visiting. This will help ensure that there are no special sporting events or maintenance works being conducted that might temporarily limit access to certain areas or trails.

Exploring the surroundings of the park will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the region and discover many interesting locations. Its proximity to the river and developed infrastructure make this area an excellent starting point for further excursions.

Below are some notable places located within easy reach: