Terrace Park

If you are looking for a place where natural beauty harmoniously blends with historical heritage, then Terrace Park in the city of Sioux Falls will be a true discovery. This public park, covering over 50 acres, stretches along the picturesque shores of Covell Lake. It gained its fame due to its unique landscape with steep terraces, which gave the park its name.

Founded back in 1916, this site in the USA is today officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The park is more than just a green space; it is a complex site combining historic architecture, well-tended gardens, and modern recreational spaces, making it one of the region's most significant cultural landscapes.

The crown jewel of the park is the restored Japanese gardens, where you can find true peace among stone lanterns and elegant pagodas. This location attracts both those who love quiet walks and those interested in the history of the development of South Dakota.

To find out more about events or to book picnic shelters at Terrace Park, you can use the official communication channels. City services maintain the area in excellent condition and are ready to answer visitors' questions.

Below are the current contact details:

In Terrace Park, everyone will find something to their liking, whether it's active recreation or peaceful contemplation of nature. One of the main attractions is the Shoto-Teien Japanese Gardens, where you can admire a waterfall, a lily pond, and an authentic pagoda. A walk among more than 200 species of trees and perennials sets a meditative mood.

For fans of active leisure, tennis courts and baseball fields are available, while the shoreline of Covell Lake is perfect for morning jogs or Nordic walking. On Sundays in the summer, the outdoor theater comes to life—the historic Terrace Park Theater hosts the municipal band, whose open-air concerts have become a beloved Sioux Falls tradition.

For families with children, there are modern playgrounds and picnic areas, and in winter, the park becomes a magnet for ice skating enthusiasts. Be sure to check out the sculpture collection—annual children's sculpture contests have left many unique art objects here, which are interesting to discover while walking along the winding terrace paths.

Getting to this scenic spot in Sioux Falls is quite easy. The park is located at 1100 W 4th St, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors. If you prefer to travel by car, there is convenient parking available near the main recreation areas.

For those choosing public transport, the Sioux Area Metro (SAM) bus routes have stops within walking distance of the park entrance. A taxi ride from the city center takes just a few minutes, while walking enthusiasts can reach the park in about 15–20 minutes, enjoying the neighborhood views along the way.

Travelers arriving in the region via Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) should note that the drive to the park by car or taxi takes about 10–15 minutes. In the warmer months, many people prefer to get here by bicycle, using the city's extensive network of bike paths that run along the Big Sioux River.

The history of Terrace Park began in July 1916, when city authorities purchased a 52-acre plot from the heirs of early settlers for $15,000. The land belonged to the families of Josiah L. Phillips and Millard Covell. The deal was overseen by Edwin A. Sherman, a passionate advocate for developing park zones in the city.

The active transformation of the area began in 1917. Old farm buildings were demolished to make way for flower gardens, tennis courts, and even a small zoo, where bison, elk, and monkeys could be seen in the early 20th century. The famous terraces that gave the park its current name were formed in 1922—a steep slope was transformed into a majestic arc-shaped amphitheater.

Between 1922 and 1937, partly thanks to the efforts of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression, walls, paths, and a Mediterranean-style outdoor stage were built here. The Japanese gardens, known as Shoto-Teien ("Whispering Pines"), received a second life in the late 1980s through the efforts of volunteers who restored the waterfalls and pagodas.

To leisurely explore every corner of Terrace Park, a typical visitor will need 1.5 to 3 hours. This is plenty of time to walk along the terraces, enjoy the tranquility of the Japanese Gardens, and take some beautiful photos with Covell Lake in the background.

If you plan to have a family picnic, attend an outdoor concert, or spend time on the sports courts, it is worth setting aside about 4 hours or even an entire afternoon. In winter, a visit might be shorter unless your goal is ice skating, which is very popular here.

The park is open to visitors daily, allowing you to plan your visit at any convenient time. Standard operating hours are from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

It is worth considering that, depending on the season and weather conditions, the operating hours of specific facilities, such as the Japanese gardens or the warming house for skaters, may change slightly. It is recommended to verify information before your visit if you plan to attend a specific event at the theater stage.

Exploring the surroundings of Terrace Park allows you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere and discover many interesting locations. The combination of historical ruins, modern entertainment centers, and natural areas makes this district ideal for a rich tourist itinerary.

Many attractions are within a short drive or even a pleasant walk. Here is a list of interesting sites located nearby: