Sherman Park

Location and Size

Situated in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sherman Park spans roughly 205 acres. As one of the city's oldest and most expansive parks, it's got some serious history under its belt.

The park hugs the Big Sioux River, offering some pretty spectacular views. With its abundance of shade trees and lush grass, it offers a peaceful retreat from city life.

Major Attractions

If you're bringing the family, the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History is right here in the park. It's a fantastic spot to spend a few hours learning about wildlife while the kids get their fill of animal sightings.

History buffs, take note: the park houses the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial, a tribute to the WWII battleship and its crew. What makes this memorial unique is how they've arranged actual retired parts from the battleship in the vessel's original footprint. You can explore displays about its deployments and learn about the sailors who served aboard.

There's a small museum with personal items and facts about the battleship's service - including how it kept going despite taking serious damage in combat. The museum itself is seasonal, but you can wander around the outdoor exhibits any time of year.

Historical Significance

Step even further back in time as you discover Native American burial mounds within the park dating to around 400 CE during the Woodland Period. These protected mounds serve as quiet reminders of the area's indigenous heritage.

Historical signs throughout the park tell its story, including a fascinating tidbit about a massive 300-foot wooden slide built about a century ago by Sherman himself, stretching from the top of the park all the way to the bottom.

Sports and Recreation

Sports enthusiasts will feel right at home here. The park features nine agri-limed, lighted softball diamonds arranged in three distinct "wheels" or clusters. These fields aren't just your average diamonds - they're well-maintained and host numerous tournaments throughout the summer months.

A thoughtful touch: the softball complex includes covered bleachers on both sides and behind home plate, giving spectators some much-needed shade and protection from those surprise foul balls.

When winter rolls around, the park transforms with ice-skating and hockey rinks that maintain good ice conditions even during those random warmer winter days we all secretly enjoy.

For something a bit different, check out the disc golf course with its challenging hilly terrain that attracts both casual players and tournaments.

Amenities

Sherman Park offers a variety of amenities. Kids will make a beeline for the children's play areas with jungle gyms near the zoo, while adults might appreciate the open spaces excellent for a lazy afternoon picnic. There's even a wedding gazebo if you're planning something special.

The network of walking and biking trails lets you explore at your own pace and connects to the larger Sioux Falls trail system. These paths are especially peaceful in the mornings - great for that contemplative stroll or walking your four-legged friend.

Clean restrooms and concession stands are available near the softball complex and playground areas - always a plus when you're spending the day outdoors. And yes, the park is pet-friendly with plenty of open space for dogs to romp around.

One thing to keep in mind: while generally accessible, some areas might be challenging for wheelchair users due to the natural terrain and traffic patterns.