Tuthill Park

A Bit of Park History

Back in 1915, Arthur Tuthill and his wife Dot purchased this beautiful piece of land, using it as their summer retreat until 1953. In a generous move that would benefit generations to come, they donated the first 40 acres to Sioux Falls, and the park officially opened its gates in 1956.

Their gift came with a few strings attached - no alcohol allowed in the park and a promise to preserve Mrs. Tuthill's popular delphinium gardens. While those original flowers may be gone, the tradition lives on through stunning rose gardens and flower beds that now make the upper level a dreamy backdrop for weddings.

The Lay of the Land

Set on the south side of Sioux Falls, with the Big Sioux River forming its northern edge, Tuthill Park offers a refreshing escape from city life without actually leaving town. The rolling hills and diverse landscape offer plenty to explore, whether you're looking for open spaces or wooded trails.

One of the nice features here? The elevated areas of the park provide views of the city and sunsets. Despite being surrounded by the city, the park offers a surprisingly natural setting.

What to Do

Tuthill changes with the seasons, with different activities available throughout the year. When snow blankets the ground, grab your sled for some downhill thrills, lace up for ice skating, hit the trails for cross-country skiing, or try fat biking through the winter landscape.

When warmer weather returns, the park offers more activities. Hiking and walking paths crisscross the area, and disc golf enthusiasts can tackle the 18-hole course (which scales back to 15 holes in winter). The course is popular and attracts players from around the region.

The trail system includes both paved paths and dirt trails that wind through the park, suitable for hiking and mountain biking. In autumn, these trails provide views of fall colors alongside the river - a good way to get some exercise in a natural setting.

Park Amenities

Planning a gathering? You'll come across multiple picnic areas with shelters in both the upper and lower sections of the park. These areas have plenty of tables, many under shade trees, making them good spots for family get-togethers.

If you're bringing kids along, they'll love the two playgrounds complete with swings and unique features like an old-school merry-go-round. The newer playground area has cushioned ground surfaces for safer play. Clean restrooms and drinking fountains are available within the park, however you might need to walk a bit to reach them from certain picnic areas.

Community Hub

Beyond casual visits, Tuthill represents a gathering place for the community. The park's scenic settings make it a popular choice for weddings, picnics, and various social events. There's even an event space you can rent from the city for special occasions.

Your four-legged friends are welcome too (just keep them on a leash), and there's ample parking including handicap spaces, but larger vehicles might find the options a bit limited. Whether you're a local or just visiting Sioux Falls, Tuthill Park combines natural scenery, recreation options, and good facilities for an enjoyable outdoor visit.