Hi there!
Palisades State Park can make for a perfect way to break up your drive as you make your way west from Chicago to Badlands National Park… or if you are driving beyond from Chicago to Yellowstone National Park!
Palisades State Park is probably one of the best state parks in South Dakota, but it may not necessarily be a must-stop as there are more worthy things to do in Western South Dakota that you may want to spend your time in!
👆 Split Rock Creek Trail is one of the best things to do in Palisades State Park in Eastern South Dakota.
Most of the best places to visit in South Dakota are in Western South Dakota.
But if you’re driving from further east, once you start driving in South Dakota along I-90 there’s not much until you get to the west side of the state.
Palisades State Park is located on the far east side of South Dakota, just across the border from Minnesota.
It’s a convenient stop with easy access off of I-90.
It’s not a visit to Palisades State Park until you do a hike along Split Rock Creek! (It can be a leisurely walk!)
You can stop by the Palisades State Park ranger station that you will see when you drive into the park. You will be able to get a map. Palisades State Park is not that big, but it will still make navigating around the park easier.
Since Palisades State Park isn’t that big, the order of what you do things doesn’t really matter so much.
Start off with what looks best to you, and then do more of what looks next best depending on how much time you have left!
The icons of Palisades State Park are the King and Queen rock.
Watch the Palisades State Park video on youtube!
Stop along I-90 in South Dakota
Palisades State Park is located to the very eastern side of South Dakota along I-90.
When you’re driving from further east and on your way to places like Badlands National Park or Mount Rushmore National Memorial or Custer State Park in South Dakota, or Devils Tower National Monument or Grand Teton National Park or Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming… then Palisades State Park can make for a possible stop to make along the way.
Driving along I-90, Palisades State Park is a 20 minute detour. This includes the time to get off I-90, drive to Palisades State Park, and then getting back onto I-90. And then you’ll want to add the time you spend in Palisades State Park, which will vary depending on what you want to do!
You can spend 1 hour in Palisades State Park and be fine.
How far away is it from Palisades State Park?
- Palisades State Park to Badlands National Park is around a 4.5 hour drive.
- Palisades State Park to Wall SD is around a 4.5 hour drive.
- Palisades State Park to Mount Rushmore is around a 5.5 hour drive.
- Palisades State Park to Custer State Park is around a 6 hour drive.
- Palisades State Park to Wind Cave National Park is around a 6 hour drive.
- Palisades State Park to Jewel Cave National Monument is around a 6.5 hour drive.
- Palisades State Park to Spearfish Canyon is around a 6 hour drive.
- Palisades State Park to Devils Tower National Monument is around a 7 hour drive.
Camping along I-90 in South Dakota in Palisades State Park (and camping cabins)
Palisades State Park can also make for a budget-friendly overnight stop along I-90.
There’s the Palisades State Park campground and the Palisades State Park camping cabins.
I stayed in South Dakota state park camping cabins in 2 state parks, including Palisades State Park, and it was great.
And that’s a bit about Palisades State Park in South Dakota!
My trip to Palisades State Park was in September 2021. Your experience may vary!
More for your South Dakota road trip and beyond:
- The famous I-90 rest area in South Dakota
- Best places to visit in South Dakota
- Best camping in South Dakota
- Best things to do in Custer State Park
- Best places to visit in Wyoming
HAPPY VISIT TO PALISADES STATE PARK!
There are partner websites included in this post. I may earn a commission.