Game, Fish & Parks Outdoor Campus - Sioux Falls

09/25/2026

We are so excited to announce a new project we have been working on:

The Installation of an Osprey Nesting Pole and a Live Camera!

On October 2nd, we will be working with Xcel Energy to install the pole and nesting platform.

At a later date, we will come back and add the live camera with the hopes that an Osprey will take over the pole as a nesting platform.

This work should not affect the trails for park users.

A huge thank you to Xcel Energy for helping to fund this project!

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation

09/23/2026

09/22/2026

📸 Trail Camera Tuesday! 📸

09/20/2026

It was an honor to meet with and present at the
SDState - Department of Natural Resource Management Friday Seminar on Friday the 11th!

We loved getting to share with Undergraduate and Graduate level students what education with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks looks like and what internship opportunities exist within the Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

09/19/2026

🐦🍂 Fall Bird Watching at The Outdoor Campus!

Fall is the perfect time to get outside and see who’s passing through! Join our naturalists on Saturday, September 26 as we explore the trails at The Outdoor Campus and look for the feathered friends that call our park home, along with migrating visitors making their way through.

Whether you’re new to bird watching or already enjoy spotting birds, come spend a morning on the trails and see what we can find!

Date: Saturday, September 26
Time: 10:00-11:30 AM
Ages: Recommended 8 and up; youth must be accompanied by an adult
Register: https://tinyurl.com/5n6ekc74

09/17/2026

🎣 Ladies, come tie some flies with us!

The Ladies Fly Tying Club at the Outdoor Campus–Sioux Falls is a beginner-friendly group for women interested in learning more about the world of fly tying and fly fishing. Each month, we’ll learn about different fly-tying equipment and techniques while featuring a new fly to tie.

Whether you’re brand new to fly tying or looking to build your skills, this is a great opportunity to create, connect, and support other women in fly fishing.

Date: Thursday, October 8
Time: 6:00-7:30 PM
Ages: 16 and older
Register: https://tinyurl.com/55uerwbe

09/16/2026

🐾 What to Expect During Your First Season With Your Dog 🐾

A dog’s first hunting season is about much more than filling a game bag. It’s about building confidence, creating positive experiences, and developing the partnership that will last for years to come.

Join professional dog trainer, avid hunter, and outdoor educator Sami Jo Strutz as she shares what to realistically expect from a young hunting dog, common challenges you may encounter during that first season, and practical tips to help both you and your dog enjoy a successful start.

Whether you’re preparing for your first hunt with a young dog or looking to make the most of their introduction to the field, you’ll leave with realistic expectations and tools you can use for seasons to come.

Sami Jo’s current pack includes Black Labs and an English Setter, and she enjoys helping handlers build confident, reliable hunting partners for both upland and waterfowl hunting.

Date: Tuesday, September 22
Time: 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Ages: All ages (youth with adult)
Register: https://tinyurl.com/3tc78pab

09/14/2026

Congratulations to Ted, our Week 16 Adventure 250 winner!

Ted completed his Adventure 250 adventures at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve and won a Plano Backpack Tackle Box, sponsored by the Independent Insurance Agents of South Dakota ! Ted received his prize at GFP Outdoor Campus East, where it was presented by Game, Fish and Parks staff and Aaron Smith of Aaron M. Smith Insurance & Financial Group, a partner agent.

Located in Sioux Falls, GFP Outdoor Campus East connects people with the outdoors through hands-on opportunities to learn about and enjoy fishing, hunting, wildlife, conservation, and other outdoor activities.

Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve offers a beautiful glimpse into South Dakota’s natural and cultural history, with scenic trails, native prairie, wooded areas, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, and exploring the outdoors.

Adventure 250: Make Your History has officially wrapped up, and we want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who participated! From exploring new parks and trying new activities to sharing adventures with family and friends, you helped make this summer one to remember.

Congratulations again to Ted and all of our Adventure 250 weekly winners—and thank you for getting outside and making your history in South Dakota State Parks!

09/13/2026

Looking to get prepared for this years hunting season, don’t forget the number one facet of every hunt: safety!

The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks offers HunterSafety in a variety of online and in person platforms. To learn more visit: https://gfp.sd.gov/hunter-education/

In the Sioux Falls area, the following opportunities are available to get your Hunter Safety Certification. Click on the link beside the class to register for an in-person class:
September 15, 17, 19 - http://license.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=234878
September 22, 24, 26 - http://license.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=234879
September 29, October 1, 3 - http://license.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=234880

If you have already taken an online course and are looking for a field day near Sioux Falls, check out the class below. Click the link to register:
October 3 – http://license.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com/Event/ViewEvent.aspx?id=234861