Blood Run National Historic Landmark
🏛️ America’s Forgotten Metropolis — A National Historic Landmark spanning the Iowa–South Dakota border, one of the largest pre-contact Native American settlements in the Great Plains (1300–1700 AD), the Oneota trading hub that was home to 10,000+ people, hiking trails through restored prairie and riverside forest, and the award-winning Good Earth visitor center — a sacred landscape preserved
On the bluffs above the Big Sioux River, straddling the Iowa–South Dakota border, lies the site of what was once one of the largest communities in North America. From approximately 1300 to 1700 AD, the Blood Run settlement was a major Oneota tradition ceremonial and trading hub — home to ancestors of the Omaha, Ponca, Ioway, and Otoe-Missouria tribes. At its peak, the site may have supported over 10,000 residents, making it comparable to the largest European cities of its era.
The Archaeological Site
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Period | 1300–1700 AD — Oneota tradition |
| Status | National Historic Landmark |
| Location | Iowa–South Dakota border along Big Sioux River |
| Significance | One of largest pre-contact settlements in the Great Plains |
Good Earth State Park (SD Side)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Trails | Riparian Loop, River Lookout, Bur Oak, Prairie View |
| Visitor Center | Award-winning — exhibits on Oneota culture |
| Landscape | Restored prairie, riverside forest, bluffs |
Essential Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Summer Hours | 6 AM – 11 PM (May–Sep) |
| Winter Hours | 6 AM – 9 PM (Oct–Apr) |
| Visitor Center | Tues–Sat 9 AM–5 PM, Sun 1–5 PM (summer) |
| Fee | $10 SD residents / $15 nonresidents per day |
| Phone | (605) 213-1036 |
What is Blood Run National Historic Landmark?
Blood Run is a National Historic Landmark spanning the Iowa–South Dakota border that preserves one of the largest pre-contact Native American settlements in the Great Plains. From 1300 to 1700 AD, it served as a major Oneota tradition ceremonial and trading center, possibly supporting over 10,000 people. The South Dakota side is preserved as Good Earth State Park, featuring trails, restored prairie, and an award-winning visitor center.
Park Location
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