Sunset during Autumn at Union Grove State Park. Photo: Park Facebook Page
Union Grove State Park lies nestled within the woodlands near Brule Creek in southeastern South Dakota, not far from Beresford.
This picturesque area is also just 47 miles south of Sioux Falls. The park’s trails, which wind throughout the surrounding woodlands and along the creek, attract hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and cross-country skiers.
Guests also enjoy camping, birdwatching, and picnicking within this peaceful South Dakota state park.
Activities
Plan your adventure inside Union Grove State Park. Here you will have fun exploring the trails (by foot, bike, or horse), spending a few peaceful nights under the stars, relaxing in one of the park’s scenic picnic areas, or discovering one of the many hidden geocaches. The park also features a playground and covered picnic areas for larger gatherings.
For guests planning to visit the park during the winter: you may also enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Union Grove State Park:
Hiking at Union Grove State Park
Explore the woodlands of pines and cedars, and walk through the native mixed grass prairie and along Brule Creek. Get a closer look at some of the native flora and fauna and a few exotic trees and shrubs that were planted here during the 1930s.
This serene area in and around Union Grove State Park is open for exploring (just be cautious during hunting season). Although the park features 2 designated trails for guests to explore during their visit, only one is primarily for hikers. The Brule Bottom Hiking Trail, a moderate 1.2 mile trail with a few hills, is also ideal for snowshoeing during the winter.
The park’s second trail, the Mosey Meadow Multi-Use Trail, is not only open for hikers but also for horseback riders and mountain bikes. In the winter this moderate 4.3 mile trail is also available for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Trail guides are available inside the park, in a dispenser box at the trailhead.
Horseback Riding at Union Grove State Park
Union Grove State Park allows guests with horses to access the 4.3 mile Mosey Meadow multi-use trail. This moderate trail starts near the equestrian camping area and winds through the woodlands and along the creek. All out-of-state visitors with horses are required to show proof of a negative Coggins test as well as a clean health certificate.
Hunting at Union Grove State Park
For those who enjoy hunting: with a valid South Dakota hunting license you may hunt deer, turkey, and pheasant during specified hunting seasons (generally between October 1 and April 30). Be aware that bows and uncased firearms are not permitted within the campground or picnic areas.
Birding at Union Grove State Park
Discover the birds of southeastern South Dakota during your visit to Union Grove State Park. Here you may see cardinals, orioles, grosbeak, warblers, blackbirds, blue jays, pheasants, wild turkeys, sparrows, chickadees, finches, wrens, hawks, and vireos, among the pines, cedars, shrubs and prairie, and along Brule Creek. Grab your binoculars and a bird checklist and try to visit between March and September (the best bird watching months.)
Nature and Wildlife at Union Grove State Park
Get ready to see deer, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, beavers, groundhogs, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and more inside this serene southeastern South Dakota state park. This area contains a deciduous woodland that includes pines and cedars, and a native mixed grass prairie. The park also features some exotic shrubs and plants that were introduced here during the 1930s.
Pets
Pets are allowed at Union Grove State Park but must be supervised, leashed, and cleaned up after.
Camping
Interested in spending a peaceful night inside the park? You’re in luck, Union Grove State Park has electric and tent-only campsites and a separate equestrian camping area all nestled within the surrounding woodlands. From May 1 to September 30 all campers have convenient access to flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. Water may be turned off inside the park between Oct 1 and April 30. Vault toilets are still available during that time.
Park Location
Union Grove State Park
30828 471st Avenue
Beresford, SD 57004
Phone: 800.710.2267
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Union Grove State Park:
It’s pretty small and there’s not much to do in the area. It is only a couple miles away from the interstate so it is a good stop-over spot.