We asked a few Wellmark members about their favorite spots to enjoy the outdoors in Iowa and South Dakota — here are their responses:
Around Iowa
"I have fond memories of riding the old crickity wooden roller coaster at Okoboji's Arnold's Park that we thought for sure would send us flying into the lake. We would take a boat ride on the old Queen Mary and check out all the homes on the lake."
Joanne, West Des Moines, IA
"Our family loves to go to Storm Lake  . There is something for everyone and for all ages! There is camping or a hotel close by. A great, inexpensive, water park for the kids — both indoor and outdoor. They have a really neat park for the kids to play at, beaches, fishing and water sport rentals."
Lynsey, Ankeny, IA
"One of my family's favorite summer activites is to take a picnic to Ledges State Park in Boone, Iowa. My children love wading through the streams looking for tadpoles, squishing their toes into the sand, and tossing rocks. I like hiking through the park and climbing the sandstone cliffs. The favorite part of the day, though, is gunning our jeep through the streams at the bottom of the park to make a huge splash."
Brian, Des Moines, IA
"Spending the day at Rathbun Lake with friends on the boats, just cruising or dropping an anchor in a cove and doing absolutely nothing — talking, eating and soaking in the sun rays!"
Jackie, Chariton, IA
"The year I was born my parents bought a lot at Sun Valley Lake in southern Iowa. We went there every weekend in the summer when I was growing up. Boating, skiing, fishing, seaweed fights, etc... As an adult I realize what a wonderful place it is and how lucky I was to have such a getaway. Now, my kids love going down there!"
Becky, Altoona, IA
"I grew up in Spencer, just 20 minutes south of Lake Okoboji , so my high school/college years were spent working at some of the fun shops in the Emporium, soaking up the sun on the lake at Terrace Park beach, and eating at The Taco House — a "must do" when in Arnold's Park! Mrs. Lady's Mexican is also a hot spot — love the 'mini' Insane Taco!"
Jen, Tea, SD
"4th of July at Clear Lake is fantastic! I think the town's population at least doubles during this almost-week of events to celebrate the 4th. They have a carnival, arts & crafts fair, parade, live music daily, and of course all the lake activities that make it a great destination any time during the summer. The 4th of July fireworks display over the lake with the radio musical tribute rivals many large city displays."
Marlene, Dallas Center, IA
"My family had a cabin at Holiday Lake by Brooklyn. We used to sit on the tailgate of the car while dad pulled the boat behind us to the beach. My dad worked at Firestone so we had huge inner tubes to play on; we'd sit on the backseat door windows to hold onto the inner tube to take it to the beach! My grandkids can't believe we were able to do all that back in the olden days!"
Madonna, Des Moines, IA
"We love to camp as often as we can. The most fun is when we get our group of friends/family and all the dogs together for the long holiday weekends at Red Rock or Saylorville . Sometimes we're all lazy and just hang around or we're active and go on bike rides, walks, or play games like bags, ladder golf, bocce ball, etc. We have 'community' potlucks for breakfast one morning and dinner one night. There are usually some pretty good conversations around the campfire too!"
Jeni, Newton, IA
In Your Own Backyard
"We've started doing our own 'backyard campouts' for the last couple of years. We put a sheet over the side of the garage and watch outdoor movies. We have a fire pit so we cook and roast s'mores and of course have the tent pitched. One added luxury is that we have the house to store our perishable food and hot water for showers — can't beat that for budget camping.
One rule though — no TV or video games allowed. This is strictly family time to connect."
Mary, Sioux Falls, SD
Around South Dakota
"I grew up in the Black Hills and every summer we would go hiking in Spearfish Canyon . We would take different trails and see where it would lead us. The scenery is amazing, the creek was crystal clear and the fresh air abundant."
Joni, Sioux Falls, SD
"A favorite childhood summer spot was Falls Park in Sioux Falls, and it has improved significantly with age! Back then (50s -60s) the falls were inspiring but the surrounding neighborhood was pretty dilapidated. My dad took us for bologna sandwich picnics to get us out of the house when mom had card club. In 2008, I returned after years away and was delighted to see what a beautiful park has been developed there. It's a gem!"
Mary, West Des Moines, IA
"To save money on our vacation to South Dakota last summer, we picnicked every day. For lunch and snacks we always packed a large cooler. The kids loved eating outdoors, and ate healthier options like fruit and cold sandwiches instead of fries and chicken fingers. We saved a lot of money going this route, and I felt better about not buying junk for the kids to fill up with along the way. One piece of advice if you have young kids: be sure to pack the wet wipes."
Renee, Des Moines, IA
"We used to hold our family reunion in Rapid City , every year and stayed at American President's Resort outside of Custer, SD. We love the rustic cabins with kitchens and bathrooms if you don't want to rough it, and the inground heated outdoor pool is wonderful! Another favorite thing is Highway 16 with its scenic drive. Starting in Custer State Park with all the wild buffalo, It winds up through the Black Hills with breathtaking views of the faces on Mount Rushmore when you come through different tunnels and curves."
Kari, Sioux Falls, SD
"Palisades State Park is a little hidden treasure just Northeast of Sioux Falls, with giant plateaus of quartzite rock and a bridge over Splitrock Creek that connects the picnic area to the camping area. One time we were camping there and we were awakened to a hot air balloon being fired up just across the creek at about sunrise. What a beautiful sight that was!"
Brenda, Sioux Falls, SD
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Whether it’s enjoying a break from the hustle of downtown Des Moines at Gray’s Lake or backpacking up Harney Peak in the Black Hills, Iowa and South Dakota offer a variety of outdoor venues to enjoy the outdoors, from the urbane to the rustic.
Check out Iowa and South Dakota state park websites for locations, event calendars, and things to do.
City parks are great locations for picnics. Check your city’s official website for park and recreation information, including hours the parks are open and any restrictions.
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