Blood Run supporters hope to extend park on Iowa side — and want you to see it

Advocates of an effort to preserve the Blood Run archaeological site on the Iowa side of the Big Sioux River are intensifying efforts to create a state park.

But first, they want you to see it.

On Thursday, the Friends of Blood Run will lead a tour of the site beginning at 10 a.m. Archaeologists say the site was a significant tribal gathering place for trade and ceremonies on both sides of the Big Sioux from 1300 to 1700 A.D.

“It’s a remarkable site with so many mounds. Some are protected, and some are unprotected,” said Joe Kirby, a volunteer who now is involved with the Iowa group after working to expand Good Earth State Park at Blood Run in South Dakota.

There is also archaeological evidence such as rock markings from the Native population as well as a settler homestead and the remains of the Rock Island Railroad line from the 19th century.

Good Earth State Park is southeast of Sioux Falls, with an interpretive center and extensive trail system. The state park is expanding with the addition of what is now Spring Creek Golf Course in 2025.

Similar efforts in Iowa have stalled.

“I was always hopeful that Iowa would get its part done too, and it hasn’t happened,” Kirby said. “Instead of trying to do the whole thing at once, it’s better to get the first steps. It’s an important site that needs to be protected before you have people come out there.”

The Friends of Blood Run recently developed a new strategic plan with near-term goals of securing permanent staffing, increasing awareness of the historic significance in Iowa and improving accessibility.

The longer-term goals include obtaining more of the land and building a link to the South Dakota side.

Some of the area is already designated a National Historic Landmark. The backers want to expand the amount of land covered by that designation with the dream of creating a national park.

The starting spot for the tour is one mile south of this address: 1001 120th St., Larchwood, Iowa.

Advocates from both states hold a semiannual meeting, which will follow the tour at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Good Earth Visitor Center. The public is welcome to attend that session as well.

It’s critical to get staffing and some basic facilities on the Iowa side to preserve the historical integrity, Kirby said.

“There are dozens of mounds that are vulnerable to being dug up, which people tend to do if we don’t keep an eye on them,” he said.

“It’s important to the Sioux Falls area. If we could have a national park or a two-state park right on the edge of town, it would be wonderful for tourism as well as the people who live here.”