From changing foliage to Oktoberfest inspiration, here’s your guide to fall S.D. getaways

This paid piece is sponsored by Travel South Dakota.

It’s hard to let go of the South Dakota summer.

But those early peeps of sumac turning red, or that one tree in your neighborhood that always has to be the first to change colors, or watching leaves skitter across the sidewalk as you walk your dog all make it a little easier.

We love our blue sky summers. We pride ourselves on our stoic and windy winters. We welcome the neon green of spring. But where South Dakota really shines is fall.

Sweaters. Wool socks. And, yes, pumpkin spice everything.

South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks has a guide for following the fall foliage and choosing parks with can’t-miss views. Plus, local businesses are overflowing with special fall offerings. We’re looking at you, Oktoberfest beers and apple orchards.

We’ve put together a few ideas to welcome the season.

Don’t forget to get your Great Finds and Peaks to Plains passports stamped along the way. Travel South Dakota’s passport program highlights hidden gems, state parks and outdoor attractions across the state. Many of the sites on these road trips will get you one stamp closer to winning prizes.

Farm Island State Park

There really is a little something for everyone at Farm Island State Park — east of Pierre and an easy road trip from Sioux Falls. And while it’s a great place for crappie or white bass fishing in the late spring, the park has plenty to offer every season, said Ryan Raynor, district park supervisor and snowmobile trails coordinator.

“Our views and colors in the fall with our causeway, which runs to our nature area, are a must-see if visiting Pierre,” Raynor said. “We advertise in our Fall Foliage Tracker so folks can plan accordingly, and our pollinator plot I feel are things worth seeing or doing if planning a visit.”

Farm Island has a few new offerings this year, including an elevated shooting platform at the archery range, improvements to the pollinator plot and 19 acres of native grass to increase hunting opportunities and improve habitat, Raynor said. The park also offers campsites and three designated beaches – for off-leash dogs, swimming and boating. The park provides canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals and has an ADA fishing pier.

There also are 10 miles of non-motorized trails that connect either to city of Pierre trails or historic structures on Farm Island Nature Area, Raynor said.

“These trails allow folks to hike, bike, go birding or learn the historical significance the park had during the Lewis and Clark days and after,” he said.

Another spot not to miss is Hipple Lake, which is part of the Missouri River, but the nature area and causeway mean there isn’t much of a current, Raynor said.

“This means folks who want to learn how to swim or teach their kids, get in and out of a kayak or paddleboard, get on a tube or jet ski, you can do all these things and feel pretty safe about doing it,” he said. “The park provides free life jackets for those who want to participate in any water sports – for kids and adults too. I believe this local feature creates a fun and easy atmosphere for folks trying any of these activities for the first time and hopefully become enthusiasts in that type of recreation.”

Buffalo Ridge Brewing, Hartford

Buffalo Ridge Brewing is just a few minutes outside of Sioux Falls and offers a taproom and growlers to go, said Rick Warkenthien, co-owner and brewer.

“You’ll feel like one of the family at Buffalo Ridge Brewing,” Warkenthien said of the brewery, which opened in 2018. “We’re family-friendly and welcome well-behaved dogs on a leash.”

Fall is a perfect time to visit and enjoy a soft pretzel and a pint of Oktoberfest – Marzen Lager, he said.

The brewery has an outdoor patio and hosts events all season. The first Saturday in October kicks off the monthly charity bingo event, which supports local nonprofits. And Pub Trivia is every Wednesday at 7 p.m. There also are pop-up shops, cookie decorating and craft opportunities.

“We’ll be celebrating our fifth anniversary on Nov. 10-12 with a commemorative glass giveaway and a beer release,” Warkenthien said. “South Dakota has a growing number of craft breweries and a common interest in seeing each other succeed.”

Warkenthien said the brewery loves the community support. “We have a local farmer who helps us recycle our spent grains as cattle feed, local businesses that co-sponsor events, and churches and other organizations that hold events in our taproom.”

So what to drink there? He recommends a flight of four 5-ounce tasters to sample a variety.

“My favorite part of serving beer is introducing customers to a style they have never experienced. Or they may have tried that style somewhere else and didn’t care for it, but they like what we have,” Warkenthien said. “Customers often say, ‘I don’t like dark beer’ or ‘What do you have for light beers?’ After pouring a few samples, often they will order something they have never tried. It’s satisfying to see someone step out of their comfort zone and discover a new beer style that they really enjoy!”

Other opportunities

You can check off parks on your passports and bear witness to South Dakota’s amazing fall by visiting sites listed on Travel South Dakota’s site here. Sica Hollow, Palisades and Newton Hills are just a few state parks that offer outstanding foliage.

If you want more than a pretty drive or hike, there are plenty of fall events happening, including the Newton Hills Festifall from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. The event features a craft fair, food vendors and family activities. There’s also a candlelight walk from 7:15 to 9:30 p.m.

Or take a drive north to the Big Stone Pumpkin Patch, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every weekend through Oct. 29. Pick your own pumpkin, or find a big variety already picked. Plus enjoy hayrides, a corn maze, jumping pillow, corn dig, climbing bales and barrel train rides.

Headed out west? You can do the U.S. Highway 385 scenic drive, a 59-mile tour through the Black Hills.

Good to know: The 2024 state park licenses are available now – don’t worry, your 2023 license is valid until May. You can buy a license by going online, calling 800-710-2267 or stopping at your local park office, park kiosk or participating local vendors.

Ready for the last summer road trip? We’ve got a plan for you