Terrace Park

Terrace Park is a historic 52-acre public park located on the shores of Covell Lake in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Founded in 1916, the park derives its name from the steep terraces that characterize its landscape. These terraces, lined with Sioux quartzite and interspersed with staircases of the same material, drop about 30 feet from the top level of the park down to the lakeshore.

The park encompasses most of Covell Lake, an oxbow lake formed from a cut-off branch of the Big Sioux River. Walking and cycling paths traverse the park and encircle the lake, providing visitors with scenic routes for exercise and leisure. The park's grounds feature multiple picnic shelters and benches, offering spaces for gatherings and relaxation.

One of the park's notable features is its Japanese garden, located on the eastern side of Covell Lake. The garden includes trees and vegetation from both Japan and the local Great Plains region, such as Black Hills spruce, honeysuckle, silverweeds, cranberries, hydrangeas, and cherry trees. It also features stone walls crafted of local Sioux quartzite, decorative stones, wooden pergolas and pagodas, stone lanterns, archways, a stone teahouse, waterfalls, and wooden bridges over small stone-lined pools.

Terrace Park has a rich history, with major construction taking place between 1922 and 1937. The park has evolved over time, with various additions and improvements made throughout its existence. In 2015, Terrace Park and its Japanese Gardens were listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its contribution to the historic development of Sioux Falls.

The park continues to be a popular destination for Sioux Falls residents and visitors, offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and historical significance.