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Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie
4.7 ★★★★★ 193 Google reviews · Running trail in Vermillion, South Dakota · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
State park noted for a short trail up a hill offering 360-degree views of the flat prairie.
What runners say about Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie
“There's a great view at the top and interesting historical markers on the trail.”
“Arriving at the top one finds beautiful views and a quiet place for reflection.”
This was a lovely outing. Easy parking, shaded picnic area, restroom, water all available. The trail is in great condition, and it’s a fun walk to the top. There’s lots of nature to see, smell, and hear; and lots of history to ponder. There are informational signs and benches along the way.
Spirit Mound is a peaceful place to visit near Vermillion. The trail to the top is short and gives you a great view of the prairie. There are signs that share the history and Native American stories about the mound. At night, Spirit Mound is a fantastic spot to see stars because it is far from city lights.
Amazing place, and a very scenic hike to get to the top of the mound. I would have liked to have stayed longer but the wind was enough to make me feel vertigo on the small summit. Definitely will be back!
Sacred place. 8/10 mile walk. Most of it is wheelchair accessible if you can move on a gravel path. The grass was over 5’ tall in places. The view is spectacular if you can imagine no houses
Trail conditions & character
“8 mile hike and being on top of the mound is rewarding and the view is priceless and by seeing for miles and miles and it was taken in June 2018.”
“It's a relatively short, easy walk (if you're accustomed to incline), and a great place for birding, sunsets, and wildflowers.”
“The walk from the parking lot to the top of the hill and back is the perfect length for a short hike.”
“Most of it is wheelchair accessible if you can move on a gravel path.”
“Most of it is wheelchair accessible if you can move on a gravel path.”
“8 mile hike and being on top of the mound is rewarding and the view is priceless and by seeing for miles and miles and it was taken in June 2018.”
“Arriving at the top one finds beautiful views and a quiet place for reflection.”
“At night, Spirit Mound is a fantastic spot to see stars because it is far from city lights.”
Plan your run at Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance10 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitespiritmound.org
- Phone+1 605-987-2263
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–11 pm |
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