You’ve probably seen the photos of the big waterfalls downtown. Everyone goes there. It’s the classic Sioux Falls postcard. But honestly? If you live here, or if you actually want to see what makes this city feel like home, you head to Tuthill Park. Tuthill is weird in the best way. It’s tucked back into a neighborhood on the southeast side of town, and it feels like a secret, even though it’s massive.
Most people just call it Tut Hill.
It’s where you go to sweat, where you go to get married, and where you go to potentially bruise your tailbone on a sled in January. It isn't just a patch of grass with some swings. Tuthill Park is 147 acres of heavy-duty Big Sioux River beauty, formal gardens, and some of the most frustratingly fun disc golf in the Midwest.
The Tuthill Park Disc Golf Course is a Legend (And a Nightmare)
Let's talk about the disc golf. If you ask any local player about the Tuthill Park course, they’re going to give you a look that is half-love and half-PTSD. This isn't your casual "toss a frisbee in the park" vibe. It is a technical, punishing, and beautiful 18-hole beast.
The hills are the problem. Or the draw.
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You’re throwing over ravines. You’re navigating dense woods where a bad kick off a tree sends your favorite driver into the Big Sioux River. It’s legendary. In fact, it’s often cited by groups like the SoDak Disc Golf Association as one of the premier spots in the state. If you can shoot under par at Tuthill, you can play anywhere. The elevation changes alone will have your calves screaming by hole nine.
One minute you’re on a flat plateau, and the next, you’re looking down a 40-foot drop toward a basket tucked behind an oak tree. It's brutal. But when you hit that perfect line through the "tunnels" of trees? There is no better feeling in Sioux Falls sports.
Winter at the Hill: Sledding and Survival
When the snow hits, the disc golfers mostly vanish, and the kids take over. Tuthill is arguably the best sledding hill in the city. It’s steep. It’s long. And it has a dedicated "sledding" area that the city actually maintains.
They used to have a rope tow back in the day.
Nowadays, you have to hike it yourself. It’s a rite of passage. You see parents huffing and puffing up the incline while six-year-olds sprint past them like it’s nothing. The speed you can pick up on a plastic saucer at Tuthill is actually a little terrifying if you think about it too hard. There's a reason you see so many people wearing helmets now. Smart move.
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The city also keeps an ice rink here during the deep freeze months. It’s not fancy. It’s just an outdoor sheet of ice, usually with a warming house nearby that smells like wet wool and excitement. There’s something deeply South Dakotan about Tuthill in January. It’s 10 degrees out, the wind is biting, and there are a hundred people laughing their heads off while sliding down a giant mound of dirt and snow.
The Formal Gardens and the "Secret" House
If you aren't into chucking plastic at trees or freezing your face off, you’re probably at Tuthill for the gardens. They are stunning. We’re talking manicured flower beds, a gazebo that has been the backdrop for roughly 40% of all Sioux Falls prom photos, and a stone house that looks like it belongs in the English countryside.
The Tuthill House is a real gem.
Arthur Tuthill, who the park is named after, actually lived there. He donated the land back in the 1950s. The house is built from Sioux Quartzite—that pink rock you see everywhere in this town—and it’s used for weddings and events now. It overlooks the valley, and during the fall, when the maples turn that deep, fiery orange, the view is legitimately world-class.
- The Upper Level: This is where the formal gardens live. It's manicured, quiet, and perfect for a walk.
- The Lower Level: Down the hill, things get wilder. This is where the river loops around, where the woods get thick, and where the bike trail connects.
People forget that the Big Sioux River flows right through the heart of the park. It’s slower here than it is at the Falls. It’s muddy and green and full of catfish. If you have a kayak, there are spots nearby to launch, and paddling through the Tuthill stretch feels like you've left the city entirely. You’ll see deer, turkeys, and the occasional beaver.
Why Tuthill Beats the Other Parks
Sioux Falls has a lot of parks. Arrowhead is great for wildlife. Terrace Park has the Japanese Gardens. McKennan has the tennis courts and the outdoor theater. But Tuthill has the vibe.
It feels lived-in.
It’s where people go to train for marathons because of those hills. It’s where photographers take their clients when they want "the shot." It’s where you go to clear your head. The park’s layout is intentionally varied. You have the "Upper Tuthill" area which is all about the views and the flowers, and then the "Lower Tuthill" area which is about the river and the woods.
Practical Info for Your Visit
- Parking: There are two main lots. The upper lot puts you right at the gardens and the playground. The lower lot is better for disc golfers or those wanting to hit the bike trail.
- The Playground: It’s newer and actually pretty great. It has those rubberized floors so your kid doesn't come home covered in woodchips.
- Hours: Like most Sioux Falls parks, it’s open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Don't linger after dark; the park rangers are pretty diligent about closing the gates.
- The Bike Trail: Tuthill is a major "spur" for the city's 29-mile loop. You can hop on here and ride all the way around the city without ever hitting a main road.
The Misconceptions About Tuthill
Some people think Tuthill is "too crowded." It can be on a Saturday in June when three weddings are happening at once. But if you go on a Tuesday evening or a Sunday morning? You’ll have the woods to yourself.
Another misconception: it’s only for "fit" people.
Sure, the hills are steep. But the upper garden area is flat and paved. It's totally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. You don't have to be a mountain climber to enjoy the view from the overlook. You just have to know where to park.
The city has poured a lot of money into Tuthill lately. They’ve upgraded the paths and kept the gardens pristine. It’s one of those places that makes you realize why people are moving to South Dakota in droves. It’s clean, it’s safe, and it’s genuinely beautiful.
Actionable Steps for Your Tuthill Adventure
Don't just drive through. To actually "do" Tuthill correctly, follow this path:
- Start at the Overlook: Park in the upper lot and walk past the Tuthill House to the stone wall. Look south. That’s the valley. It’s the best view in the city limits.
- Walk the Garden Loop: Even if you aren't a "flower person," the symmetry and the stone work are impressive. It's quiet.
- Head Down the Stairs: There is a set of wooden stairs that leads from the upper park down to the disc golf course. It's a workout. Take them.
- Find the River: Follow the bike path toward the water. Stand on the bridge and watch the Big Sioux flow by.
- Check the Event Calendar: Before you go, check the Sioux Falls Parks and Rec website. They often have "Yoga in the Park" or "Stargazing" events at Tuthill because it’s far enough away from the downtown lights to actually see something.
Tuthill Park isn't just a destination; it's a staple of life in Sioux Falls. Whether you're there to lose a disc in a tree or find some peace in the flower beds, it delivers. Go in the fall. The colors will change your mind about what South Dakota looks like.
Next Steps:
Grab a map of the Sioux Falls Bike Trail system to see how Tuthill connects to the rest of the city. If you’re planning a visit, check the local weather forecast specifically for wind speeds, as the "Hill" acts as a wind tunnel that can make it feel 10 degrees colder than the rest of the city.