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New York
309

New York State Parks

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USA Parks
New York
Hudson Valley Region
Palisades State Park
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Palisades State Park © Anna Lee Simpson
Palisades State Park Green Horn Buck © Anna Lee Simpson
Palisades State Park snow blue fall © Anna Lee Simpson
Palisades State Park © Anna Lee Simpson
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PALISADES STATE PARK
PALISADES STATE PARK
Nature of the Area
Palisades State Park is on the southern edge of the Coteau des Prairies, a series of glacial deposits that extend north and south for nearly 200 miles in eastern South Dakota. A thin layer of debris was deposited by glaciers atop the quartzite. Beds of dark red pipestone can be found between the layers.

This is one of the few areas in the nation where pipestone is found. The mineral was considered sacred by American Indians and depressions still remain where it was once quarried.

For millions of years, Split Rock Creek cut deep gorges through Palisades State Park. Geologists estimate the Sioux quartzite spires are 1.2 billion years old.

Four hiking trails twist and turn through these beautiful Sioux quartzite formations. The cliffs and formations are also used by organized climbing groups to practice their scaling and rappelling techniques. Bolting is not allowed on the quartzite formations. Please contact the park before you head out for other climbing regulations.
History of the Area
Flour and silver played an important role in the area's past. A huge flour mill was once located on the bluff overlooking the park. The mill was powered by a large water-wheel installed along the rushing Split Rock Creek. The once-bustling town of Palisades grew up around the success of the mill. In 1886, silver was discovered downstream. The silver ore proved to be low in quality, however, and the nearly 300 claims were quickly dropped.

A popular legend tells of Jesse James' daring escape near the area. After robbing a bank in Northfield, Minnesota, the James boys spent several days in a cave on Split Rock Creek. When Jesse finally abandoned the hiding place, he was surprised to find a posse close behind. Reaching Devil's Gulch, legend has it that he leaped across the sheer walls to elude the lawmen. A small foot-bridge now spans the gap, which is found two miles north of Palisades in a Garretson city park.



Area Attractions
Big Sioux Recreation Area, Beaver Creek Nature Area

Devil's Gulch Historic Site, Split Rock Park, Garretson

The Outdoor Campus, Sioux Falls

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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Mamaroneck Bait & Tackle
111 E Boston Post Rd
Mamaroneck, NY
(914) 381-1924
Hudson Park Bait & Tackle
94 Hudson PK Rd
New Rochelle, NY
(914) 235-4050
Ramsey Outdoor Store Inc
240 N State Rt 17 # 4
Paramus, NJ
(201) 261-5000
Wades Bait & Tackle
760 N Broadway
White Plains, NY
(914) 948-7364
Al's Tackle Shop
88 Lincoln Ave
Pelham, NY
(914) 738-4589
Klondike Fishing Corp
448 Fourth Ave
Pelham, NY
(914) 738-4593
Area Cabins and Lodges
Tranquility Spa
917 Central Park Ave
Scarsdale, NY
(914) 713-0066
Marriott Hotels & Resorts: Park Ridge Marriott
300 Brae Blvd
Park Ridge, NJ
(201) 307-0800
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
1111 Westchester Ave
White Plains, NY
(914) 777-4357
Renaissance Hotels & Resorts
80 W Red Oak Ln
White Plains, NY
(914) 694-5400
Radisson
1 Radisson plz
New Rochelle, NY
(914) 576-3700
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New York
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New York State Parks

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