South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) marked a milestone for Sioux Falls on Thursday with the grand opening of its new Outdoor Campus, a facility dedicated to expanding archery, hunting and fishing education for residents of all ages.
State‑run facility adds indoor and outdoor archery ranges
The newly completed building houses both indoor and outdoor archery ranges, allowing enthusiasts to practice year‑round regardless of weather conditions. In addition, the campus includes a game‑processing area where hunters can safely clean and prepare their harvest, as well as classroom spaces for instructional programs.
Program expansion benefits families and students
GFP officials said the expansion will enable the agency to offer a broader slate of programs focused on responsible hunting, fishing and trapping. “We want to bring people and students full circle in their learning experience, whether that’s learning to hunt, fish, trap—you name it,” said Regional Wildlife Supervisor Kip Rounds. “We’ll have classroom spaces where they can learn the basics of it.”
Since opening in March 2025, the Outdoor Campus has drawn an average of 15,000 visitors per year, a figure GFP hopes to grow as new classes and events roll out.
Public open house invites community participation
To showcase the new amenities, GFP is hosting a public open house on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees can tour the facility, try their hand at archery under the guidance of trained staff, and enjoy fishing at the on‑site pond.
The open house is free and open to all residents, reinforcing GFP’s commitment to making outdoor recreation accessible to families, schools and community groups throughout the region.
Local impact and future plans
City leaders and local educators have praised the campus as a valuable resource for youth development and outdoor stewardship. By providing hands‑on training and safe, supervised environments, the facility aligns with broader community goals of promoting healthy, active lifestyles and preserving the state’s natural heritage.
GFP plans to introduce additional workshops throughout the year, covering topics such as wildlife conservation, safe firearm handling, and sustainable land management. The agency also intends to partner with local schools to integrate outdoor education into curricula, giving students practical experience that complements classroom learning.
With the Outdoor Campus now operational, Sioux Falls gains a state‑of‑the‑art venue that supports both seasoned outdoorspeople and newcomers eager to learn. The expansion underscores the importance of preserving traditional outdoor pursuits while fostering responsible, family‑friendly recreation for generations to come.
Original reporting: Dakota News Now KSFY Sioux Falls (local) — read the source article.
