Pasley Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Pasley Park is a beautiful recreational area situated in the city of Brookings, South Dakota.


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Summary

It features a variety of outdoor activities and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

One of the main reasons to visit Pasley Park is its picturesque scenery. The park boasts a large lake, walking trails, and a variety of trees and wildlife. Additionally, there are several picnic shelters and playgrounds, making it a great spot for a family outing.

One of the main points of interest within the park is the Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf course. This 18-hole miniature golf course is themed after a pirate ship, complete with waterfalls and pirate decorations.

Another interesting fact about Pasley Park is that it is home to several species of fish, including bluegill, crappie, and bass. Fishing is allowed in the park with a valid fishing license.

The best time of year to visit Pasley Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, the park is open year-round and offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Overall, Pasley Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to or living in South Dakota. Its beautiful scenery, fun activities, and recreational opportunities make it a great place to spend a day or weekend.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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