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Rock outcroppings. Wildflowers. Prairie grasses changing color every season, leaning into the wind.

The Sioux River Red Rock Trail in Dell Rapids winds about 5 miles along the southern edge of town and has been a labor of love for nearly two decades. It all began with a conversation between Linsey Duffy and Jill Schumaker.

It was 2005, and the two women were chatting while their children played. At a recent town hall meeting, Dell Rapids residents talked about wanting a recreation trail in the community.

“So, Jill said, ‘why don’t we get the ball rolling and see if we can make it happen,’” Duffy recalls. “We spent the next year doing all kinds of research and brainstorming, and then in 2006 we organized a committee.”

It was then that the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation partnered with them on the project, providing a trusted place to steward their funds that allowed their vision to gain momentum and take shape.

Like any project, the recreation trail had its roadblocks – from the Great Recession to flooding that altered the flood plain and caused the path to have to be re-routed right after groundbreaking.

“When you build along a river, the river is pretty much in charge,” said Duffy, who also serves as the committee chairwoman for the path. The first segment was built in 2011, and every other year or so more of the trail is completed. “Now, 20 years later, we are just getting to the last part of our original plan.”

A half mile segment will be finished this summer, and the next plan is to connect the path to neighborhoods as they’re built.

Duffy said a master parks study recently surveyed residents and additional miles of trail topped the list of community priorities. “We have the support, and I think it will just happen organically,” Duffy said. “I love hearing people talk about how much they like the trail and seeing them with their friends and families. The best part is seeing their enjoyment.”

Duffy said working with the Community Foundation has been integral to the success of the Dell Rapids Trailway Fund.

“We were so clueless when we started, and we knew we needed help in how we were going to handle our funds,” she said. “We wanted to be responsible and transparent. The Community Foundation put us in the right direction and took care of that fiscal responsibility that we needed. All we had to worry about was getting the community on board and raising funds.”

Andy Patterson, CEO of the Foundation, was at the original groundbreaking for the path. “I love seeing projects like this and knowing we can help people focus on their strengths. Linsey and the other volunteers truly helped create something beautiful that highlights the community of Dell Rapids,” Patterson said.

Destination Dell Rapids

The next phase of the path is up Highway 115 on the west side of Dell Rapids, said Steve McFarland, Dell Rapids City Administrator.

The parks master plan includes using the trail to link to residential and commercial areas, providing more parks along the trail and overall connectivity. The goal is to have the path bracket the town on the south and the west and then develop the north and east areas.

“That will get people around town and to different areas they can recreate,” McFarland said. “You want people to get around in a way they don’t necessarily have to take vehicles. They can go with their families. It’s safe and well-lit, and the destinations are areas where they can relax and have fun. The kids can play on swings and the adults can have picnics, and the views are nice.”

Plus, access to dining and shopping can add to the experience. “We want to attract people to Dell Rapids and show off the city’s high points,” he said. “We want things for people to do here so they don’t have to leave town – and for visitors when they come to town.”

Duffy agrees that the trail can be an economic driver for the community. “The trail provides a daily excuse to stay in town and support local businesses,” she said. “It’s a huge quality of life boost for the community.”

Plus, the path brings all kinds of people together.

“When you’re on the trail, it’s every age group, so you get to know all your neighbors and the community,” she said. “I think that multi-generational aspect of it is really important.”

Now that the main portion of the trail is complete, the community is looking to the future. Remaining funds raised for the project will be used to establish an endowment, ensuring the trail remains a vibrant part of the community for generations to come. The endowment will provide lasting support for the trail’s care and enhancement, preserving the path’s role as a place of connection and enjoyment.

“This is such a great example of how generous people and philanthropic organizations can come together to make a lasting difference in a community,” Patterson said.

Enjoying the view

Duffy said she still gets to the path once or twice a day. She regularly posts photos of the path to the Sioux River Red Rock Trail social media accounts – and never runs out of beautiful scenery.

“We have a couple sections that are native prairie. Those wildflowers, it’s a different palette every time you go there in the summer. And then with the trees and the seasons, it never gets old,” she said, noting in particular the prairie grasses.

“Especially when it’s backlit, it looks like it’s on fire. And the sound of the prairie grass is one of the best sounds.”

There are the bluffs along the Big Sioux River. The exposed quartzite. The rapids of the river.

And, of course, the birds.

Duffy said the area near the dam is a favorite – sheltered by the trees and rock walls and attracting robins, cedar waxwings and wild turkeys as early as February. Then orioles, green and blue herons, cormorants and egrets. Migrating ducks.

“You start out and really have no idea how big these projects are until you get going,” Duffy said. “Here we are, 20 years later.”

“On a really lucky day, I might spot a deer or a fox or mink coming through the trees,” Duffy said. “The scenery is gorgeous, and it puts on a constantly changing show.”