Newton Hills State Park

Newton Hills State Park was named after William Newton who settled in the area in the 1850s. Newton's wife was a mid-wife; until the 1870s, she was the only European American north of Vermillion who could deliver babies and cure the sick.

History

Glaciers created this narrow strip of rolling hills and forest that is part of the geological formation called the Coteau des Prairie, which extends along the eastern boundary of South Dakota. At its highest point, the Coteau rises to more than 2,000 feet above sea level. Artifacts and burial mounds found near the park indicate that a Woodland Indian Culture inhabited this region between 300 B.C. and 900 A.D. The area's unique dark forest, amidst a vast open prairie, has prompted many recent legends, including buried gold, robbers' hideouts and horse thieves.

Nature Observation

Over 200 species of birds visit the area each year. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, marmots, rabbits, red and gray fox and squirrels are also found within the park.

Sioux River Folk Festival

Newton Hills hosts numerous folk music concerts in conjunction with the Friends of Traditional Music. One of the most popular concerts, the Sioux River Folk Festival, is a 3-day event held annually on the first full weekend in August. Learn more about the Sioux River Folk Fest and the Friends of Traditional Music at the website, www.fotm.org.

FestiFall/CandleLight Walk

The popular FestiFall event is held annually on the first Saturday in October from 1 - 5 p.m. It features many family activities including arts and crafts, kids' games, hay rides and bluegrass music. The pumpkin takes center stage with pumpkin catapulting, pumpkin carving demonstrations and decorated pumpkin contests.

Following the FestiFall event, the Candlelight Walk will lead visitors along 2.2 miles of candle-lit trail through the deep woods of Newton Hills. The trail will be solely lit by candles and carved pumpkins.

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Nature & Recreational Programs

Newton Hills hosts many activities during the summer season. Each program is geared for families with young children and will expose participants to the natural and cultural features of the park.

Programs are held every Saturday between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Educational films are presented Friday and Saturday evenings at 9 p.m. The park hosts a non-denominational church service Sunday at 9 a.m. See events calendar.

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Restrictions / Safety

DOT Road Report

Newton Hills State Park

28767 482nd Avenue
Canton, SD 57013
605.987.2263
Email: NewtonHills@state.sd.us

GPS Coordinates

Lat: 43.219041
Long: -96.570193