Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum and East Sioux Falls Historic Site — Attraction in Split Rock Township

If you haven’t yet visited the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, it’s time you did!! Over the years I’ve come to appreciate being able to see mature plants in a landscape setting. I enjoy shopping at plant nurseries but it’s so difficult determining how a plant might look in say 5-10 years...

The arboretum is beautiful and immaculately cared for. That being said, I do think they could do a much better job being environmentally-conscious. Their parking lot drains to an area that’s supposed to be a wetland (to filter pollution and provide wildlife habitat). They even have a display with a photo of how it should look and function... For some reason they mow the entire area, completely ignoring their own educational sign!!

Also, their pond and waterfall are nice touches but are colored blue and treated with herbicides so that they look like something sterile and synthetic like you’d see at Disney World. Such a wasted opportunity for a naturally beautiful pond that could be beneficial to all sorts...

The Mary Jo Wegner Arboreum is a beautiul jewwl for the area. Gorgeous ornamental gardens, natural pathways, and an excellwnt staff make this place a sweet refuge fron stress. Perfect for meditation, contemplation, or just a stroll around so much beauty. Dogs are welcone on leash (obviously). Waterfall, pond and babbling stream add great water features. Many species of flowers and trees and labeling helps to know what they are. Outstanding. A plus rating....

Beautiful nature. I and my son enjoyed an outside yoga class on the grassy area taught by Val from FORM yoga studio and then learned about the nature of South Dakota from Andrea's perspective as a naturalist pro, as well as the indigenous views offered from Mike O'Connor. Thank you to the Mary Jo Arboretum programming (Natalie) for helping Saturday start in an unique way being well-tuned to the Mother nature physically, mentally, emotionally...