Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, Sioux Falls
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum & East Sioux Falls Historic Site is a 145-acre natural sanctuary on the eastern edge of Sioux Falls, dedicated to fostering connections between people, plants, and the past. Named in honor of Mary Jo Wegner, a passionate advocate for the arts, humanities, and the environment, the arboretum is a testament to her lifelong dedication to preserving natural beauty and history.
Mary Jo, originally from Cleveland and raised in Nebraska, developed a love for nature early on. After studying at Wellesley and working in medicine, she settled in Sioux Falls with her husband, Karl. Passionate about civic initiatives, she helped beautify the city and envisioned an arboretum during her battle with leukemia. After her passing in 2003, her family and community brought her dream to life, opening the arboretum in 2005.
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is more than a park-it’s a living history lesson intertwined with the natural world. The site encompasses historic remnants of East Sioux Falls, including stone quarries, rail lines, and building foundations from the city’s early settlement era. Visitors can explore the reconstructed L-shaped schoolhouse, learn about the Sioux Falls Granite Company’s quarry, and walk along the former Illinois Central Railroad line, all while surrounded by native trees, prairie grasses, and vibrant gardens.
Educational opportunities abound, with themed gardens showcasing native and imported plant species, walking trails winding through diverse habitats, and the Mabel and Judy Jasper Educational Center, where historical and environmental exhibits engage visitors of all ages. The Historic Bur Oak, a revered symbol of the arboretum, stands as a reminder of the area’s rich ecological and cultural past.
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is a growing landmark in Sioux Falls, blending history, nature, and education. With strong community support, it aims to be a premier outdoor destination. Open year-round, it invites visitors to explore, learn, and reconnect with nature.
Mary Jo, originally from Cleveland and raised in Nebraska, developed a love for nature early on. After studying at Wellesley and working in medicine, she settled in Sioux Falls with her husband, Karl. Passionate about civic initiatives, she helped beautify the city and envisioned an arboretum during her battle with leukemia. After her passing in 2003, her family and community brought her dream to life, opening the arboretum in 2005.
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is more than a park-it’s a living history lesson intertwined with the natural world. The site encompasses historic remnants of East Sioux Falls, including stone quarries, rail lines, and building foundations from the city’s early settlement era. Visitors can explore the reconstructed L-shaped schoolhouse, learn about the Sioux Falls Granite Company’s quarry, and walk along the former Illinois Central Railroad line, all while surrounded by native trees, prairie grasses, and vibrant gardens.
Educational opportunities abound, with themed gardens showcasing native and imported plant species, walking trails winding through diverse habitats, and the Mabel and Judy Jasper Educational Center, where historical and environmental exhibits engage visitors of all ages. The Historic Bur Oak, a revered symbol of the arboretum, stands as a reminder of the area’s rich ecological and cultural past.
The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is a growing landmark in Sioux Falls, blending history, nature, and education. With strong community support, it aims to be a premier outdoor destination. Open year-round, it invites visitors to explore, learn, and reconnect with nature.
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Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum on Map
Sight Name: Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Create Your Own Walk in Sioux Falls
Creating your own self-guided walk in Sioux Falls is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sioux Falls Introduction Walking Tour
Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota, owes its name to the powerful Sioux people who once lived in the region and the cascading waterfalls of the Big Sioux River which have shaped both the landscape and the city’s development.
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century. First settled in 1856, the land around the falls then had to be abandoned because of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century. First settled in 1856, the land around the falls then had to be abandoned because of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles