Mary Jo Wegner, a longtime citizen of Sioux Falls, dreamt of a quiet, green space that could exist in the city. She enjoyed nature and the outdoors, and when she suffered from leukemia during her last years, she spent many hours in an arboretum in a neighboring state. When she passed away in 2003, her family established a fund with the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation to commemorate her life and create a legacy that everyone can enjoy. Today, the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum is a beautiful, peaceful garden that's enjoyed by residents and guests of Sioux Falls every day.
You'll find the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum at 1900 S. Perry Place in Sioux Falls.
This lush, green garden is a little oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of your busy day.
You'll want to devote an entire afternoon to exploring the 115 acres of gardens here.
Wander along a walking path...
...or hike the trail near the woods, alongside the river.
Cross a bridge over a waterfall and feel the cool water droplets on your arms and face.
Take time to stop and smell (and photograph!) the flowers.
Learn about the history of this little plot of land, including the life of John Elm, a stonecutter who lived here in the 1880s.
Say hello to the ducks!
Sit quietly by the pond and marvel at the natural beauty all around you.
Visit the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum seven days a week, from dawn to dusk.
For more information about this beautiful oasis in the city, visit the arboretum's website.
Have you visited the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum? Tell us about it!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!