Plenty of family fun to be had at the Outdoor Campus of Sioux Falls

As we look forward to hosting the 2021 Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon I wanted to dedicate some time here on our blog to highlight some of my family’s favorite places in Sioux Falls. We believe that the Skedaddle is more than a race. It is a weekend enjoying our beautiful city. So no matter if you are a local running our race or traveling from far away our goal is for you to take the weekend to soak up all that our great city has to offer. As a runner myself I love to plan race-cations, but the important thing is to remember that the “cation” part of the phrase still means vacation for your family.  

Who am I? My name is Greg Koch and I’m hopeful that by this point you recognize me as the new Skedaddle race director. I’m also part owner of 605 Running Company and my family has owned a small business in Downtown Sioux Falls for the past nineteen years. My wife Chelsea and I have a one year old daughter Violet. Prior to Covid-19 Chelsea’s position within her work was moved to work-from-home last February (great timing). Together the three of us have been doing our best to navigate the world during a global pandemic. This has included many summer walks around the neighborhood and creating an at-home waterpark at Grandma and Grandpas house. Today I want to talk about a place we’ve really enjoyed going lately right here in Sioux Falls.

The Outdoor Campus of Sioux Falls is the perfect natural setting for the family and it is located in the heart of the city. With high quality, crushed gravel hiking trails (over 2 miles worth) and our current favorite the natural playground this is a great place to take young kids to burn off some energy. The Outdoor Campus is a joint project between the South Dakota Game Fish & Park and the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department. They often host “try-it” events and classes related to outdoor activity. The best part is these activities are usually free. The indoor facility boasts a 3,000 gallon fish tank and there are usually plenty of critters to check out in the smaller aquariums indoors as well.

During the pandemic my family and I have really enjoyed the opportunity to embrace the great outdoors and remain socially distant from others. Located off of 57th street and Oxbow in proximity to Sertoma Park and the Butterfly House and Aquarium this is a must visit area in Sioux Falls. The Skedaddle route also passes by this area which means it would be a great place to track your favorite runner on race day!
Finally, I must mention that this is an ideal place for speed work while training to race!
 
The Outdoor Campus
4500 S Oxbow Ave
Located in Sertoma Park
Sioux Falls, SD 57105

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​Greg Koch is the Co-Owner and General Manager of 605 Running Company and Produces the Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon, SuFu Circuit Relay Race and the 605 Summer Race Series. He serves on the Board of Directors for Downtown Sioux Falls, the 605 Race Crew and the Sioux Falls Area Running Club. When Greg isn’t with his family or working he enjoys being outside biking, kayaking, golfing or playing church softball.

​Instagram: gregrun605
YouTube: 605 Running Company
Facebook: facebook.com/greg.koch.583