Sioux Falls in Minnehaha County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Sunken Garden

— McKennan Park —

November 17, 2023

1. The Sunken Garden Marker

Inscription. The Sunken Garden was constructed in 1936 and hosted a sundial, fountain and sculpture of Hansel and Gretel. The manicured garden displays included an adjacent McKennan Park floral nameplate throughout the 1930s - 1950s, which was brought back in 2015 by the Friends of McKennan Park Neighborhood Association. The continued evolution of the Sunken Garden through the present has been marked with a distinctive attention to detail.

Floral Nameplate at Sunken Garden, circa 1940s.
McKennan Park Sunken Garden, circa 1950. Image courtesy Siouxland Heritage Museums.

Situated in a prominent location along the main walkway, the Sunken Garden is a point of pride in the park and enjoyed by all. Park visitors stop to appreciate the various unique floral displays and solitude. The Sunken Garden with its quartzite walkways and cobble rock walls is also a popular wedding venue and gathering place for events.

Erected by Friends of McKennan Park Neighborhood Association with grants by City of Sioux Falls Neighborhood Association Program and Mary Chilton Chapter NSDAR Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1936.

Location. 43°

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31.943′ N, 96° 43.402′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. Marker can be reached from South 2nd Avenue north of East 23rd Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in McKennan Park, northwest of the sunken garden. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 E 26th St, Sioux Falls SD 57105, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pillars of the Nation (within shouting distance of this marker); Lady Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); A Park Born in Controversy / McKennan Park Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) (within shouting distance of this marker); The Miniature Village (within shouting distance of this marker); McKennan Park World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); The Helen McKennan Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

November 17, 2023

2. The Sunken Garden Marker

The Sunken Garden image. Click for full size.

November 17, 2023

3. The Sunken Garden

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2023. This page has been viewed 63 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 26, 2023.