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

The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse

— McKennan Park —

November 17, 2023

1. The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse Marker

Inscription. Led by E.A. Sherman, various park features and gardens began to appear with its official opening in 1908. This included a Caretaker's Lodge. The City Greenhouse was added in the 1920's as McKennan Park became a showcase of floral innovations. Memorial trees for Civil War and World War I veterans are found here. Many horticultural displays - unique rose and annual flower gardens, lily pond, cactus garden, and miniature village - have graced the Formal Gardens.

McKennan Park Caretaker's Lodge, Lake and Gazebo, circa 1910. Image courtesy Siouxland Heritage Museums.
Formal Gardens, circa 1940s.

McKennan Park has a long history of dedicated caretakers, also known as groundskeepers. In 1907, a landscape gardener designed the plan for the park's initial development, followed by many creative years under groundskeeper Oscar Ellefson who loved floral designs to honor holidays and special celebrations. McKennan Park continues its tradition as a jewel of the park system honoring the collective efforts of dedicated staff members.

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

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• Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.

Location. 43° 31.907′ N, 96° 43.35′ W. Marker is in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in Minnehaha County. Marker can be reached from South 4th Avenue west of East Park Drive, on the right when traveling south. Located in McKennan Park, southwest of the central parking lot. 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. McKennan Park World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); A Park Born in Controversy / McKennan Park Zoo (within shouting distance of this marker); The McKennan Park Pond & Wading Pool (within shouting distance of this marker); Lady Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); The Miniature Village (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sunken Garden (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pillars of the Nation (about 400 feet away); The Tennis Courts (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sioux Falls.

The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse Marker, from the south image. Click for full size.

November 17, 2023

2. The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse Marker, from the south

The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse Marker, from the west image. Click for full size.

November 17, 2023

3. The Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge & Greenhouse Marker, from the west

McKennan Park Interpretive Map Marker, Nearby image. Click for full size.

November 17, 2023

4. McKennan Park Interpretive Map Marker, Nearby

The locations of the Formal Gardens, Caretaker's Lodge, and Greenhouse can be seen on the map.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2023. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 26, 2023.