Rural Life and History

The History of Palisades near Garretson | Dakota Life

SDPB | By Tim Davison

Published February 25, 2025 at 7:01 AM CST

The original townsite that became Garrettson is also one of the finest State Parks in South Dakota.

We meet Merle Wenge, who was voted the 2021 South Dakota Campground Host of the Year. All summer long, he introduces visitors to the area—from the history to the walking trails, the famous rock formations, and Split Rock Creek.

SDPB also heads to the original townsite that centered around Patten's Mill.

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Tim Davison

Tim Davison joined the SDPB team in 2022 as an Emerging Content Producer. Originally from Nebraska, Tim has held many different positions over his career, including work on film and media projects focused on natural history and wildlife conservation. Most recently, he worked on Planet California, which aired in the summer of 2022 on PBS. An outdoorsman and oil painter, Tim describes himself as a lover of strong coffee, witty puns, and well-crafted storytelling. He and his wife, Stephanie Arne of Pierre, currently live with their dogs, cats, and innumerable plants in Sioux Falls.

See stories by Tim Davison