Nestled on 40 acres in the southwest corner of Freeman, South Dakota and adjacent to the scenic Freeman Academy main campus, the Freeman Prairie Arboretum is one of the region’s hidden gems.

Welcome to the Freeman Prairie Arboretum

What once was pastureland has been transformed since 1999 into a serene landscape filled with winding walking trails, a tranquil fishing pond, a gazebo, outdoor amphitheater, and beautifully maintained gardens rich with roses, perennials, dwarf conifers, and art installations.

Visitors of all ages are invited to explore its natural beauty, find refreshment from the daily bustle, and immerse themselves in the calm of prairie grasses, sculpted landscapes, and water features.

Whether you’re seeking outdoor recreation, quiet reflection, or a gathering place for community events, the Arboretum offers an inspiring destination where nature and community come together.

Fill your prescription for sunshine and be renewed at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum… Let childhood curiosity trickle down the stream. Hook a big bass in the pond. Challenge yourself on the disc golf course. Find calm as the fountain bubbles your troubles away.

Events and Facilities

The Freeman Prairie Arboretum in Freeman, South Dakota, is a 40-acre space with native prairie plants, flower gardens, ponds, and walking trails. It offers amenities like picnic areas, a gazebo, an interpretive center, an amphitheater, a fishing pier, and a nine-hole disc golf course. The arboretum also hosts events such as the South Dakota Chislic Festival and the annual fishing derby, making it a place where visitors can enjoy both nature and community activities.

Volunteers have a ripple effect

Join our green and growing community!

We value your time. A couple hours over the summer or an hour a week… whatever fits your giving spirit. Each volunteer multiplies the impact!

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller