McHardy Park

In 1870, Thorsten Lee homesteaded the land that would eventually become part of the park. Over a century later, in 1972, Dr. Bryson and Hazel McHardy donated 35.85 acres of this land to the Brandon Lions Club for park development. Due to limited funding, the Lions Club transferred the property to Minnehaha County in 1973, making McHardy Park the county’s first developed park.

The park continued to evolve over the years. It was annexed into the Brandon city limits in 1977, and in 1983, the South Dakota National Guard constructed a 50-foot observation tower that remains a recognizable landmark today. The McHardy family continued their generosity by donating additional parcels of land, expanding the park to its current 74 acres.

In January 2001, Minnehaha County officially deeded the park to the City of Brandon. The Brandon Lions Club played a major role in developing the park’s amenities, including a footbridge, picnic shelters, tables, parking areas, and playground equipment.

Today, McHardy Park spans 74 acres along the southern boundary of Brandon. It features scenic picnic areas along the banks of Split Rock Creek, complete with several picnic shelters. These shelters can be reserved by contacting City Hall. Visitors can also enjoy playground equipment, a softball diamond, a GaGa ball pit, and a popular sledding hill during winter.

Additional features include a footbridge crossing the creek, a 50-foot observation tower overlooking the landscape, and a handicapped-accessible fishing pier. The park also offers modern restroom facilities, making it a welcoming destination for community gatherings and outdoor recreation.

McHardy Park contains several picnic shelters that can reserved by clicking here.