When researching labyrinths in the USA when I came to the Dakotas I realized I needed to combine them. Combined there are only 18 labyrinths in North and South Dakota. I have selected 5 of the best that are accessible to the public from around the states. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Before we get to my recommendations for the Dakotas I want to tell you about some statistics about labyrinths in the USA from some research I did. If you are interested in knowing things like what the largest labyrinth is in the US, where the Northernmost, Southernmost labyrinths are in the US, and similar questions, it is worth a read: Questions about US Labyrinths Answered. All of the below answers and statistics were part of that research. We start with a chart summarizing the data from each state:
Here is how North and South Dakota compares to the USA. Because of the low number of labyrinths they rank 49th and 51st in terms of # of labyrinths (list includes Washington DC). Not many labyrinths per capita either.
North and South Dakota Labyrinth Questions:
What is the largest labyrinth in North Dakota ? The largest labyrinth in North Dakota is the Benedictine Sisters of Annunciation Monastery Labyrinth in Bismarck with a 98 foot diameter.
What is the largest labyrinth in South Dakota ? The largest labyrinth in South Dakota is the Terra Sancta Retreat Center in Rapid City. This 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth has a diameter of 65 feet.
What city has the most labyrinths in North Dakota ? The city with the most labyrinths in North Dakota is Bismarck with 3.
What city has the most labyrinths in South Dakota ? The city with the most labyrinths in South Dakota is Rapid City with 3.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
5 Labyrinths to Visit in the dakotas
1. St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Labyrinth
This 11 circuit medieval style labyrinth is located on the lawn of the church and is made from paving bricks and gravel. Learn more about the labyrinth and see photos on the church website. The labyrinth is on 2nd St N and can be reached from the sidewalk (check out the Street view !)
Location: Fargo, North Dakota
Address:
120 21st Ave. North
Fargo, North Dakota 58102
2. Mothers' Healing Garden Labyrinth @ Dell Rapids Cemetery
A 7 circuit classical labyrinth that is made from concrete. The labyrinth is located at the back of the cemetery. The walls of the labyrinth are elevated above the pathways making it look great !
Location: Dell Rapids, South Dakota
Address:
Dell Rapids Cemetery
Dell Rapids, South Dakota 57022
3. Avera Cancer Institute at the Prairie Center Labyrinth
A 5 circuit medieval circuit labyrinth made from painted concrete. The labyrinth is located between the 2 entrances on the southwest side of the building. It is surrounded by pine trees to give the walkers privacy (but also obscures finding it easily). In the map above it is about an inch SW of the center. This link will help if you can’t find it.
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Address:
1000 East 23rd Street
Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57105
4. Sturgis United Methodist Church Labyrinth
A Chartres replica labyrinth made on painted concrete. The labyrinth is located in front of the church along a meandering pathway off the parking lot as shown in the map above. The church website features the labyrinth on the grounds page.
Location: Sturgis, South Dakota
Address:
1755 Ballpark Road
Sturgis, South Dakota 57785
5. Terra Sancta Retreat Center Labyrinth
This medieval 11 circuit labyrinth is located on the grounds of the Terra Sancta Retreat Center. Luckily I do not have to describe how to find it since it has an entry on Google Maps. You will see it is located off of one of the many hiking trails.
Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
Address:
2101 City Springs Rd.
Rapid City, South Dakota 57702
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist and one of my favorite mazes comes from the Dakotas:
Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings:
Templo de Sangre de Cristo Maze
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Maze
