Skip to main content
LakeQuality

Updated July 2026

Falls of the Big Sioux River (Falls Park)

Minnehaha County, South Dakota — about 100 ft, taller than most.

The Big Sioux River drops more than 100 feet across three distinct sections of quartzite ledges at Falls Park in downtown Sioux Falls, the namesake of the city. Paved walkways and a five-story observation tower provide views; it is a roadside feature rather than a trail destination.

Height
100 ft
Type
Cascade
Access
Roadside
Trail
Not documented
Elevation gain
Not documented
Best season
Spring high water; flows year-round
Land manager
City of Sioux Falls (Falls Park)
Watercourse
Big Sioux River

Before you go

Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check City of Sioux Falls (Falls Park) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.

Graded lakes within 25 miles

Where to stay near Falls of the Big Sioux River (Falls Park), South Dakota

Top-rated places to stay near Falls of the Big Sioux River (Falls Park), South Dakota

Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.

Planning a trip to Falls of the Big Sioux River (Falls Park), South Dakota?

Get lake water-quality report cards plus the best cabin & lodging deals near Falls of the Big Sioux River (Falls Park), South Dakota — straight to your inbox. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Falls of the Big Sioux River (Falls Park) drops about 100 feet. That makes it the 199th-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 73% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.

Access is documented as roadside. No trail distance is on record for Falls of the Big Sioux River (Falls Park). The nearest town is Sioux Falls. Confirm access and land status with City of Sioux Falls (Falls Park) before setting out — some documented falls have no public route at all.

Spring high water; flows year-round. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.

More South Dakota waterfalls

Sources

Get trip conditions by email

Lake grades, water temperature, and seasonal conditions as the data updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.