I’ve been through Sioux Falls only one other time back in 2016, and that was only to sleep and pass on down the road. Before leaving this time I thought “there must be a waterfall here somewhere, else the city wouldn’t be named like that.” A quick online search later and oh boy did I realize what a mistake it would have been to leave without exploring. So I headed down to Falls Park and started on the northwest side at the visitor center. Due to being late afternoon, I only had time for one quick trip to the top of the observation tower, but if you should visit there is a gift shop and other displays to be seen here as well.
Views atop the lookout are spectacular. The falls are quite large and drop across multiple tiers of Sioux quartzite with the single largest feature being about 15 feet in height. In the surrounding park area there are patches of grass and rock, and many paved pathways that allow you to get close to the water for viewing. Being the weekend there were plenty of people here today enjoying the perfect weather, and lots of kids hopping across the rocks.
Here’s another photo from the same location but with a little more zoom. You can really make out how many levels there are to the rocks in the river; these continue upstream well beyond the railroad bridge and cross the entire span of the water. Business buildings including several hotels stand tall on the horizon.
There is a walkway that crosses the river below the lowest falls, and along that path you can take a few steps out onto the rocks for the best view of that section. Compared to the taller falls above this one only “falls” a couple feet, but overall drop in the river level is 10-15 feet in a very short distance.
Here’s a view of the “main” falls from the opposite river bank. I think these falls are so interesting because they aren’t just one uniform drop over a cliff, but instead have large drops, small drops, tiny cracks between rocks that create falls you can only see at a certain angle, and more. Wide variation of things to look at, and the fading sunlight is also giving some moody golden colors that contrast against the red stones.
On the east shoreline you can also find the ruins of the old Queen Bee Mill, a huge seven-story that at the time was one of the largest and most advanced of it’s kind. Not much left now but parts of the first level, but based on the modern buildings in the surrounding area you can imagine how big it would have been.
Here is an informational sign next to the ruins that I’m including in case you want to read more about it. Long story short, the mill never produced what it was expected to either due to not enough grain or not enough water flowing to mill the grain and ultimately shut it’s doors.
Another historical sign near the old mill site. Cost of the mill back in 1879 was half a million dollars which adjusted for inflation is just shy of $16 million today.
Another view of the rocks and rapids as I walk along the eastern pathways. At this location, there are more opportunities to hop across the rocks on the west side, but the east gives best direct views of the waterfalls.
Near the top of the falls you’ll come across a railroad bridge and the terrain starts to flatten out. I got lucky and a train went across right as I arrived at this spot!
Before leaving I crossed back over to the west side. As mentioned earlier the east side generally gives more direct views to the falls but that doesn’t mean it has everything. I think this shot from the west side gives the best perspective of how many levels there are to the quartzite, and if you look closely you can see some indications of the high water line showing how low the levels are in this season. I think it’s quite interesting how there are trees growing in the middle of the river on places that seem like there is nothing but rocks.
And here is one last look at the main falls from the west. I tried going out on the rocks for a closer look but too many people today (as evidence, see the guy photo-bombing this shot even after I waited quite a while for it to be clear). The sun was getting low and I was getting hungry for dinner so it was time to keep ‘er moving. Highly suggest stopping here if you are heading through the area!
Walking Data
Here is the map showing where I walked along the paths today. Notice there are still many more paths to explore around the river. The park and green way extend much further than this small area offering ample opportunities for recreation and exploration. I am not on the type of travel trip where I can really dive in to the local attractions, but if you were staying at the hotels nearby there are a boatload of stores and restaurants to visit all within walking distance.
Appears I walked just short of a mile bouncing across both sides of the falls. Elevations are very flat and again with all the paths being paved it should be accessible to just about anyone. Bring some comfy shoes and enjoy!
Yep… a beautiful area… we have been thru Sioux Falls probable 50 times… our daughter lives out west… after thru their 20 times or so we decided we should find the falls… it is a beautiful area!!!
100% agree, it’s a fantastic area that I wish I would have searched for on my previous trip!