Falls of the Big Sioux River

Falls Park - View of falls from atop the observation tower

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 … Read more

Pipestone National Monument

Pipestone National Monument - Old Stone Face rock formation

Thus far on my road trip I’ve basically been making up plans as I go along. But my main goal for sticking around in this area was to visit Pipestone National Monument in Pipestone, Minnesota. I’ve had this on my “to do” list now for a few years and it never came together but happily … Read more

Split Rock Park

Split Rock Park - Wide angle view of the area near the dam

Today seems like “do everything interesting in Garretson, South Dakota” day but it wasn’t really by plan. As it often happens, I was freestyle cruising Google Maps and came across a couple parks not far away from camp. So I headed just a couple miles down the road and first stopped at Split Rock Park. … Read more

Baxter’s Hollow Rapids

Baxter's Hollow Rapids

Darkness was setting in as I reached the final stop on the weekend’s adventure. I had not expected water levels on Otter Creek to be flowing quite so well at Baxter’s Hollow, but I frantically scrambled to get some photos before I was completely out of light. So after driving to the end of Stones … Read more

Big Springs Nature Park

Big Springs Nature Park - Guttenberg, Iowa

My final destination for the day was at Big Springs Nature Park in Guttenberg, Iowa. From Hazel Green, Wisconsin I followed IA-3 and US-52 along what they call the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. The drive itself is pretty fun and shows the Iowa side along the Mississippi but often times goes inland. Either … Read more

Rock Falls (2021)

Rock Falls - Drone view of the main falls

Made a quick pitstop while in Ellsworth, WI and took a peek at the map. Realized I wasn’t far away from Rock Falls where I had previously missed out due to road construction. Someone told me the work was now done, so I headed to the small town to see what I could find. There … Read more

Trimbelle River Falls

Trimbelle Recreation Area - Small falls near the walking bridge

Another quick stop in Ellsworth, Wisconsin to see another teeny tiny rapids/falls, also on the Trimbelle River. This one doesn’t have a name other than being called Trimbelle River Falls. Access is very easy via the short trails within the Trimbelle Recreation Area (aka Trimbelle Acres County Park). From the trail sign, it’s a very … Read more

GasLite Bar and Grill Falls

GasLite Bar and Grill - Small rapids/falls under the bridge out back

Quick stop at a local joint called GasLite Bar and Grill in Ellsworth, Wisconsin to check out a possible small “falls” on the Trimbelle River that runs behind the property. Surprisingly, I thought this was just a small dive bar but boy was I wrong – they have a huge football-field sized yard out back … Read more

Willow River State Park – Willow River Spillway

Willow River Spillway - View from below/side

After years of waiting, the dam at Willow River State Park has been rebuilt and the far west area of the park is re-opened. I have been trying to access this spot for a long time as supposedly there are rapids below the previous dam that were quite nice. Access is now very easy via … Read more

Osceola Bedrock Glades Falls

Osceola Bedrock Glades Falls - Looking downstream standing next to main stretch of falls/rapids

Trying to squeeze in one last stop today as the sun was falling low on the horizon, I stopped at the trailhead for the Ridge View Trail: Osceola Loop in Osceola, Wisconsin. This is easy to find on River Road / County S and there is a small parking lot that holds maybe 10 vehicles. … Read more