Falls Park Sioux Falls - a waterfall with trees in the background
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Falls Park Sioux Falls

4.8
·14k reviews·Sioux Falls, United States

A stunning urban park featuring powerful waterfalls, scenic trails, an observation tower, and seasonal light displays.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After heavy rain

Waterfalls are most dramatic

CrowdMedium
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Falls Park Sioux Falls - a waterfall with trees in the background

Falls Park Sioux Falls

Best Time

After heavy rain

Waterfalls are most dramatic

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning urban park featuring powerful waterfalls, scenic trails, an observation tower, and seasonal light displays.

4.8
(14k reviews)

"Falls Park is a must-visit gem, offering natural beauty and family fun right in the heart of Sioux Falls."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check weather for peak flow

Waterfalls are most impressive after rain! 🌧️ Plan your visit accordingly for the best views.

Wear comfy walking shoes

Explore scenic paths and enjoy the park's beauty. :athletic_shoe: Lots of walking involved!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cascading Waterfalls

The Cascading Waterfalls

Main park area

Witness the powerful flow of the Big Sioux River over reddish quartzite rocks. A true urban natural wonder!

Observation Tower Views

Observation Tower Views

Near the visitor center

Gain panoramic vistas of the park, the river, and the city skyline from this elevated vantage point.

Historic Stone Mill

Historic Stone Mill

East bank of the river

Explore the remnants of a historic 1880s mill, adding a touch of history to the natural scenery.

Winter Wonderland Lights

Winter Wonderland Lights

Throughout the park

Experience the park transformed into a magical holiday display with thousands of twinkling lights.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

The waterfalls at Falls Park are most impressive after heavy rain, sometimes even overflowing! Check local weather reports before your trip for the most dramatic water flow. Summer mornings offer pleasant temperatures for exploring, while evenings can be magical, especially during the holiday light display.

Embrace the Natural Beauty

Falls Park is a stunning natural attraction right in the heart of Sioux Falls. While the water can be dirty up close due to trash, the overall beauty and the sound of the falls are captivating. Bring comfortable shoes for walking the scenic paths and enjoy the unique experience of waterfalls within a city.

Best Times

When
After heavy rain
Why
Waterfalls are most dramatic
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium
When
Holiday evenings
Why
Magical light displays
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#siouxonfalls #Hiking #waterfalls #foryoupage #fyp #foryou
@krisrak
29.6K likes • 287K views

Check weather for peak flow

Waterfalls are most impressive after rain! 🌧️ Plan your visit accordingly for the best views. TikTok

Wear comfy walking shoes

Explore scenic paths and enjoy the park's beauty. :athletic_shoe: Lots of walking involved! TikTok

June 23th, 2024 - Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD OVERFLOWING after 7+inches of Rain #flood #flooding #rain #disaster #severeweather #weather #fallspark #SiouxFalls #SouthDakota #USA #news #foryou #viral
@mrdunks1
18.9K likes • 979.4K views
Experience the magic of Winter Wonderland at Falls Park in Sioux Falls from November 22, 2024, to January 5, 2025! 🎄✨ With hundreds of decorated trees and thousands of twinkling lights, it’s the perfect way to embrace the holiday spirit. Stroll through the stunning displays and capture the magic with family photos under the glowing lights. Ready for a cozy, festive escape? Plan your trip now and ...
travelsouthdakota
3.1K likes • 86.8K views

Picnic with a view

Plenty of picnic areas available. Pack a lunch and enjoy the scenery! :sandwich: TikTok

Visit during Winter Wonderland

Experience thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. ✨ A magical holiday treat! Instagram

Falls Park, Sioux Falls, South Dakota. #sf #sd #park #water #waterfall #siouxfalls #southdakota #vacation #trip #holiday #rocks #rockclimbing #nature #experience #defvisit
wadestoneria
18 likes • 365 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check weather for peak flow

Waterfalls are most impressive after rain! 🌧️ Plan your visit accordingly for the best views. TikTok

Wear comfy walking shoes

Explore scenic paths and enjoy the park's beauty. :athletic_shoe: Lots of walking involved! TikTok

Picnic with a view

Plenty of picnic areas available. Pack a lunch and enjoy the scenery! :sandwich: TikTok

Visit during Winter Wonderland

Experience thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. ✨ A magical holiday treat! Instagram

Observe from a distance

While beautiful, the water can be dirty up close. Enjoy the views from designated spots. :eye:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(14k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Falls Park as a beautiful and well-maintained urban oasis, perfect for families and nature lovers. The stunning waterfalls and scenic walking paths are major highlights, offering a refreshing escape. While some note the water can be dirty up close, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it as a must-visit spot.

"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Must-Visit Gem in Sioux Falls!

We took a day trip from Bellevue, NE to check out Falls Park, and we were absolutely blown away! It’s the perfect spot for a family outing. The kids had a blast exploring the park, and even our dog loved walking the scenic trails around the falls. The views are stunning, and there’s so much space to relax or let the little ones play.

We were pleasantly surprised to find a splash pad, playground, and plenty of picnic areas. The nearby restaurants and entertainment options made it easy to spend the whole day here without ever getting bored. The entire area is clean, welcoming, and full of charm.

Honestly, we loved it so much we’re seriously considering moving out here. If you’re anywhere near the area, or even if you’re not, Falls Park is well worth the drive. Can’t wait to come back! 🌊🌳🐾"

Holly M.

"Falls Park is a must-see in Sioux Falls! It’s a beautiful, clean, and well-maintained park where you can experience the stunning waterfalls up close and personal. The views are incredible, and the sound of the rushing water makes it a peaceful and memorable stop. While it can get busy at times, the park is spacious enough that it never feels overcrowded. There’s plenty of parking available all around the park, so even when it’s busy, finding a spot was no problem. A great place to walk, relax, take photos, and enjoy nature - right in town!"

Patryk Pliszka

"The falls were beautiful. They had it so well laid out - lots of look-outs, walking paths and rocks to play on. I will say it is better to look from afar, up close you see how dirty the water is from people’s trash. So sad!! I would not let my kids or dogs play in the water."

Brenda Startoni

What People Like

Beautiful waterfalls
Family-friendly amenities
Scenic walking paths

What People Dislike

Water quality up close

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Falls Park is conveniently located in the heart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available throughout the park. Many visitors find it a straightforward drive from downtown or surrounding areas. Instagram

While public transportation options might exist, most visitors opt for driving due to the park's accessibility and the convenience of parking. Check with local Sioux Falls transit for current routes and schedules if you prefer not to drive. Reddit

The park features well-maintained walking paths that connect the main attractions. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the different lookouts and areas around the falls. TikTok

Yes, Falls Park is a central landmark in Sioux Falls and is well-signposted. You can easily find it by following signs for the park or the waterfalls. Instagram

Falls Park is bike-friendly, with paths that can be enjoyed by cyclists. It's a great way to experience the park's scenery if you're looking for a more active exploration. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Falls Park is a public park and offers free admission to all visitors. You can enjoy the waterfalls, walking paths, and observation tower without any cost. Instagram

Falls Park is generally open year-round from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities like the visitor center or cafe may have their own operating hours. The Winter Wonderland light display has specific dates. Instagram

Since Falls Park is free to enter, no advance booking is required. You can visit anytime during park hours. Reddit

As a public park, general rules of conduct apply. Please be respectful of the environment and other visitors. Specific event days might have unique guidelines. Instagram

Yes, dogs are generally welcome in Falls Park, but they must be kept on a leash. Please be mindful of cleaning up after your pet. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main attractions include the stunning waterfalls, the observation tower offering panoramic views, the historic stone mill, and scenic walking paths. There are also picnic areas and often seasonal events. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! Families love Falls Park. There are playgrounds, splash pads (seasonal), and plenty of open space for kids to run around. The natural beauty is also engaging for children. Reddit

The waterfalls are most impressive after significant rainfall, which can cause them to overflow. Summer months generally offer a good flow, but checking recent weather is key. TikTok

There are picnic shelters available if you bring your own food. Additionally, there's a cafe within the park, and many dining options are available in nearby downtown Sioux Falls. Instagram

You can enjoy walking, picnicking, photography, bird watching, and simply relaxing by the water. During winter, the 'Winter Wonderland' light display is a major draw. TikTokInstagram

📸 📸 Photography

The areas around the waterfalls, the observation tower for panoramic shots, and the historic mill offer fantastic photo opportunities. The changing light throughout the day also provides unique perspectives. TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation department for current rules and any necessary permits before flying a drone in the park. Instagram

Yes, especially during the 'Winter Wonderland' event when the park is illuminated with thousands of lights. The falls themselves can also be beautiful when lit at night. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the park and waterfalls. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or wildlife. A tripod is helpful for low-light or long-exposure shots of the water. TikTok

The spray from the waterfalls can sometimes make it tricky to keep lenses clean. Also, during peak times, crowds might be a factor for unobstructed shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Falls Park is a fantastic destination for families! The playgrounds and splash pad (seasonal) are huge hits with children, providing hours of entertainment. The wide, paved paths are perfect for strollers and little legs, and there are plenty of open grassy areas for running and playing. Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many shelters, making it an affordable and fun day out. Reddit

Beyond the play structures, the natural beauty of the waterfalls is captivating for all ages. Encourage kids to observe the water flow and the surrounding environment. The observation tower also offers a fun perspective for children to see the park from above. Remember to bring comfortable shoes for everyone and be prepared for the possibility of getting a little wet near the falls! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, Falls Park offers a serene escape and a chance to connect with nature within the city. Enjoy a peaceful walk along the river, find a quiet bench to read a book, or simply soak in the ambiance of the cascading water. The observation tower provides a great spot for couples to take in the views together. Instagram

Consider packing a romantic picnic to enjoy by the falls, or explore the nearby downtown Sioux Falls for charming cafes and breweries, as suggested by some travelers. Reddit The park is also a wonderful place for photography, allowing you to capture beautiful moments and scenic vistas. Even a short visit can be a refreshing break from travel. TikTok

📸 Photographers

Falls Park is a photographer's dream, offering diverse subjects from the powerful waterfalls to the historic mill and city skyline views. The observation tower is a must for panoramic shots, especially during sunrise or sunset. Experiment with long exposures to capture the silky smooth effect of the water. TikTok

Don't miss the Winter Wonderland event for unique holiday-themed shots with thousands of lights. Instagram Be prepared for potential water spray near the falls, so a lens cloth or rain cover might be useful. Exploring the park during different times of day will reveal varying light conditions, each offering its own photographic appeal. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Power of the Falls

The waterfalls at Falls Park are the undeniable heart of this urban oasis. Fed by the Big Sioux River, their power and beauty are a constant draw. While the river's flow can vary, it's most dramatic after significant rainfall, sometimes leading to impressive overflows that showcase the raw force of nature. Visitors often describe the sound of the rushing water as both powerful and soothing, creating a unique sensory experience right in the city. TikTokInstagram

It's important to note that while the natural beauty is stunning, some visitors have observed trash in the water up close, leading to a recommendation to admire the falls from designated viewing areas rather than letting children or pets play directly in the water. Despite this, the sheer volume and visual impact of the cascades remain a highlight for most. Reddit

For the best photographic opportunities of the falls, consider visiting during different times of the day. Early morning light can offer a soft glow, while the golden hour before sunset provides warm, dramatic lighting. The observation tower also provides a fantastic vantage point for capturing the scale of the falls and the surrounding park landscape. TikTok

Beyond the Waterfalls: Exploring the Park

Falls Park offers much more than just its namesake cascades. Scenic walking paths wind throughout the park, inviting visitors to explore its diverse features. You can stroll along the riverbanks, discover hidden nooks, and enjoy the meticulously maintained grounds. The park is also home to a historic stone mill, a remnant of the area's past, which adds a touch of historical charm to the natural scenery. TikTok

Families will find plenty to keep them entertained. The park boasts playgrounds and a seasonal splash pad, making it an ideal destination for a family outing. Ample picnic shelters and open spaces provide perfect spots for a relaxing lunch or an afternoon of play. Even pets are welcome, with many visitors enjoying walks with their dogs on leashes. Reddit

During the holiday season, Falls Park transforms into a magical Winter Wonderland. From late November to early January, the park is adorned with thousands of twinkling lights and hundreds of decorated trees, creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere. This popular event draws many visitors and offers a unique way to experience the park's beauty during the colder months. Instagram

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