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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Waterfalls are most dramatic
Falls Park Sioux Falls
Best Time
Waterfalls are most dramatic

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning urban park featuring powerful waterfalls, scenic trails, an observation tower, and seasonal light displays.
"Falls Park is a must-visit gem, offering natural beauty and family fun right in the heart of Sioux Falls."
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!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Throughout the park
Experience the park transformed into a magical holiday display with thousands of twinkling lights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Embrace the Natural Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
Picnic with a view
Plenty of picnic areas available. Pack a lunch and enjoy the scenery! :sandwich:
Visit during Winter Wonderland
Experience thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. ✨ A magical holiday treat!
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.
Wear comfy walking shoes
Explore scenic paths and enjoy the park's beauty. :athletic_shoe: Lots of walking involved!
Picnic with a view
Plenty of picnic areas available. Pack a lunch and enjoy the scenery! :sandwich:
Visit during Winter Wonderland
Experience thousands of twinkling lights and festive displays. ✨ A magical holiday treat!
Observe from a distance
While beautiful, the water can be dirty up close. Enjoy the views from designated spots. :eye:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Since Falls Park is free to enter, no advance booking is required. You can visit anytime during park hours.
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.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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!
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
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. 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.
📸 Photographers
Don't miss the Winter Wonderland event for unique holiday-themed shots with thousands of lights. 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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Power of the Falls
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.
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.
Beyond the Waterfalls: Exploring the Park
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit