If you’re spending any time in Sioux Falls, one place you really shouldn’t miss is Falls Park. It’s kind of the main attraction in town — and once you see it, it makes perfect sense why the city is called Sioux Falls.
We stopped here while exploring the area, and it turned out to be one of those places that’s really easy to enjoy. You can spend 20 minutes there… or end up wandering around a lot longer than you planned.
First Stop: The Waterfalls
The star of the show here is obviously the falls.
Before you even see them, you can hear the water rushing over the rocks. Then when you walk over toward the viewing areas, you get a great look at the waterfalls flowing over these bright pink quartzite rock formations.
It’s actually really cool because the pink rock makes the falls look different than a lot of other waterfalls we’ve seen. There are walkways and viewing platforms all around the park, so you can check out the falls from a bunch of different angles. It’s definitely a place where you’ll end up taking more photos than you expected.
And honestly, every time you walk a little farther down the path, the view looks just a little bit different.
The Observation Tower
Another spot you’ll want to check out is the observation tower at the visitor center.
It’s a five-story tower that overlooks the falls and the river. From the top you get a really nice view of the whole park, plus you can see the skyline of Sioux Falls in the distance.
If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s worth heading up there. Seeing everything from above gives you a better idea of just how big the area around the falls really is.
Some Interesting History
One thing we didn’t expect when visiting Falls Park was how much history is around the park.
You can still see the remains of the old Queen Bee Mill, which was built back in 1881. It was once a huge seven-story flour mill made from the same pink quartzite stone you see around the falls.
It only operated for a few years, but the stone ruins are still there today and they add a really cool historic feel to the park.
Easy Place to Walk Around
Even if you’re not someone who usually spends a lot of time in parks, this one is easy to enjoy.
There are paved walking paths all over the place, benches where you can sit and relax for a bit, and plenty of spots to just stand and watch the water going over the falls.
It’s also a great place if you’re traveling with kids. There’s a playground area, open green space, and plenty of room for everyone to explore.
One More Thing We Loved
Another nice thing about Falls Park is that it’s really easy to visit. It’s just a few minutes from downtown Sioux Falls, parking is simple, and the park is completely free to enter.
You can stop by for a quick visit if you’re passing through town, or hang out for a while and enjoy the views.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Sioux Falls, make sure you put Falls Park on your list.
Between the waterfalls, the scenic walking paths, the observation tower, and the historic buildings, it’s one of those places that really gives you a feel for the city.
Plus, it’s just a really nice place to slow down for a bit and take in the view.
If You’re in the Area
If you’re in Sioux Falls, we’d definitely recommend checking out a few more spots while you’re here.
