Falls Park

Falls Park is a 123-acre public park located in north central Sioux Falls, South Dakota, centered around the city's namesake waterfalls on the Big Sioux River. The falls, formed approximately 14,000 years ago during the last ice age, cascade over a series of Sioux quartzite rock formations that are roughly 1.5 billion years old.

The park features multiple viewing areas and platforms, including a five-story observation tower, allowing visitors to appreciate the falls from various angles. On average, 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet over the course of the falls each second, creating a spectacular natural display.

Falls Park is rich in history, containing some of Sioux Falls' oldest buildings. The remains of the seven-story Queen Bee Mill, built in 1881 and closed by 1883 due to inadequate water power and wheat supply, can be found on the east side of the river. The park also includes the Sioux Falls Light and Power Company building, completed in 1908, which now houses the Falls Overlook Café.

The park offers extensive walking paths and green spaces for visitors to explore. A series of footbridges and walkways allow close-up views of the cascading water. Informational plaques throughout the park provide details about the geological and historical significance of the area.

Falls Park serves as a focal point for community gatherings and events, particularly during the holiday season when it hosts the annual Winter Wonderland light display. The park is open year-round from 5 a.m. to midnight, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the falls and surrounding landscape in all seasons.