Sioux Falls Parks & Trails — Falls Park, the Bike Loop & More
A guide to the parks, gardens and paved trails of Sioux Falls — from the namesake waterfalls of Falls Park downtown to the river loop that encircles the city.
Falls Park · Greenway · Gardens · Zoo · bryananfinson.com
Parks & Trails in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is built around its parks. The city’s namesake waterfalls sit just north of downtown, formal gardens and a Japanese garden are tucked into neighborhood parks, and a paved trail loop ties the whole metro together along the Big Sioux River. This guide walks through the major parks and the trail system, with the practical details for each. This is one of four lifestyle guides — you can always head back to the Living in Sioux Falls hub for things to do, events and schools.
Falls Park
The city’s namesake waterfalls
Falls Park covers more than 128 acres just north of downtown, set along the Big Sioux River. The falls that give the city its name drop an average of roughly 7,400 gallons of water per second over the rocks. The park is the most-visited destination in the city’s park system.
- The waterfalls — the Big Sioux River drops over a series of quartzite ledges, averaging about 7,400 gallons per second.
- Five-story observation tower — a viewing tower that looks out over the falls and downtown.
- The old mill — the stone remains of a historic mill stand within the park.
- Falls Overlook Cafe — housed in a 1908 hydroelectric power plant overlooking the river.
McKennan Park
Gardens and a historic bandshell
McKennan Park was established in 1906, after Helen McKennan willed her house and roughly 20 acres to the city. It is one of the oldest parks in Sioux Falls and is known for its formal gardens.
- Mediterranean Sunken Gardens — a formal sunken garden within the park.
- 1926 bandshell — a restored bandshell that dates to 1926.
- Pillars of the Nation — a monument of rocks gathered from each of the 48 contiguous states, erected in 1941.
Tuthill Park
Formal gardens and a Japanese garden
Tuthill Park is an 80-acre park donated to the city by Arthur and Dot Tuthill. It is known for its landscaped gardens.
- Formal gardens — landscaped garden grounds within the park.
- Japanese garden — a Japanese garden on the park grounds (distinct from the Shoto-Teien Japanese Garden at Terrace Park noted below).
Sertoma Park
The Outdoor Campus and Butterfly House
Sertoma Park covers roughly 42 acres and is home to two well-known nature attractions.
- The Outdoor Campus — an environmental education center operated by South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks.
- Butterfly House & Aquarium — an indoor butterfly conservatory and aquarium.
Sherman Park & the Great Plains Zoo
A battleship memorial and a city zoo
Sherman Park is home to the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial and sits adjacent to the Great Plains Zoo (the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium).
- USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial — a concrete outline laid out at the battleship’s actual dimensions, 680 feet long, with the salvaged anchor, propeller, bell and a 16-inch gun. The ship earned 13 battle stars in World War II.
- Great Plains Zoo (Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium) — a 45-acre zoo that opened June 30, 1963.
Big Sioux River Recreation Trail & Greenway
The paved loop that ties the city together
The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail & Greenway is a paved trail that follows the river, forming a loop of roughly 19 miles that encircles the city. Counting spurs and connecting segments, the overall system runs more than 30 miles.
- The river loop — a paved trail of about 19 miles encircling Sioux Falls.
- The wider system — with spurs and connectors, the overall trail network spans more than 30 miles.
Terrace Park & the Shoto-Teien Japanese Garden
A separate Japanese garden on the north side
Distinct from the Japanese garden at Tuthill Park, the Shoto-Teien Japanese Garden is a separate north-side feature located at Terrace Park.
- Shoto-Teien Japanese Garden — a Japanese garden at Terrace Park, on the north side of the city.
More Ways to Get to Know Sioux Falls
Wondering which parks and trails are closest to a particular neighborhood, or what a specific area is near? Talk to Bryan directly. You can also browse every neighborhood in the metro or view listings on the Sioux Falls Home Map.
Thinking About Making Sioux Falls Home?
From parks and trails to neighborhoods and schools, getting the full picture of a city takes local knowledge. Let’s talk through what matters to you.
(605) 670-9846 · bryan@hegg.com