Big Sioux River
Minnehaha / Lincoln Co. · 90 mi · Class I–II
1,090CFS/ 6.39 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 500–3000 CFS · USGS #06485500
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Palisades State Park · Big Sioux Recreation Area
South Dakota's eastern gem — the Big Sioux flows through Palisades State Park, where Sioux quartzite cliffs rise 50 feet above the river in a dramatic pink-and-red gorge. The quartzite is 1.7 billion years old, among the oldest exposed rock in North America. Excellent urban paddling through Sioux Falls.
Trip sections
Palisades State Park — 8 mi, quartzite gorge, Class I–II
Sioux Falls to Brandon — 20 mi, urban prairie paddle
Brandon to confluence — 60 mi, wide prairie river
Outfitters
Palisades State Park
Canoe and kayak access, camping
Falls Overlook Kayaks
Sioux Falls urban paddle rentals
72-Hour Flow Forecast
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.