Falls Park Waterfalls and Pink Rocks

In the middle of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, a river tumbles over broad steps of pink rock. The rushing water and rocky ledges give Falls Park its name and make it a striking place to explore.

The waterfalls are part of the Big Sioux River. Rather than dropping over one tall cliff, the river flows over a series of ledges. In some places, water spreads into thin, white sheets. In others, it rushes through narrow gaps and crashes into pools below. The amount of water can change with the seasons and rainfall, so the falls do not look exactly the same every day.

The pink ledges are made of Sioux quartzite, a very hard rock. Long ago, layers of sand were buried and pressed together. Over an enormous span of time, the grains became tightly cemented, forming the rock visible today. Minerals in the rock help give it its pink and reddish colors.

The river has helped shape the falls by wearing away rock over a long period. Because quartzite is so hard, this process is slow. Water can work into cracks, and pieces of rock can eventually break loose. The uneven ledges left behind direct the river into different channels.

People have long been drawn to the falls. In the 1800s, settlers built mills nearby to use the river's power. The remains of the Queen Bee Mill can still be seen in the park. Today, visitors can walk along paths and look at the falls from viewing areas. The wet rocks and swift water can be dangerous, so staying in designated areas is important.

At Falls Park, an ancient rock and a flowing river come together in the heart of a modern city.