Big Sioux River
Originating in northeastern South Dakota Roberts County South Dakota, the Big Sioux River winds southward to Sioux Falls, where it forms the boundary between South Dakota and Iowa until it meets the Missouri River. With a total of 419 river miles the Big Sioux is a favorite paddling destination for east river South Dakota. Paddlers favor the segment from Lien Park in Sioux Falls to Newton Hills State Park. This stretch can usually be paddled spring and summer. There are several dangerous low head dams where watercraft must be portaged to the other side. Be certain to locate ALL dams before setting out.
Big Sioux River Map – South of Sioux Falls
SD GF&P Jay Heath Water Trail – Printable Big Sioux River Map – Sioux Falls to Sioux City
Big Sioux River/Skunk Creek Map – In Sioux Falls
Printable Sioux Falls River Map – In Sioux Falls SD
1. Skunk Creek – Legacy Park – Off of 12th Street – Flows into the Big Sioux River
A good paddling level is 4.5 feet and up Skunk Creek Sioux Falls Flow
5 miles to point 2
2. Big Sioux River – Farm Field Park – 57th Street and Western Avenue
A good paddling level is 250cfs and up Big Sioux River Sioux Falls Flow
4.15 miles to point 3
3. Big Sioux River – Rotary Park – 26th Street and Southeastern Avenue
A good paddling level is 250cfs and up Big Sioux River Sioux Falls Flow
2.25 miles to point 4
2.4 miles to point 5
4. Big Sioux River – Cherapa Place – Between 8th street and 6th Street Downtown
A good paddling level is 250cfs and up Big Sioux River Sioux Falls Flow
5. Big Sioux River – Kilian College – Off of 6th Street Downtown
A good paddling level is 250cfs and up Big Sioux River Sioux Falls Flow (Good Ending point for in town)
Big Sioux River Map – North of Sioux Falls
MAP COMING SOON
For now we will just include points and miles
- Flandreau SD Crescent St – 19.9 miles “Danger Low Head Dam”
- Trent SD – Need permission from Double Bend Campground 1st St – 11.65 miles
- Dell Rapids SD City Park Ave – 8.6 miles “Danger Low Head Dam on river right fork – when river forks go river left”
- Baltic SD River Park Road “Danger Low Head Dam”
Split Rock Creek – Garretson SD
Split Rock Creek winds a scenic route through northeastern Minnehaha County before meeting the Big Sioux River east of Sioux Falls. During high water flow in the spring and after heavy summer rain, it is one of South Dakota’s best streams for white-water paddlers. Split Rock Creek is by far the best place to go whitewater kayaking that is close to Sioux Falls South Dakota. This stretch we usually take is about 3-5 river miles. It is rated at class I-II (III) rapids depending on the flow rate. A good rate is 750 CFS(3.5′) or more. When you get over 1000 CFS this stretch turns into a class III rapids with swells and standing waves six feet tall. We recommend wearing a helmet for this adventure. Palisades Park has very hard rock on the walls and floor of the river. We usually start north of Garretson South Dakota. If you are driving northbound on Highway 11/485th Avenue from Brandon South Dakota turn right(east) on 5th street right out of town, after you pass the creek turn left(north) on Park Road (you enter Split Rock Park. We usually park and start at the low head dam they have for swimming. From entering the creek to Palisades Park you need to watch out for a couple of electric fences but for the most part it is pretty easy going with about 4 sets of rapids. Now the fun starts once you enter the Palisades Park. Here you will go through longer stretches of rapids and bigger waves and standing walls. And if you have time to look at the view it is most spectacular. Please scout the route around the park to see where you could have issues and where to drop off. You will need a South Dakota State Park permit to enter the Park. We usually end at the swimming area inside Palisades Park since there is good parking and easy to get out. We have gone down further but the water needs to be over 4.5′ (Corson SD Gauge) and rapids decrease. With all these suggestions the number one suggest is to be safe. Always wear a life jacket and go with a buddy. A good plus is a helmet, throw bag, and first aid kit.
Kayak and Canoe Routes for Split Rock Creek “SRC” Garretson SD
Points of Access
0. Split Rock Creek – Split Rock Park (From HWY 11 Turn East on 5th Street)(Above Dam Access to do nice leisure paddles)
Flow good most of the year since it is in the dam reservoir
1. Split Rock Creek – Split Rock Park (From HWY 11 Turn East on 5th Street)(There is a canoe and kayak ramp on the north end of the park downstream of dam)
Flow good at 4.5 feet and up SRC Flow or SRC Estimated Future Flow
2.8 miles to point 2
2. Split Rock Creek – Palisades State Park (From HWY 11 turn east on 485th Avenue and turn west on 255th Street into State Park)(Must have state park permit)
Flow good at 4.5 feet and up SRC Flow or SRC Estimated Future Flow Surfing wave forms at the parks beach over 8 feet
2.8 miles to point 3
3. Split Rock Creek – 257th Street (from HWY 11 turn east on 257th) (Ditch Entry upstream of bridge)
Flow good at 4.5 feet and up SRC Flow or SRC Estimated Future Flow
This is a fun Class I-II section of the river but please watch for barbwire and electric fences!!
Whitewater Kayaking Split Rock Creek by Garretson South Dakota
Missouri River
Two segments of the Missouri River are administered by the National Park Service as the Missouri National Recreational River. They are also in the National Wild and Scenic River System. Today, these sections look much like they did in the early 1800s during the Lewis and Clark expedition. Due to the currents and sudden windstorms, these segments are for experienced paddlers only. The first segment is 39 miles from the Randall Creek Recreation Area at Pickstown to Running Water. The second segment is 59 miles long from below Gavins Point Dam to Ponca State Park in Nebraska. For more info – (402) 667-2550.Below are some links to paddling on the Missouri River.
More information on paddling the Missouri River
National Park Plan your Visit Kayaking and Canoeing
Vermillion River
Generally, this scenic river can be paddled from spring to fall from Centerville south to the Missouri River. Launching access may be found at township, county, state and federal rights-of-way that cross the river. Late summer and fall canoeing is best from the road crossing east of Wakonda to the Missouri River. Colorful fall foliage is especially showy from Vermillion southward.
For more details on Vermillion River please visit Jay Heath’s Blog
“Kayaking the Lakes of South Dakota”
James River
The James River, a typical prairie stream, has been noted as the longest unnavigable river in the world. Fortunately, this distinction doesn’t apply to paddlers who travel the river in spring and early summer. There are a number of access points near US and SD Highways.
For more details on James River please visit Jay Heath’s Blog