Like a city near the mountains where the peaks are always visible, the Big Sioux River is a constant in Sioux Falls. It rings the city, it gives it its vibe. It even gives it its name. The falls in Falls Park in Sioux Falls are waterfalls on the Big Sioux River.
Many of us drive over or along the Big Sioux River every day. But what do you really know about the river? Sure, we’ve all heard how polluted the river is. It’s an unfortunate byproduct of modern agriculture. That’s why, even though the river is beautiful and the centerpiece to Sioux Falls’ amazing park system, you cannot swim in it.
I was curious about the Big Sioux River, so I dug up some facts and interesting tidbits about our wet friend.
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Where Does the Big Sioux River Start?
The Big Sioux River originates about 150 miles north of Sioux Falls, near Summit, South Dakota. It starts as a stream in the wilderness of the Coteau des Prairies, a plateau that rises above the prairie of northeastern South Dakota and northwest Minnesota.
How Long is the Big Sioux River?
The Big Sioux flows from its source in Roberts County, South Dakota, south until it dumps into the Missouri River near Sioux City, Iowa. Along the way, the 419 miles of river winds through town, farmland, and is the border between Minnesota and South Dakota for a little bit in the north, then South Dakota and Iowa near the mouth.
The Big Sioux River’s Name
The Big Sioux River wasn’t always called that. In fact, it’s been ‘The Big Sioux River’ only since 1931. That’s when the United States Board on Geographic Names made it official. Before that, it was known by a few different monikers. In a 1839 atlas, it was called the Calumet River…