Kayaking at Sunset, Missouri River
Below: Kayaking is a family activity; South Dakota Kayak Challenge, Missouri National Recreational River - May; Canoe
River Rambling
Big Sioux River Originating in nor theastern 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 good water levels in the spring and early summer, it is possible to paddle from US Hwy 14 near Brookings to the river’s confluence with the Missouri River. Paddlers favor the segment from Lien Park in Sioux Falls to Newton Hills State Park.
Points of interest include Big Sioux Recreation Area, Gitchie Manitou Park, the old Klondike Mills site and Newton Hills State Park. Big Sioux and Newton Hills have canoe launch sites and camping facilities. Park entrance license is required. Be cer tain to locate ALL dams before setting out.
James River The James River, a typical prairie stream, has been noted as the longest unnavigable
river in the world. For tunately, 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.
Split Rock Creek Split Rock Creek winds a scenic route through nor theastern Minnehaha County before
meeting the Big Sioux River east of Sioux Falls. During high water flow in spring and after heavy summer rain, it is one of South Dakota’s best streams for white-water paddlers. The stream drops 130 feet in 8 miles between the SD Hwy 11 access west of Garretson through Palisades State Park to the SD Hwy 11 access nor th of Corson. Access can be found at Palisades State Park as well as McHardy Park in Brandon. The sheer walls of red quar tzite that line por tions of the creek provide a scenic trip for paddlers.
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 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.
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