Sticking
Our Toes in the Falls
After a short trip through Sioux
Falls we arrived at the waterfalls the town is known and named for. We pulled up to a beautiful park with rolling
lush green hills leading down to the river, everywhere in the park were huge
outcroppings of rocks. There were
walking and biking paths all over the park.
It just so happened that the time of year that we visited Falls Park,
the water level was really low; not surprising after a record drought the year
before.
After
a look around this massive, beautiful park, we quickly decided to make our way
to the river’s edge. Knowing we may not
be back in this area for years, I just had to get pictures of the lil one
sticking the feets in the cold, chilly waters of Sioux Falls. With the water levels down it wasn’t hard to
hopscotch across the individual falls to explore all the pools created.
After
exploring every one of the Falls that we could easily get to, we began the hike
around the park to see what else it had to offer. Across the river, there was an old hydraulic
plant turned café, being the off season for tourist, it was closed. Just next to this was the Queen Bee Mill,
long ago closed, but a beautiful structure in itself.
Our
next stop in the park was the five story viewing tower and visitor center, as
we glanced around we saw a busload of kids running toward the entrance. Me
being me, I quickly closed the elevator doors to beat them to the top, there
was no way I was going to be locked in an elevator with 10 screaming kids that
weren’t ours. Upon exiting the elevator
we were met with a 360˚ view of Falls Park that was absolutely
breathtaking. Imagine gentle rolling
slopes with the greenest grass, a few beautiful rocks placed here and there;
not to mention the meandering Big Sioux River cascading over multiple waterfalls. In my eyes it is one of many gorgeous sites
placed here by our Creator.
We
went back down by the stairs this time, the lil one’s choice, and stopped in at
the gift shop. If you know me, you know
I’m a sucker for a clearance rack; and they had one! The lil one and I both found souvenirs, a
stuffed husky pup and a Sioux Falls T-shirt. After talking with the sweet ladies running
the shop we found out that they offered a free trolley ride through downtown. Free!! Yep we were in line for that.
The
trolley driver was very knowledgeable about the town and area, we even got a
history lesson as we waited, the lil one soaking up every word. We only had a few minutes to wait and we were
off on another adventure. The ride was
pleasant, a little bumpy; I’ve found that in the colder climates it is a lot
harder to keep the roadways maintained.
They
have bronze statues EVERYWHERE we’ve been, not really understanding why at the
moment but they are neat to look at. If
you take the time to read each plaque attached you will actually learn a few
things along the way. There was even a
building named after the lil one, had the first name we chose right on the side
of the building; of course we had to point this out, boy did that bring out a
smile.
Before
we knew it, it was time to get back to the fifth wheel and prepare our meal for
the evening, take the dog out, showers and some quiet time. Knowing that we may not be back for a few
years I’m glad we got to see the highlights and stick our toes in Sioux
Falls. It turned out to be a very
relaxing weekend before hitting the road again, this time headed from the east
of SD to the west side of the state; Rapid City and the Black Hills being our next
destination.
Until next time…..
A vacation is having nothing to do
and all day to do it in. ~Robert Orben
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