River guideSouth Dakota

Big Sioux River

Compare trips by distance, difficulty and current conditions. Open a trip for its map, directions and planning tools.

10trips
10with daily scores
3.2–19 midistance range
Easy · Moderatedifficulty
The Big Sioux River winds between Iowa and South Dakota.
Big Sioux River near the Iowa–South Dakota state line; same-river contextPhoto by Tony Webster via Wikimedia Commons · Wikimedia Commons: CC BY 2.0
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Your tripRon Wilmot River Access to IA-3 / SD Hwy 50About 5.4 mi · About 2–3.5 hr · easy
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Big Sioux River paddle planning

What to verify before you commit.

Water levels

These Big Sioux River routes use 3 gauge references depending on the stretch.

Route options

Compare 10 routes (10 scored · 0 planning) across Akron / Westfield Border, Akron Border, Brandon / East Sioux Falls, East Sioux Falls / Lincoln County, Hawarden / Akron Border, Hudson / Hawarden Border, Lincoln County / Canton, Sioux Falls. Open a route page for put-in, take-out, distance, data reliability, and access notes.

Difficulty

Big Sioux River routes here are marked easy and moderate, so choose the stretch that fits your group and conditions.

Big Sioux River paddling FAQ

Where can I paddle the Big Sioux River?

Paddle Today tracks 10 Big Sioux River routes across Akron / Westfield Border, Akron Border, Brandon / East Sioux Falls, East Sioux Falls / Lincoln County, Hawarden / Akron Border, Hudson / Hawarden Border, Lincoln County / Canton, Sioux Falls. Compare the route cards on this page, then open an individual route for put-in, take-out, distance, and access notes.

How should I check Big Sioux River water levels?

Check the gauge notes for your stretch and its live score where available. This hub uses 3 gauges or gauge references. Planning routes have no live score; check their source guidance and current access notices.

Which Big Sioux River route is best today?

Compare current scores where available, along with water level, recent trend, weather, access, and route difficulty. Planning-only cards provide trip information without a live paddling recommendation.