When the days get steamy, it’s time to head for your favorite swimming hole. Here’s a popular spot that’s just like a waterpark, but Mother Nature warms it up for you, and instead of a concrete pool, you’ll enjoy all-natural surroundings right here at the best natural water park in South Dakota.
Cascade Falls is a gorgeous swimming hole that is arguably the best outdoor water park in South Dakota.
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To find this hidden gem, take Highway 71 about nine miles south of Hot Springs. You’ll find a little picnic area with eight picnic sites and restrooms near the creek.
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These clear, cool pools beg for your attention on hot days. The pool is fed by six springs that push 67-degree water down the creek, warming it up a bit as it goes. This isn’t a hot spring, but it is a lot warmer than a typical creek.
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You can see why these falls are called “Cascade Falls.” Instead of a free-fall drop, the falls just sort of cascade over the rocks. The sound of the rushing water tumbling down creates a wonderful atmosphere.
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One of the best things about this swimming hole is that the depth varies in different places. In some spots, you can wade around, chase minnows, or just sit in the water and cool off.
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Other spots are deep enough to swim…
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…or even jump in from the rocks above.
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The moss-covered rocks are slippery and are also pretty rough in spots. Water shoes will protect your feet and give you some traction.
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You’ll want to watch for both poison ivy and rattlesnakes. While you’re much more likely to come across the poison ivy than the snakes, they are attracted to these warmer-than-normal waters. When the swimming hole is busy on weekends, snakes are rare, since they don’t want to see you any more than you want to see them!
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Address: Hot Springs, SD, 57747
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Quick Hits: Best Natural Water Park in South Dakota By Annie Sandmeier
What is a natural water park? A natural water park is just like it sounds: outdoor water fun that was created by mother nature instead of man. Much like the fun and colorful Watiki Waterpark or Splash Central, natural water parks also house slides and chutes, only much smaller and most likely made of smooth rock or another natural incline.
Are natural water parks in South Dakota clean? Thankfully, yes! Like other outdoor attractions, the conditions of the parks greatly depend on how visitors treat them, so be sure to always pick up your trash and anything else that could disturb this delicate environment. (A good rule of thumb? Always leave the place you’re visiting even cleaner than it was when you arrived.)
What do I need to bring to a natural water park in South Dakota? As you may have already noticed, rattlesnakes and poison ivy are a huge hazard in the Cascade Falls area, so plan to wear boots or sneakers with socks anytime you are not in the water. We also recommend packing extra water to drink (being outside for long periods of time can dehydrate you quickly), sunscreen, and an extra change of clothes.
What else is there to do near Cascade Falls? Once you’re finished playing in the water (and have picked up any stray trash you may encounter), head back to Hot Springs for a fun morning/afternoon/evening. Home to just under 4,000 residents, Hot Springs is a friendly town that is chock full of different things to do, like digging up ancient fossils at the Mammoth Site, hiking around the iconic Wind Cave, or even just visiting one of the many shops or restaurants around town.
Have you visited Cascade Falls? If you’re looking for another cool swimming hole, you’ll want to take this trail.
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