These Are the Longest Rivers in South Dakota—How Many Have You Visited?
When my son was young and we'd just moved to Sioux Falls, we were lucky enough to live a short walk from one of our city's wonderful parks, which was right along the Big Sioux River. We loved walking along the river, seeing the ducks, maybe fish, and throwing sticks in the water.
As a city boy in 2025, it's easy for me to forget how important rivers have played in our lives. They have been way more than just pretty places to escape the concert world.
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Why These Rivers Are More Than Just Water
We live where we live because of rivers. That's why Sioux Falls is here. Same for Sioux City, Omaha, and down to Kansas City. They started as towns along the river, benefiting from all the trade.
Before semi-trucks existed and before the train was everywhere, loading your corn and wheat, and cows onto a river barge was the best way to get your products from farm to table. Even today, hundreds of millions of tons of cargo is shipped on the United States' river system.
How Many Rivers Are in South Dakota?
According to Wikipedia, South Dakota has 48 named rivers. From the big Missouri that splits the state geographically and culturally in ways, to the dozens of creeks that support life across the state, South Dakota is awash in rivers.
Most of those creaks and streams aren't very long. Their short journeys take them into one of the Big Nine longest rivers in South Dakota. Most of the rivers eventually make their way to the Missouri River and eventually to the Mississippi River.
Which of South Dakota's nearly 50 rivers are the longest? The big boys of the 605's river network. Let's find out.
The 9 Longest Rivers in South Dakota
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Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns