The Natural Waterpark In South Dakota That’s The Perfect Place To Spend A Summer’s Day

When the days get steamy, it's time to head for your favorite swimming hole.. and we certainly have plenty of them! Here's a popular spot that's just like a water park, but even better. Cascade Falls in South Dakota is an amazing sight and Mother Nature even warms it up for you. Instead of a concrete pool, you'll enjoy all-natural surroundings right here at the best Hot Springs, South Dakota "water park."

Cascade Falls is a gorgeous swimming hole near Hot Springs, SD that's one of the best free hot springs in South Dakota.

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.

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 technically a hot spring, but it is a lot warmer than a typical creek.

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.

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.

Other spots are deep enough to swim...

...or even jump in from the rocks above.

The moss-covered rocks are slippery and are also pretty rough in spots. Water shoes will protect your feet and give you some traction.

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!

Check out this great video of some travelers having fun at Cascade Falls in South Dakota:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idcQSjobVGc