30 Best Things to do in Sioux Falls!

Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota, is a vibrant destination known for its stunning waterfalls, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere. Nestled along the Big Sioux River, this city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a culture buff, Sioux Falls has it all. In this extensive guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Sioux Falls during your visit to South Dakota.

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1. Historic Attractions

Old Courthouse Museum

The Old Courthouse Museum was built in the late 1800s, this Romanesque Revival-style building, crafted from native Sioux quartzite, once served as the Minnehaha County Courthouse. Today, it houses exhibits that take you on a journey through the past, from early settlement to the development of industries and transportation. Each display is thoughtfully arranged to provide a clear picture of the area’s transformation over the years. The museum’s collection of artifacts, including everyday items and historical documents, gives an idea into the lives of those who once lived here.

Sioux Falls Historical Society

The Sioux Falls Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the rich stories of Sioux Falls, the society offers a lot of resources and exhibits. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts that paint a vivid picture of the city’s past. These items, carefully preserved and displayed, tell the story of Sioux Falls’ growth and development over the years. The society also hosts educational programs and events designed to make learning about history engaging and fun. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that make history come alive.

St. Joseph Cathedral

In Sioux Falls, St. Joseph Cathedral was built in the early 20th century. This church’s grand appearance and native granite exterior, attract visitors with its tall spires reaching up to the sky. St. Joseph Cathedral has been a part of the Sioux Falls community for over a century, serving as a spiritual center for generations. Visitors are welcome to explore the cathedral and learn about its history through guided tours. For architecture enthusiasts, the cathedral is a perfect example of Romanesque Revival style, with carved wooden pews and an ornate altar adding to its beauty.

Downtown Sioux Falls Historic District

As you walk through Downtown Sioux Falls Historic District, you’ll see old buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, each with its own unique charm. The district is home to shops, restaurants, and offices, making it a lively place to explore. History buffs will enjoy the museums and galleries that provide insights into Sioux Falls’ early days and its growth over time. Shoppers will find a variety of stores, offering unique items and souvenirs. The historic district is also a hub for events and activities, with festivals, concerts, and markets held often, bringing the community together.

McKennan Park

Established in the early 1900s, McKennan Park has a rich history and offers a mix of natural beauty and recreational activities. As you enter, you’ll notice its wide, open spaces perfect for picnics, playing sports, or enjoying a sunny day. One of the main attractions is its beautiful flower gardens, with colorful blooms and well-designed layouts making it ideal for a leisure walk or photo session. The historic bandshell hosts live music performances during the summer. The park hosts various events and activities, from outdoor concerts to community festivals, making it a lively place to visit.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Falls Park

The Falls Park is centered around the cascading falls of the Big Sioux River, offering a natural attraction. The falls itself are a sight to behold, with water flowing over pink quartzite rock formations, creating beautiful views. The park also has a visitor center with informative displays about the history and significance of the falls. For those interested in history, the remains of the old Queen Bee Mill can be seen near the falls. From concerts to festivals, there’s something happening. During the winter, with the park’s Winter Wonderland display lighting up the area with festive lights.

Sertoma Park

As you enter Sertoma Park, you’ll find open spaces perfect for picnics, playing sports, or simply enjoying the fresh air. One of the main attractions is the Butterfly House & Aquarium, a unique place to see beautiful butterflies and learn about marine life, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. The park also has a playground, ideal for children to run around and play, and walking paths that take you through the park, allowing you to enjoy the scenery. For sports lovers, Sertoma Park offers basketball courts, volleyball courts, and a disc golf course, providing opportunities to stay active.

Great Bear Recreation Park

The Great Bear Recreation Park has activities for every season, making it a favorite spot for all visitors. In the winter, the park offers skiing and snowboarding, with slopes for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced. There are also trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering a peaceful way to enjoy the snowy landscape. The ski lodge provides a cozy place to warm up and grab a bite to eat. In the warmer months, the park transforms into a haven for hikers and nature lovers. The trails take you through beautiful scenery, with views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Cherry Rock Park

The Cherry Rock Park offers a peaceful setting with lots of green spaces and natural beauty. When you visit, you can take a walk on the paved trails that goes through the park, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery. One of the highlights is its proximity to the Big Sioux River, where you can walk along the river and enjoy the calming sound of the water. For sports enthusiasts, the park has basketball courts and a disc golf course, providing fun and active ways to spend your time. The community garden is a special feature where locals grow fresh produce, fostering a sense of community.

Big Sioux River Greenway

The Big Sioux River Greenway runs along the Big Sioux River, offering beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. The greenway features a paved trail that stretches for miles, perfect for walking, jogging, or biking. As you travel along the trail, you’ll see lush green spaces, mature trees, and the calming river beside you. One of the highlights is its connection to several parks and attractions. You can start your journey at Falls Park, where the river cascades over stunning rock formations. Every year, you’ll find festivals, outdoor concerts, and fitness classes taking place along the trail.

Tuthill Park

Known for its open spaces and natural beauty, Tuthill Park provides plenty of green areas perfect for picnics, playing sports, or just enjoying the fresh air. One of the best things about Tuthill Park is its walking trails, that take you through the park, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery while getting some exercise. Families will find a playground with swings and slides for kids to play on, as well as sports facilities like tennis courts and a disc golf course. Every year, the park hosts events and activities, from outdoor concerts to community gatherings, bringing the community together.

Hiking Trails

Sioux Falls offers some great hiking trails that are perfect for nature lovers. One popular spot is the Big Sioux River Greenway, a paved trail stretching for miles along the Big Sioux River, providing beautiful views and a peaceful atmosphere. Another excellent option is the trails at Great Bear Recreation Park, which transform into a haven for hikers in warmer months, winding through scenic hills and forests.

The trails at Falls Park are also a must-visit, offering stunning views of the Falls of the Big Sioux River and historical markers, including the remains of the old Queen Bee Mill. The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum offers a unique hiking experience with wooded trails and open spaces, home to a variety of plants and wildlife. Sioux Falls has hiking trails for everyone, whether you’re looking for a scenic walk, a challenging hike, or a peaceful escape.

Horseback Riding

In Sioux Falls, horseback riding offers a unique perspective of the area’s natural beauty. One of the best places to start your horseback riding adventure is at Rugged Cross Stables or CK Stables, they offers guided trail rides, making it easy for visitors to enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience. For families, horseback riding is an activity that everyone can enjoy, with many stables offering options for kids and beginners for a unique experience. Some stables offer longer trail rides or even multi-day trips, allowing you to explore more of the area’s beauty and create lasting memories.

Golfing Courses

Sioux Falls offers several great golf courses, each with its own unique features. One popular choice is Elmwood Golf Course. It has beautiful fairways and greens, along with some water hazards that add to the challenge. Another great option is Prairie Green Golf Course, known for its scenic views and designed to be both enjoyable and challenging, with a mix of open fairways and tricky greens.

If you’re looking for a more casual experience, check out Kuehn Park Golf Course. This nine-hole course is perfect for beginners and those looking for a quick round of golf. For those who enjoy a more private experience, the Country Club of Sioux Falls offers a top-notch golf course with excellent facilities. The club provides a great environment for both socializing and improving your game.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Washington Pavilion

The Washington Pavilion is a hub of art, science, and entertainment, with different areas offering unique experiences. The Visual Arts Center displays a variety of art pieces from local to international artists, making it a great place to see beautiful artwork. The Pavilion also has a Science Discovery Center, an interactive space that is fun for all ages, where you can learn about different scientific concepts through hands-on exhibits. Another highlight is the Wells Fargo CineDome, a large-screen theater showing educational films that are both entertaining and informative.

Sioux Falls SculptureWalk

The Sioux Falls SculptureWalk is a unique outdoor art experience that you won’t want to miss. This annual event showcases a variety of sculptures created by artists from around the world. The sculptures are displayed along the streets of downtown Sioux Falls, making it easy to explore the artwork while walking through the city. Each year, new pieces are added to collection, keeping the experience fresh and exciting. As you walk around, you’ll see a wide range of styles and themes, from abstract designs to realistic figures, all made from different materials like metal, stone, and wood.

Levitt at the Falls

The Levitt at the Falls is part of the Levitt Foundation’s national network of performance spaces, dedicated to bringing communities together through music. The open-air stage is set in a beautiful park, with plenty of grass fields for visitors to sit and enjoy the show. As the sun sets and the music starts, the park comes alive with people, enjoying the sounds of various musical genres. The concerts provide a great opportunity for people to experience live music without the cost of a ticket. The venue offers food trucks and vendors, making it easy to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the show.

Pettigrew Home & Museum

The Pettigrew Home & Museum is set in the historic home of Richard Pettigrew, an important figure in South Dakota’s history. When you visit, you’ll step back in time and see how people lived in the early 1900s. The house is beautifully preserved, with many original furnishings and decorations. As you walk through the rooms, you can imagine what life was like for the Pettigrew family. You can see artifacts from Sioux Falls’ past, including Native American tools, old photographs, and other historical items. The guided tours share fascinating stories and facts about the house and its history.

Sioux Falls Canaries Baseball Stadium

The Sioux Falls Canaries Baseball Stadium is home to the Sioux Falls Canaries, a local baseball team that provides exciting games and a fun atmosphere. One of the highlights of attending a Canaries game is the entertainment between innings. From fan contests to mascot antics, there’s always something happening to keep the crowd engaged. The stadium also hosts special events and theme nights, adding to the fun and excitement. The stadium has a variety of food and drink options, from spicy hot dogs and nachos to popcorn and ice cream, there’s something for all visitors.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Great Plains Zoo

The Sioux Falls Zoo officially known as the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History, offers a fun-filled experience. When you visit, you’ll find a wide range of animals around the world, from big cats and bears to monkeys and reptiles. One of the highlights of the zoo is the African Savannah exhibit. Here, you can see giraffes, zebras, and other animals that live in the African plains. Another great feature of the zoo is the walk-through aviary, where you can see colorful birds up close. Kids will love the petting zoo, it allows kids to interact with friendly farm animals.

Terrace Park Japanese Gardens

The Terrace Park Japanese Gardens are designed with traditional Japanese elements, including stone lanterns, bridges, and koi ponds. The pathways are easy to navigate, making it a relaxing walk for visitors. The koi pond is a highlight of the gardens with colorful fish swimming in pond gives a calming experience. The stone bridges over the pond add to the charm, providing great photo opportunities. The garden is well-maintained, with a variety of plants and flowers that change with the seasons. This means you can visit multiple times a year and have a different experience each time.

Butterfly House & Aquarium

The Butterfly House & Aquarium offers a chance to see beautiful butterflies and fascinating marine life. As you step inside, you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of colorful butterflies from around the world, in a warm environment filled with tropical plants. The Marine Cove showcasing a variety of marine animals in large tanks, including fish, coral, and other sea creatures. One of the highlights is the touch pool, where you can gently touch stingrays and sharks, making it a fun experience. It also hosts special events and programs, to learn more about butterflies and marine life.

Sioux Falls Arena

The Sioux Falls Arena is a place where you can feel the energy as soon as you walk in, with its spacious seating and welcoming atmosphere. It hosts a variety of events, from concerts and sports games to local gatherings, there’s something happening. The sound system and lighting are top-notch, enhancing the experience of any event you attend. Concessions offer a range of snacks and drinks, catering to different tastes and making the visit full-filled. One of the highlights is its ability to bring people together, whether you’re cheering for a local team or enjoying a live performance.

Wild Water West Waterpark

The Wild Water West Waterpark is bursting with exciting water slides and attractions for all ages. The wave pool, one of the park’s highlights, offers the thrill of being at the beach, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. The lazy river is perfect for those who prefer a leisure float around the park. For thrill-seekers, there are high-speed slides that will undoubtedly get your heart racing. The kiddie area, with smaller slides and splash zones, ensures that even the youngest visitors have a blast. The concession stands offer a variety of snacks to keep you energized throughout the day.

5. Natural Attractions

Big Sioux River

The Big Sioux River is a beautiful natural attraction that attract all visitors. One of the best spots along the river is Falls Park, where the river flow over rocks, creating a stunning waterfall. The park also has historical sites, including remnants of an old mill, which add an interesting touch to your visit. As you explore, you might spot some local wildlife, like ducks and geese, making their homes along the river. The trails along the river connect various parts of the city, making it easy to explore more of Sioux Falls. For those who enjoy biking, the trails provide a scenic route for cyclists of all levels.

Big Sioux River Recreation Area

The Big Sioux River Recreation Area is great for all kinds of outdoor activities. The paths are easy to follow and are suitable for both beginners and seasoned hikers. There are also spots where you can sit and enjoy a quiet picnic. One of the best features is the access to the Big Sioux River itself. You can try your hand at fishing or go kayaking if you’re looking for some adventure on the water. For those who enjoy camping, there are campsites available that let you fully immerse yourself in the outdoors. You can bring your bike and ride along the trails, which are well-kept and offer a smooth ride.

Morningside Community Center

Located at 2400 South Bahnson Avenue, the Morningside Community Center offers a welcoming environment for everyone. The center has a gym where you can play basketball, volleyball, and other sports. There are also open gym times, allowing you to drop in and play whenever you like. For families with young children, the center offers free playgroups where kids can have fun and make new friends. The center also hosts various events and programs, from fitness classes to art workshops. The outdoor area includes a playground and picnic spots, a perfect place for a family outing.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Palisades State Park

Just a short drive from Sioux Falls, Palisades State Park is a great spot for those looking to enjoy the outdoors not too far from the city. The park’s unique landscape, with its towering quartzite cliffs, makes it a stunning place to explore. The hiking trails in Palisades State Park are well-marked and cater to all levels of hikers. You can take a leisure walk along the creek or challenge yourself with a climb up the rocky terrain. Along the way, you might spot some wildlife, including deer and bird species. For those who enjoy water activities, the creek provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking and more.

Sioux City, IA

A day trip from Sioux Falls takes about 1.5 hours, it’s perfect getaway to Sioux City in Iowa. Start your day with a visit to the Sioux City Public Museum, where you can learn about the area’s history and culture. After the museum, take a walk along the riverfront. The scenic views of the Missouri River are lovely, and there are plenty of spots to sit and enjoy the view. If you’re a fan of art, visit the Sioux City Art Center that has a great collection of works by local and regional artists. Later, visit the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center that offers trails and exhibits that highlight the natural beauty of the area.

Lake Madison

From Sioux Falls, the drive to Lake Madison is short, and as you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the clear waters of the lake. It’s a perfect spot for swimming, fishing, and boating. The lake is surrounded by grassy areas, ideal for a picnic. You can bring a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy a relaxing meal by the water. For those who enjoy water sports, Lake Madison is a great place for kayaking and paddleboarding. The calm waters make it easy for beginners and fun for more experienced paddlers. The lake is filled with a variety of fish, perfect spot for both novice and experienced anglers.

Lake Thompson

A day trip to Lake Thompson from Sioux Falls, is quite manageable and short. It’s an ideal spot for swimming, fishing, and boating, with its clear waters it allows you to take a dip or cast a line. The grassy shorelines are perfect for picnics, so you can pack a lunch and enjoy it while taking in the views. For those who love water activities, the lake offers opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding. The waters are perfect for beginners and provide a fun experience for all skill levels. If you prefer to stay on land, the walking trails around the lake are easy to follow and offer scenic views.

How to Reach Sioux Falls

If you prefer to fly, Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) is the main airport serving the city. It connects to several major cities across the country, making it a convenient choice for travelers. For those who enjoy road trips, driving to Sioux Falls is an excellent option. The city is connected by major highways, including Interstate 90 and Interstate 29. These highways provide easy access from neighboring states and beyond. No matter from which direction you’re coming, the drive offers scenic views and a chance to explore the Midwest countryside.

If you prefer traveling by bus, several bus companies operate routes to Sioux Falls. The bus station is located near downtown, making it easy to reach your final destination once you arrive. This option is budget-friendly and allows you to relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about driving. For a more peaceful journey, consider taking the train. Although Sioux Falls does not have a direct Amtrak route, you can take a train to nearby cities like Minneapolis or Omaha and then continue your trip by bus or car.

Local Transportation

The Sioux Area Metro (SAM) bus system is a reliable and affordable choice for getting around the city. With multiple routes covering key areas, it’s easy to hop on a bus and reach your destination. The buses are clean, well-maintained, and operated by friendly drivers who are always ready to help. For those who prefer to drive, renting a car is a practical option. Sioux Falls has well-maintained roads and clear signage, making it easy to navigate.

Ridesharing services are also popular in Sioux Falls, they provide a convenient way to get around, especially if you don’t have a car. Just use the app to request a ride, and a driver will be there to pick you up in no time. The city has a network of bike trails that connect various parts of the city, including parks and recreational areas. You can rent a bike from one of the local shops and enjoy a leisurely ride while taking in the scenic views. Taxi services are available as well, providing another option for those who prefer not to drive.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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