Are you in South Dakota and want to have some fun? Why don’t you spend the weekend in Sioux Falls? There’s tons of fun things to do there!
Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota and it’s an excellent travel destination. It’s famous for its stunning natural beauty, which attracts many nature and outdoor enthusiasts and families. But Sioux Falls has so much more. If you like history, you’ll find unique museums, if you love art, you’ll admire the changing sculptures and the many musical events, and if you enjoy good food and drinks, you have local farm-to-table restaurants, cozy cafes, and historical breweries!
The best part? Sioux Falls is much affordable than most big cities and is ranked as one of the friendliest and safest cities in the U.S.! So, if you’re already convinced, keep reading to learn about the many things you can do in Sioux Falls.
Photo by Joshua Novak on Unsplash
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Things to do in Sioux Falls over the Weekend
Day 1: Start with Nature & Local Flavor
Morning
The very first stop you should have in Sioux Falls is in the Falls Park, the heart of the city. If you ask any local or tourist, this will probably be their first recommendation, and for good reason. There are over 123 acres of park to explore, with many trails to take you around the Sioux River and many fun things to do and see. If you love photography, you’ll have the best time jogging through the trails, finding the perfect spots for some good photos to share back home.
Surely, the Waterfall will catch your eye immediately. This is the park’s main attraction and is actually where the name of the city originates. For the best experience, we highly suggest you climb up the observation tower. From there you’ll have a better view. Take a good look at the rock formation, it’s an odd color, right? The rocks are pink quartzite and are one of the most interesting facts about the waterfall, since they are over 1.5 billion years!
Lunch
After doing some nice exercise in the park, you’ll be a bit hungry and if you like sandwiches and craft beer, we have the place for you. In Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen you’ll get to try some creative sandwiches, good side dishes, and drinks. Try the Cubano sandwich, with roasted pork ham and Swiss cheese, or if you’re vegetarian, the Lentil Dahl Bowl. For sides we suggest the Kimchi fries, all made with local ingredients, even the kimchi is home-made!
Afternoon
You have to think of where to sleep for these couple of days, and there’s a great place right in Downtown Sioux Falls. The Hotel on Phillips was originally a bank, hence the classic elegance of its architecture. Today is a luxury boutique hotel, but don’t worry too much about the price. As we already said, the city is pretty affordable, so you’ll get an excellent service at a reasonable price!
Take a moment to admire the architecture of the lobby before hauling your luggage to your room. It features the original bank vault now converted into a unique seating area. And once in your room, before going out for the night, there might be some things you want to do. Enjoy the amenities, especially the spa-like bathrooms. There’s nothing like a nice, long bath after a long day.
Evening
Clean and fresh after a nice bath, it’s time to find something to eat, but first, how about some cocktails? One of the best things you can do close to the hotel is visiting The Hello Hi, a Tiki Bar with unique and creative drinks. There you can try classics like Mai Tai and Frozen Piña Colada, or you can be brave and ask a bartender for his suggestions based on your favorite flavors.
For dinner you can go to Parker’s Bistro, a cozy upscale restaurant recommended for its great ambiance. It offers a varied menu, inspired by cuisines around the globe. You can find the French Escargot, with rich garlic butter sauce, as well as lobster fettuccine or filet Mignon. If you like a nice wine to pair, they have an extensive list, great for any important occasion or just because.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
Day 2: History, Art & Culture
Morning
If you like to have a nice cup of coffee to start your morning right, we suggest you visit Josiah’s Coffeehouse. If you like coffee, you’ll love it there! They not only source their coffee beans from local roasters, but they also offer several brewing methods. If you’re a connoisseur, you’ll appreciate their attention to detail and great care. Even if you don’t like coffee, the place offers a variety of baked goods like a freshly-baked scone or a chocolate-chip cookie with a cup of hot chocolate.
Late Morning
You’ve been in Sioux Falls for a full day by now, and you probably want to know a bit more about its history. If that’s the case, then the next stop should be one of the most visited museums, the Pettigrew Home & Museum. This beautiful Victorian-style house was the home of the former mayor of Sioux Falls, James Pettigrew. Aside from the period rooms, which are interesting to see, there are exhibits on the local history and the impact he had in the development of Sioux Falls, as well as unique artifacts from Pettigrew’s personal life.
Lunch
For lunch on your second day, you can visit Sanaa’s Gourmet to enjoy an excellent Mediterranean and Middle Eastern meal. If you’re trying to eat a bit healthier or need flavorful vegan options, this is an excellent option for you. All their ingredients are organic, and the majority of them are also locally sourced, so eating there is also a great way to help the local economy and small businesses. Try their hummus with Baba Ghanoush as an appetizer, and if you want something more filling try the mujaddara, with lentils, rice and caramelized onions.
Afternoon
With a full belly, it’s time to visit one of the prettiest attractions of Sioux Falls, the SculptureWalk. This is an annual outdoor art exhibit right in downtown. If you’ve walked a bit, you’ve probably already seen part of the exhibition, as they are displayed along the streets. The statues change each year, so if you’ve already visited you’ll get to see new ones. You can even interact by voting for your favorite piece on their website, or if you have the money, some can be purchased.
Another sculpture you should visit is the Arc of Dreams. This one is permanent and one of the most visited landmarks of the city. It was designed by the Czech artist Pavel Kacirek and the local artist John Koch and it spans all over the Sioux River. It’s a symbol of hope, a reminder that your dreams are reachable if you keep working towards your goals.
Evening
Another day comes to an end, but the city doesn’t sleep, and neither should you. There’s still a lot of things you can do in Sioux Falls. But first, better go eat something nutritious, like the food in Grille 26. If you like fresh seafood, then you’re in luck, and you can try their excellent salmon or tuna prepared with seasonal ingredients. If you are more of an earth-meats person, their grilled pork chop with complementary sides is excellent. For something fresh to accompany the meal, choose the craft beers! You can taste the local brews as well as some known national beers.
To end the night, why not catch a show or a concert in the Washington Pavilion? If you plan, you can buy a ticket for the date you’ll be in the city and will have the opportunity to see one of the most iconic cultural landmarks in all Sioux Falls. It’s not only a beautiful building, it also is a complete cultural center, with community events, performing arts and even science exhibits.
Day 3: Nature, Wildlife, & Farewell
Morning
Your last day in Sioux Falls, but it doesn’t have to be a boring one. Start with a hearty breakfast at Phillips Avenue Diner. It’s a local favorite, with its retro style, friendly atmosphere and comfort food. For breakfast they offer the classic American menu, fluffy pancakes with maple syrup, bacon, and eggs. If you’re looking for something more healthy, there are grain bowls and veggie sandwiches also.
Photo by Mary West on Unsplash
Late Morning
Even after two whole days, there are still more things to do in Sioux Falls, and one of them is visiting the Great Plains Zoo. This place is home to over 1000 animals from around 150 species, including some endangered species. If you want a better experience, use the Zoo Train to move faster between exhibitions. One of the main interests of the Zoo is the conservation and education, and they offer many programs where visitors can get more familiar with the animals and learn about the zoo’s efforts with the endangered species.
Photo by Morgan Newnham on Unsplash
Afternoon
It’s time for your last visit in Sioux Falls before you get home, the Butterfly House & Aquarium. It’s a perfect way to end your visit. It’s open year round and you’ll have a beautiful experience to see a great collection of butterflies, tropical plants and marine life. In the butterfly garden you’ll feel like you’ve entered a tropical paradise. Filled to the brim with greenery and hundreds of colorful butterflies flying around. Read the signs you’ll find around if you want to learn more about their life cycle and role in the ecosystem.
In the aquarium you’ll find both freshwater and saltwater tanks, with a great variety of species. You can see colorful sea horses, big stingrays, and even coral reefs exhibits. If you’d like to have a better experience, don’t skip the interactive touch tanks. There you can gently interact with starfishes and sea urchins. And finally, don’t forget the gift house! You can’t leave without a butterfly-themed gift.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Sioux Falls
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Sioux Falls’s Weather: Sioux Falls experiences the four seasons. So expect a cold winter full of snow and a hot and humid summer with lots of insects. Pack accordingly, and if you’re traveling in the spring and fall, be prepared for some drastic changes of temperatures and precipitation with little to no advice.
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Get around Sioux Falls: If you’re traveling in a budget, you can get by just fine using the bus system, or even with renting a bike. Just keep in mind that most attractions are spread out, so maybe renting a car is a good investment for those few days.
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Stay Downtown: If you like to walk everywhere and have everything close by, choose a hotel at Downtown Sioux Falls. That way you’ll have the best cafes, bars, restaurants and shops within walking distance, as well as attractions like SculptureWalk and Falls Park.
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