25 Fun & Best Things to Do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls might be a smaller city, but you can find many things to do if you know where to look. Here is our detailed list of the best places in Sioux Falls that we recommend checking out on your visit.

Situated in the Midwest, Sioux Falls is an underrated gem that tourists often unfortunately overlook. The city, which has a long and interesting history, started as a small trading post in 1856 — and things have changed a lot since then.

South Dakota was a territory of the United States that was granted statehood in 1889, creating the current borders for this area. Sioux Falls became the largest city in South Dakota, far outstripping Pierre, the state capital.

While Sioux Falls is a modern city in every way now, it has managed to retain much of its history. If you travel here for a vacation, you can’t miss visiting places like the Nelson Museum of Art and the Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk.

The city boasts beautiful scenery, unique local wildlife, and many activities for adventurous peeps. Since it’s not so prominent on the radar, your choices of top attractions in Sioux Falls may not be obvious — but once you get started, you’re likely to fall in love with the area. If you plan to stay for a day or two, get on Booking today to find a hotel near the best city attractions.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota | Attractions & Things to Do [4K]

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Whether you’re looking for romantic things to do in Sioux Falls, or places to explore with your kids, you’ll find the proper recommendations in this guide.

Things to Do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

You can find a lot of fun activities and attractions in Sioux Falls. You’ll be spoiled by the wide range of choices in and around the city, from cultural activities to natural views. And don’t forget to enjoy meals at the many multicultural eateries downtown.

1. Falls Park

Falls Park is one of the main destinations in downtown Sioux Falls, as the waterfall gives the city its name. The triple waterfall is a beautiful sight that will stay with you long.

Most visitors tend to go to the falls during the summer, but you can also enjoy the stunning scenery during winter. Besides viewing the natural water flow at Falls Overlook, you can do many other things at this destination.

Among these, the most popular is the visitor information center attached to the five stories of the observatory tower. And don’t miss the historic Queen Bee Mill overlooking the falls. If you go to Falls Park at mealtime, head to the Falls Overlook Cafe to refuel. Pro tip: go on Fridays to enjoy live music.

When you visit Falls Park, turn it into a full-day adventure by heading to the Big Sioux River and Recreation Greenway. The park is home to historical displays and many sculptures. If you take the kids along, they’ll love the playground and water fountains.

Falls Park hosts farmers’ markets every Saturday, attracting customers with artisan crafts and delicious fresh produce from May to October. One visit will clarify why Falls Park is a top Sioux Falls attraction for locals and visitors.

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2. Butterfly House & Aquarium

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Sioux Falls this weekend, the 36,000-square-foot Butterfly House is the perfect place to relax after a hectic work week. The interior of the butterfly house is always kept at 80 degrees to provide the ideal atmosphere for 800 butterflies from all over the world, including South America, Africa, Asia, and Australia.

Explore further with the attached Marine Cove, home to fish, sea creatures, and corals. You can see everything from sea urchins to sea stars and anemones.

The best place to visit is the Shark & Stingray Touch Pool. The pool offers a hands-on (quite literally) experience for kids and adults as you can touch southern stingrays, horn sharks, and bamboo sharks.

3. Washington Pavilion of Arts & Science

If you like to turn your vacays into educational sessions, you should put the Washington Pavilion on your itinerary. The Pavilion has two performing arts centers that offer recitals, live concerts, and Broadway shows. Plus, you can go to the Wells Fargo CineDome to catch a movie.

You can admire the remarkable exhibits at the Visual Arts Center. These artworks come from international, national, and local artists and are displayed in seven galleries. While most art pieces are permanent and always on display, some keep rotating, so you’ll have something new to admire the next time you visit.

To check out some interactive science exploration, walk over to the Kirby Science Discovery Center. Here, you’ll enjoy hands-on experiences with scientific displays and enhance your imaginative power. Some of the most popular exhibits here are the underground mines, dinosaurs, and outer space exhibits.

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4. Old Courthouse Museum

When you hear someone say that Sioux Falls is a multifaceted tourism hub, believe them because the city also has something to offer historians. Start with a visit to the Old Courthouse Museum, the Minnehaha County Courthouse, back in the day.

The city used the courthouse until 1962, when the authorities planned demolishing it. However, the citizens wanted to save the courthouse, making it a tourist attraction. Completed in 1893, the courthouse is a great architectural statement from Wallace L. Dow, a local architect.

If you love ornamentation, you’ll particularly enjoy the courthouse’s stained glass windows, Sioux quartzite stone, tile fireplaces, slate stairs, and granite pillars. The courthouse also boasts 16 murals of local nature and early city life.

5. Cathedral of Saint Joseph

Visiting a cathedral might not usually be on your typical travel itinerary, but this is no ordinary church. The Cathedral of Saint Joseph was completed in 1881 and stands tall today as one of the most magnificent buildings in the city.

You’ll have a grand time marveling at it from outside and within. From the free-standing altar (inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome) to the French stained glass windows, there’s much to look at in the cathedral. It’s a must-visit for people who love culture, architecture, and art.

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6. Sculpture Walk Sioux Falls

If you want to walk around the city, head for the Sculpture Walk. The city of Sioux Falls adds nearly 50 new outdoor sculptures annually, and their location rotates, so you’ll be up for a surprise every time you visit. The city also encourages people to vote for their favorite sculptures.

While touring the city marveling at these installations, stop for a bite at Minerva’s restaurant or the Khorasan Kabob House. As for shopping, the downtown area also is home to many boutiques, home decor stores, antique shops, art galleries, and outdoor stores.

If all that walking tires you out, book a hotel through Kayak and stay the night so you can set off on another adventure the next day.

7. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run

Good Earth State Park, which includes the Blood Run National Historic Landmark, is located about 10 miles southeast of Sioux Falls. It was initially home to the Oneota culture for more than 8,000 years.

Blood Run has long been known as a gathering space for people from indigenous cultures and local tribes. Today, it’s one of the best state parks in South Dakota, showcasing the rich culture of the Oneota and appealing to people who have a passion for history and community.

At the visitor center, which spans over 11,000 square feet, you can learn all about the Oneota and their tribal descendants. Choose from some of the best hiking trails to take you to the Big Sioux River, where you can enjoy more magnificent views.

Or, take a journey on this epic Sioux Falls bike trail to explore the beauty of South Dakota. You can get more information about the park through its official website.

8. The Outdoor Campus

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Sioux Falls where you can head out for the day and return by nightfall, take a trip to the Outdoor Campus. The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department run this learning center on South Oxbow Avenue.

Here, you can learn various outdoor activities, including fishing, cross-country skiing, gardening, and much more. You can participate in community programs here, even as a solo traveler.

The Outdoor Campus also features many activities for children, making it one of the best things to do in Sioux Falls with kids. The programs for kids include special programs aimed at homeschoolers, elementary students, middle school students, and preschoolers.

The Outdoor Campus also falls under the category of the best things to see since the campus’s outdoor University event is a sponsored program. It’s an opportunity for the whole family to learn about activities such as kayaking and fishing. You can get up close and personal with turtles, frogs, fish, and other animals.

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9. USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial

It’s not uncommon to go into a quiet town or city or stumble upon a memorial. The Sioux Falls Battleship memorial is located on 12th Street, displaying relics that military history enthusiasts will love.

The battleship was laid down in 1939 and commissioned in 1942. Everything from its concrete outline to the memorabilia pieces is displayed for view.

Since the ship led the fleet in its class back in World War II, there’s much to see. After the war, the ship was sold, but some parts were saved to build the memorial.

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10. Earth Resources Observation and Science Center (EROS)

If your kids are intrigued about how Google Maps works or how your phone can track where you are (and you’re allowed to be intrigued by these things, too), you’ll get your answers here.

The Earth Research Observation and Science Center, known as EROS, houses a geological research center. It’s the only national center that handles Landsat satellite data from NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Experts chose this to be the designated center out of many cities due to limited radio and air interference in the area. Tourists can visit the science center to see how global data is managed, processed, and operated.

11. Great Plains Zoo

Another fun thing to do in Sioux Falls if you’re traveling with kids is to visit the zoo. On the west of the city, it spans over 45 acres. Housing over 1,000 animals, the zoo is an excellent place to get closer to nature and learn about different species, from black rhinos to Amur tigers.

While you’re there, you can also talk to the zookeepers and learn about the animals’ daily routines. Make your day even more interesting by visiting the Sanford Carousel or viewing the Delbridge Museum of Natural History exhibits.

If you want to catch a bite, the Maasai Market Cafe offers ice cream, cheeseburgers, pizza, and much more. Since the zoo is open all year round, you can go there whenever you want. Plus, you can catch daily events at the zoo, such as animal encounters. If you’re lucky, you might get to feed a giraffe too!

The zoo continues to be a popular family destination because of its affordable prices. Admission ranges from $11.50 to $15.50, depending on your age, with reduced admission rates offered to all participants in South Dakota’s SNAP, TANF, and WIC programs.

The Great Plains Zoo definitely won’t break your budget. And based on everything there are to see and do here, it’s worth every penny.

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12. Veterans’ Memorial Park

Veterans’ Memorial Park, located on West Bailey Street, commemorates the history of Sioux Falls’ people who served in the military. Veterans organizations in the city started discussing the idea of creating a memorial after seeing the need to recognize local veterans. The local authorities formed a committee and chose a site previously used by the U.S. Army Air Corps for the memorial.

It was made open to the public in 2006 and includes history displays, walking trails, gardens, military memorials, and sculptures. When you enter the memorial, you’ll be greeted by plazas, an amphitheater, and many flags – it’s a sight worth seeing.

13. Sample Some Local Craft Beers

Looking for one of the best adult things to do in Sioux Falls at night? Check out the craft brews the city has to offer. The local beer-making scene in Sioux Falls has grown extensively in the past few years, with six breweries opening in just one year. It’s almost mandatory to try one of the craft beers in the city.

The locals prefer supporting regional brewers rather than commercial brands. So, when you’re in Sioux Falls, try out their beers.

Monk’s is a popular place to begin your beer-tasting tour. If you’ve booked a vacation rental from VRBO for the night in the neighborhood, you won’t have to worry about being too tipsy to drive home.

14. Baseball Game at The Birdcage (Sioux Falls Stadium)

The Sioux Falls Canaries are the local baseball team, loved by everyone in the city. You can find them playing in the Birdcage, one of the oldest American ballparks in the country.

Although it’s not as flashy as some other stadiums, the Birdcage makes up for its lack of space with history, a competitive atmosphere, and a fantastic vibe. If you have extra time and a love for sports, get yourself a hot dog and find a seat in the stands.

If possible, try to get an evening game ticket. You’ll be mesmerized by the atmosphere once all the seats are filled up. The Canaries’ first game of the season is usually scheduled for April.

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15. Big Sioux Recreation Area

The Big Sioux Recreation Area is located east of the city on the Big Sioux River banks. From here, you can see the region’s woodlands and rolling prairies. Some famous attractions in the area include the Big Sioux River and a golf course.

You can stay the night nearby if you’ve booked a hotel through Booking.com. For closer contact with nature, stay at one of the three cabins or 50 campsites in the recreation area.

If you’re stopping in Sioux Falls on your RV trip, you can also park your vehicle here, with access to hot showers and restroom facilities.

The recreation area is also the perfect place to have a picnic. The surroundings set a calming mood, and lunch under the trees ranks as one of the best romantic things to do in Sioux Falls.

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16. Wild Water West

Situated on 466th Avenue, Wild Water West opened more than 30 years ago and is the biggest water park in South Dakota. Exciting features of the park include a 55-foot tube slide, the Wave pool with its 6-foot-high waves, and a 65-foot Waterslide Complex.

While the kids enjoy the water activities, adults can relax at the swim-up bar and enjoy a few drinks. If you have babies or toddlers with you, the baby pool is an excellent place for them to beat the heat.

Non-water activities include paintball, golfing, batting cages, go-karting, and sand volleyball. Wild Water West is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and closed from October to February. The water park costs from $11 to $30 plus tax per person, depending on your height, age, and time of day you visit the park.

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17. Terrace Park

The Terrace Park is a popular place among locals and a tourist spot. Start by strolling in the Japanese Garden in all its majesty and magnificence. The trimmed hedges and ornate arches will make you feel like you’re in a royal garden.

Afterward, head to Covell Lake to enjoy the scenic view of the water hitting the shore. Overall, you’ll find a lot to do in the park, from having picnics to visiting the aquatic center or joining the locals for a game at the basketball court. If you’re traveling to the city in summer, visiting Terrace Park is one of the most popular things to do in Sioux Falls for free.

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18. Dinner At The Carnaval Brazilian Grill

While Sioux Falls is home to an exciting and tasty food scene, Carnaval is the only Brazilian eatery in the city. It’s a popular tourist refueling spot with soft lighting, a fun vibe, and beautiful décor.

The restaurant offers a memorable experience with its festive atmosphere, neon blue ceiling, vibrant art pieces, and green plants – a vivid homage to Brazilian carnivals.

If you’re looking for romantic things to do, don’t miss out on taking your significant other to this restaurant. You’ll be welcomed by over 55 salad choices, an à la carte menu highlighting seafood, and the famous Gaucho Meal.

If you’re visiting on the weekend, catch live music on the patio. And ask about the restaurant’s wine and food pairings. Are you looking for more dining options? Check out the Downtown Sioux Falls Food Tour, where you can visit several delicious local restaurants!

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19. Great Bear Recreation Park

No matter the time of year, visitors will always find plenty to do at Great Bear Recreation Park. Located just minutes from downtown Sioux Falls, you’ll find 220 beautiful acres used for seasonal and year-round activities.

When visiting Great Bear Recreation Park in the winter, you can enjoy 14 downhill skiing and snowboarding trails, snowshoeing and cross-country trails, a terrain park, and the Kirby Family Tubing Park.

During the summer, Great Bear offers a 4-mile trail system that provides hikers with a spectacular view of Sioux Falls and the secluded Burr Oak canopied creek bottoms. While you can purchase both season passes and one-time tickets for Great Bear Recreation Park, there are no fees for hiking.

  20. Pettigrew Home

The Pettigrew Home & Museum, located on Duluth Ave. in Sioux Falls, was purchased by Senator Richard Franklin Pettigrew in 1911 for $12,000. Pettigrew used his home to tell and preserve the story of Sioux Falls, turning a portion of his home into a museum that he opened to the public in 1925.

Here, he displayed his collections of items relating to the settlement of Sioux Falls, as well as Native American clothing, natural history specimens, tone tools, guns, and projectile points.

When Pettigrew passed away, he left his home for Sioux Falls. In the 1930s, people began to make additions to his collections, and the Pettigrew Home has been used as a museum.

Although restored by the city, Pettigrew Home has been preserved to look very similar to the original decor. Galleries have been added to tell the story of Pettigrew’s two terms in Congress, where he was a champion for women’s rights, the rights of farmers, and the rights of the ordinary working man. Best of all? Admission to the Pettigrew Home is free!

  21. Visit the Phillips Avenue Diner

Is there anything more remarkable than a retro-style diner? This classic corner restaurant’s food is rated super-highly by diners. The Phillips Avenue Diner offers all-day breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll find classic diner specialties and chef-inspired creations at Phillips Avenue Diner, along with some seriously cool, retro decor.

Diners rave about the banana bread French toast, the jambalaya, and the meatloaf, to name a few dishes — not to mention the incredible service!

  22. Enjoy Live Classical Music at the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra

With its primary residence in the beautiful Washington Pavilion on S. Main Street, the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra is the musical pride of Sioux Falls.

With tickets averaging just $10, you can attend pop and classical concerts. The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra also tours South Dakota and performs chamber music in local Sioux Falls churches.

Don’t you feel like changing into formal attire after a full day out in Sioux Falls? Don’t worry! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to dress in a ballgown to attend a symphony concert. Business casual attire will be just fine.

Children are welcome at all performances, but it’s generally recommended that only kids five years of age and up attend orchestral performances.

  23. Take in a Free Concert at Levitt at the Falls

This outdoor amphitheater in Falls Park West focuses on building the community through music and is a must of free things to do. Luckily for the community, this means putting on 50 professional concerts per summer, completely free of charge, with the amphitheater having room for 5,000 people.

Those who wish to attend a concert can bring their lawn chairs or pay a small fee to rent some on-site. And you don’t have to worry about going anywhere for food, as you can find some delicious food trucks and refreshing beverages right at the venue.

Featuring talented musicians from all genres, the 2023’s lineup includes country, contemporary, jazz, and swing music. See the full event calendar for 2023 Levitt Sioux Falls!

  24. Eastbank Block Parties

Summertime in Sioux Falls means Eastbank Block Parties on the first Friday of every month throughout June, July, and August.

Held in downtown Sioux Falls Eastbank at the 8th & Railroad Center parking lot, you can expect an attendance of 2,000 to 3,000 people for live music, yummy food trucks, and a variety of yard games for kids.

Plus, the first Friday of every month is celebrated all year with sales in surrounding stores, so you can’t go wrong with being in Sioux Falls on the best day of the month.

  25. Take a Dip in a City Pool

Almost every community has a city pool or two – but how many cities do you know that have eight? Considering the size of Sioux Falls, there are many swimming pools!

These are not your average city pools either. With aquatic centers, wading pools, several waterslides, traditional pools, and a spray park, you’ve got a lot of options to find your perfect pool.

While admission rates are according to age, they’re generally not more than $6 for a one-day pass. Plus, if you plan on visiting often, you can get a swim pass to make frequent swimming even cheaper.

Final Thoughts

No matter what your interests are, Sioux Falls has something for you. Whether you’re looking for things to do or things to see in Sioux Falls, you can find an attraction suited ideally for you and your family. Hopefully, this guide will help do planning for your next trip much easier with all these attractions at your fingertips,

If you want more information on these places, visit their website or call ahead of time and ask any questions about accessibility or other issues.

We hope this helps take some stress off your plate when it comes time to plan because sometimes traveling can get hectic — especially when kids are involved! If you want to fly off to Sioux Falls on the next plane, get a deal from Going.

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