Sioux Falls

Things to Do in Sioux Falls

Explore Art Galleries, Public Art & Art Events 

From summer festivals to winter celebrations, these top attractions in Sioux Falls, SD, showcase the city’s creative and community spirit. Whether you’re into art, live music or family fun, there’s always something happening in South Dakota’s largest city. SculptureWalk Sioux Falls features more than 50 works from local and national artists displayed along downtown sidewalks each year, while the Arc of Dreams, a stainless steel sculpture spanning the Big Sioux River, is a popular landmark. 

In the fall, the Sidewalk Arts Festival turns downtown into an open-air market where hundreds of artists sell fine art, folk art, and handmade crafts. First Friday brings gallery openings, live music and art demonstrations to downtown every month, and the Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion, South Dakota’s largest art museum, hosts rotating exhibitions of regional, national and international artists.

Experience Great Plains Outdoor Recreation 

Sioux Falls is a haven for outdoor adventure, centered around the scenic Big Sioux River. The centerpiece of the city’s outdoor scene is the free-to-enter Falls Park, where visitors can wander past waterfalls, historic ruins and scenic trails while still being downtown. The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail connects more than 80 city parks along a 30-mile paved loop, perfect for biking, running or walking any time of year. 

For those seeking a bit more adventure, Great Bear Recreation Park and single-track trails like those at Leaders Park offer mountain biking & hiking in warmer months and skiing & tubing in the winter. Nature lovers can also explore prairie and woodlands at Good Earth State Park, or try hands-on outdoor activities like archery and fishing at The Outdoor Campus.

 Attend a Sioux Falls Event

From family fun to craft beer and art, Sioux Falls hosts events that celebrate the city’s energy and creativity.

• Sioux Empire Fair: Held at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, this beloved annual fair offers carnival rides, concerts, horse shows and plenty of family fun.

• Hot Harley Nights: A can’t-miss event for motorcycle enthusiasts featuring bike shows, demo rides, stunt performances, a poker run and the iconic Hot Harley Nights Motorcycle Parade.

• Sioux Falls Sidewalk Arts Festival: The highlight of the city’s arts calendar, this free one-day event transforms downtown into an open-air gallery with more than 200 vendors showcasing fine art, folk art and handcrafted goods.

Sioux Falls' Best Restaurants 

Sioux Falls offers a vibrant dining scene with options for every palate. Harvester Kitchen by Bryan is definitely a top Sioux Falls restaurant, serving an inventive and personal multi-course experience. In a beautifully restored historic building downtown, Parker’s Bistro blends sophistication with warmth, offering wagyu steak, candlelit tables and a thorough cocktail list. A longtime favorite, Minervas Restaurant delivers hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and pastas alongside its signature market-style salad bar. Morrie’s Steakhouse strikes the perfect balance between polished and approachable, with expertly grilled steaks, attentive service and a menu meant for lingering over wine. Crawford’s Bar & Grill brings energy and artistry together, pairing inventive cuisine with a lively bar scene and a space that feels both gallery and gathering place. 

Where to Stay in Sioux Falls

Whether you prefer historic charm or modern comfort, boutique hotels in Sioux Falls offer stylish stays near the city’s best restaurants and attractions. ClubHouse Hotel & Suites stands out for its friendly service, inviting atmosphere and consistently high marks for cleanliness and comfort. Among the city’s boutique hotels, Hotel On Phillips brings historic charm to life inside a beautifully restored 1918 bank building, blending old-world character with modern style. Nearby, the Hilton Garden Inn offers views of the Big Sioux River and easy access to downtown dining and shops, making it a convenient and comfortable choice. For a more intimate stay, the Historic Victorian Inn and Historic Twin Tudors Inn are beloved boutique options, known for their cozy details, central locations, and personal touches.