Sioux Falls: Outdoor Fun in South Dakota’s Largest City
Despite being South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls offers incredible outdoor experiences. See magnificent waterfalls while exploring the 123-acre Falls Park. Try fishing, kayaking or camping classes at The Outdoor Campus. Go hiking and birdwatching at the Good Earth State Park nature retreat, one of the oldest human habitation sites in the nation. Nature-lovers will adore the Butterfly House & Aquarium, where you can walk among 800 butterflies and view hundreds of species of fish and marine life. Continue your wildlife adventure at the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History. Here you'll find close up exhibits of animals, camel rides and a Face-to-Face Farm.
Get the best of both worlds in South Dakota's largest city, with big-city amenities and first-class outdoor recreation.
Great Faces, Great Places (and Tasty Treats)
If you're a fan of arts, science or entertainment, you have to stop by Washington Pavilion, where all three are brought together under the same roof. Take part in interactive and educational displays highlighting performing arts, visual arts and science.Traverse over 200 acres at Great Bear Recreation Park – no matter the season. In the winter, the park’s Ski Valley features snowboarding, skiing, snow tubing and snowshoeing. In the summer, you can hike the park’s four-mile trail system. Visit Sioux Falls for the ultimate outdoor experience.
Falls Park
Explore the 123-acre Falls Park and witness 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet over the course of the falls every second. Stop by the Visitor Information Center and five-story observation tower for awe-inspiring views of the park and city. At Falls Park, you'll also find the Queen Bee Mill, a cafe and excellent hiking trails.
SculptureWalk
One of the largest annual public sculpture exhibits in the country, the SculptureWalk is a can't-miss attraction. Walk through downtown Sioux Falls and observe dozens of elaborate, expertly crafted sculptures that are displayed in the city year-round. New and unique works of art are added to the program each year.
Good Earth State Park
The Oneota people inhabited this area around 1500 A.D., but others lived in the area as early as 6500 B.C. Today, visitors can stroll amongst wildlife, wild grasses and magnificent oak trees. Relax along the banks of the Big Sioux River, stroll the 3.1-mile Riparian Trail, and enjoy a variety of kid-friendly activities throughout the year.
Washington Pavilion
The Washington Pavilion is the region’s home for the arts, entertainment and science. Located in a beautifully-renovated historic building in downtown Sioux Falls, it is one of only a few facilities in the world to bring together under one roof the performing arts, visual arts, interactive science and educational opportunities.
Butterfly House & Aquarium
Enjoy more than 800 free-flying butterflies from around the world in the tropical conservatory. View hundreds of vibrant marine fishes and corals in more than 10,000 gallons of aquariums, including the Pop-Up Dome Aquarium, Shark & Stingray Touch Pool, and Pacific Tide Pool. Experience interactive learning and relaxation at the same time!
Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History
Featuring more than 1,000 animals from around the world, the 45-acre park offers up-close views of animals often not found in larger zoos, including giraffes, tigers, rhinos and primates. Ride a camel or get a kiss from a sheep before exploring the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, a one-in-the-world collection of 150 mounted animals including 38 vanishing species.
Sioux Falls is the perfect destination for big-city fun and outdoor recreation. Start planning your trip to Sioux Falls today.
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PLACES to Stay near sIOUX fALLS
Whether you want to stay in the middle of it all in South Dakota's biggest city, or hang your hat at a low-key outpost, look no further.
Where to Eat and Drink
With over 700 restaurants dotting this urban landscape, you'll find it all here, from hearty Midwestern fare to sophisticated farm-to-table and plant-based offerings. The array of dessert spots and bars won't disappoint, either.
What to See and Do Nearby
Feel the zen of sparkling waterfalls in the heart of downtown. Catch a local indie band performing downtown. Or, splash around at Wild Water West Waterpark before saying hello to the animals at Great Plains Zoo. It's all here in Sioux Falls.
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