State Theatre
7 Unexpected Reasons to Visit Sioux Falls
From an award-winning walkable art scene to eclectic shopping and live events, Sioux Falls will surprise even the most seasoned traveler with its variety of things to do, see and taste. Here are seven reasons to put this South Dakota gem on your map.
You Don’t Need a Car to Explore
Start your car-free day with the SculptureWalk, a rotating outdoor gallery with works like a life-sized bison made of reclaimed metals. The walk ends at the Arc of Dreams, a massive stainless steel monument spanning the river. For cyclists, the Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway has more than 35 miles of paved bike paths that loop around the city.
Falls Park is More Than a Photo Op
Mist hangs in the air at Falls Park as the Big Sioux River drops 100 feet over pink quartzite. Snap pics and linger for a while with lunch at the Overlook Café, and on Saturdays, browse the Falls Park Farmers Market for local produce, honey and crafts. Warm summer evenings bring chairs and blankets to the lawn at Levitt at the Falls for outdoor concerts.
Look's Marketplace. Photo Credit: 605 Magazine
Total Drag
Look's Marketplace. Photo Credit: 605 Magazine
Total Drag
Sioux Falls Restaurants Pack a Punch
The local culinary scene is deeply rooted in heritage. BibiSol honors Indigenous Mexican traditions, while HK crafts multi-course experiences that celebrate the rhythm of the seasons. For an urban-market atmosphere with roots dating to 1883, Look’s Marketplace houses a specialty bakery, brewery, butchery, deli and restaurant.
Vintage & Local Treasures Await
Shopping in Sioux Falls is about the "find." The Mall District is home to Haegle's Western Wear & Tack, a local institution, and the endlessly entertaining aisles of 605 Antiques. Downtown, you’ll find curated home goods at Alcove and a collection of vinyl records at Total Drag.
Wellness Experiences Worth Slowing Down For
To boost your wellness, try Flow and Paddle for yoga on Lake Lorraine or take a quiet walk through the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum. The Japanese Gardens offer a flower- and lantern-filled escape in the heart of the city, while Juniper Apothecary is the go-to for custom botanical blends and small-batch self-care items.
A Packed Calendar of Sioux Falls Events
Sioux Falls stays lively year-round thanks to a packed calendar of events, from the Sioux Empire Fair and Sidewalk Arts Festival to concerts at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and The District. For professional sports at an affordable price, catch a Sioux Falls Canaries baseball game or watch the Sioux Falls Skyforce basketball team on the court. Soccer fans can rally for Sioux Falls City FC, and when the temperature drops, the Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey Club delivers some of the city’s most electric action.
Family Fun Comes Easy
Visitors with kids to keep busy can spend a hot day at Wild Water West Water Park’s slides, wave pools and swim-up bar. Don’t miss the tropical Butterfly House & Aquarium or the even wilder creatures of Great Plains Zoo. Great Bear Recreation Park is the local favorite for tubing and skiing in winter and hiking in the warmer months with gorgeous views of Sioux Falls.
Ready to plan your visit? Discover everything Sioux Falls has to offer at ExperienceSiouxFalls.com.
