Welcome to Sioux Falls, South Dakota's biggest highlight, where city excitement and natural beauty merge. It's perfect for travelers seeking adventure, culture, family fun and nature.
Sioux Falls is a place where every corner holds a story, every street has its melody, and every visit uncovers something new. From the majestic falls that give the city its name to its lively downtown, rich in culture and cuisine, every experience is memorable. Explore stunning parks, enjoy outdoor activities, and immerse yourself in community events and art.
If you're ready for an adventure, Sioux Falls is a lifetime experience waiting for you. Let's explore!
01 Falls Park
At the core of this city lies the famous Falls Park, a vast 123-acre area filled with breathtaking waterfalls perfect for endless photos. Stunning nighttime light shows turn the water into a mesmerizing spectacle. Falls Park has a cafe to enjoy a relaxing coffee and an observation tower with stunning views. Also, check out the historic Queen Bee Mill ruins; they offer a fascinating look back in time you can't miss.
02 SculptureWalk
As you walk around Downtown, you'll discover the Sioux Falls SculptureWalk. For 21 years, SculptureWalk Sioux Falls has been the world's largest yearly public sculpture exhibit. SculptureWalk is a vibrant outdoor gallery that updates its artwork yearly. It's a continuously developing artistic performance. Ensure you have a full battery, and take some pics for the gram.
03 Washington Pavilion
Visit the Washington Pavilion for a dose of culture. It's home to visual arts, enlightening science shows and spellbinding performances. Visit the Kirby Science Discovery Center or the Wells Fargo CineDome to see a movie. It's this nice balance between the learning and the fun.
04 Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History
The Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History in Sioux Falls lets you see over 1,000 animals from across the globe. This zoo is a hub for conservation and learning. The 45-acre park gives visitors a close look at animals rarely seen in other zoos, such as tigers, rhinos, bears, primates, and giraffes and an award-winning snow monkey exhibit.
It also features the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, which houses a unique collection of 150 mounted animals, including 38 endangered species.
05 Old Courthouse Museum
This magnificent 1800s museum that once served as Sioux Falls Old Courthouse is an important element in the city's history. This elegantly restored 1800s quartzite building showcases three floors of local history. Made from the once-popular Sioux Quartzite stone, its interior boasts stained glass windows, granite columns, and 16 murals by Norwegian artist Ole Running, illustrating early Dakota life.
The museum hosts events year-round, including talks, workshops, stargazing, walking tours, children's programs and traditional music performances. Visitors can enjoy the museum and the car park for free. Don't skip the chance to dive into local history with engaging, frequently updated exhibits. It offers a unique glimpse into Sioux Falls' past, unlike anywhere else.
06 Pettigrew Home & Museum
Experience the beauty of the 1800s at the Pettigrew Home & Museum. Once owned by South Dakota's first senator. It now showcases Victorian-era items and a stunning Native American artifact collection. Take a guided tour or visit the museum galleries to see what Sioux Falls was like in the late 1800s. As you venture from room to room, you'll feel you've gone back in history. It's a journey back in time where you can explore history and culture. Also, enjoy free Admission and Parking.
07 Butterfly House & Aquarium
The Butterfly House & Aquarium is a serene and magical place. It's the only public saltwater aquarium in the Dakotas and one of the few butterfly houses in the country open all year. Picture tropical butterflies flying around you and marine animals from all over the world in tanks. With their educational programs and conservation work, you learn a lot while having great fun. It's insta-worthy, educational, and downright mesmerizing — an unbeatable combo.
08 Good Earth State Park
Good Earth State Park is an unparalleled escape for nature lovers and history buffs. This park offers a peek into the ancient past on land valued by Native American tribes. With picturesque trails and chances to see wildlife, it's a journey for both body and soul. It reminds you of the stunning history and beauty that's ready for exploration.
09 Arc of Dreams
Imagine standing beneath the Arc of Dreams, a huge stainless steel marvel stretching over the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls. Its impressive size and the bold gap in the middle represent the bold jump needed to reach our dreams. Visualize being there at dusk, watching the sunset reflect off its curves — it's a scene that both inspires and humbles you.
10 Levitt at the Falls
Levitt at the Falls is a lively outdoor amphitheater and a top choice for music enthusiasts. Picture relaxing on the lawn, under the open sky, with the vibe of 50 free concerts brightening the city annually. From jazz to country, rock to folk, it's where melodies meet memories. Whether you're there with friends or flying solo, it's an experience that echoes the community's spirit and love for the arts.
11 Sioux Empire Fair
Sioux Empire Fair is an extravaganza that captures the essence of fun and agricultural charm. Think thrilling rides that send you spinning under the stars, live concerts that have you dancing and displays that showcase the best of local farm life. This event is a tradition that unites people, creating a blend of shared laughter and memorable stories.
12 Sidewalk Arts Festival
Don't miss the Sidewalk Arts Festival, a paradise for both art lovers and casual onlookers. Picture walking among streets filled with more than 200 vendors, every booth overflowing with everything from elegant art to quirky crafts. It's a place where creativity abounds; providing a special shopping experience that backs local artists and delights those who love unique and stunning finds.
13 Big Sioux Recreation Area
And for the outdoor adventurers, the Big Sioux Recreation Area awaits. Explore river trails or kayak on tranquil waters under the sky. Enjoy hiking, biking or bird watching in this natural haven. Breathe fresh air and escape to reconnect with nature.
14 Wild Water West Waterpark
Voted Sioux Falls' fun spot number 1 by The Local Best, Wild Water West Waterpark is sun-soaked fun. Experience thrilling water slides, relax in the lazy river and enjoy the 500,000-gallon ocean-like wave pool. Drive bumper boats and play mini-golf for the ultimate summer experience.
15 McKennan Park
Explore the heart of Sioux Falls at McKennan Park, a local treasure that offers more than open areas. Picture walking through colorful gardens, surrounded by the fragrance of flowers or settling on the grass for a live music show. This park is a lively community hub filled with laughter, playful kids and friends creating memories. McKennan Park's bandshell brings the city's history to life with summer art fairs and concerts. It's great for family picnics or simply enjoying the calm environment. The park blends community spirit with natural beauty.
These destinations in Sioux Falls, SD, attract visitors with their charm, offering memorable experiences that stay with you long after you return home. From the stirring sight of the Arc of Dreams to the lively rhythms at Levitt at the Falls, the joyful hustle of the Sioux Empire Fair, the artistic maze of the Sidewalk Arts Festival to the natural retreat of the Big Sioux Recreation Area — there's a story waiting to be lived.
This city mixes urban energy with peaceful nature. Explore its busy streets, then relax in its quiet outdoors. Come find your adventure in the vibrant heart of South Dakota — it's calling your name.
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