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Sioux Falls, located in southeastern South Dakota, USA, is a small but lively city that has a lot to offer. This guide will discuss the top 7 things to do in Sioux Falls.
Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Where is Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls is located in the southeastern part of South Dakota, near the borders of Minnesota and Iowa. It is the largest city in South Dakota and serves as a regional hub for commerce, healthcare, and tourism.
The city is situated along the Big Sioux River, which is the source of its name.
How to Get to Sioux Falls
The easiest way to reach Sioux Falls is to fly into Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD), which is located about 3 miles north of downtown Sioux Falls.
You can also take your own vehicle or rent a car from other nearby Midwestern cities. It is about a 4-hour drive from Minneapolis, 2.5-hour drive from Omaha, and 4-hour drive from Des Moines.
If you decide to take a bus, Sioux Falls is served by Jefferson Lines and Greyhound.
Top 7 Things to Do in Sioux Falls
Here are the top 7 things to do in Sioux Falls!
1. Palisades State Park
Palisades State Park is a very unique place. This park has towering quartzite rock cliffs, which rise up to 50 feet above the surrounding landscape. The quartzite in Palisades State Park is some of the oldest rock in North America. In fact, geologists say that the quartzite spires are about 1.2 BILLION years old!
There are plenty of activities to do here, including hiking, fishing, and even rock climbing.
Palisades State Park is located about 23 miles (37 kilometers) northeast of Sioux Falls.
Check out our guide on Palisades State Park.
2. SculptureWalk & Arc of Dreams
Once you arrive in downtown Sioux Falls, you will see dozens of statues lining the streets near retail shops. This is the SculptureWalk, and there are new statues constantly replacing the old statues. You will always find something new here!
The path of the SculptureWalk will take you to The Arc of Dreams, which is a large sculpture that spans the length of the Big Sioux River.
3. Falls Park
Falls Park is located in downtown Sioux Falls and is home to the city’s namesake waterfall on the Big Sioux River. This park is over 123 acres and has scenic trails and historic buildings. There is a nearby observation tower that gives you a good view of the park.
I highly recommend climbing up the observation tower at sunset for an amazing view of the area!
4. Sioux Falls Bike Trail
There is a paved trail that circles Sioux Falls that provides a great path for biking. This bike trail is great for people who want to enjoy the clean air and greenery of the city.
Part of the bike trail passes along the Big Sioux River, which provides an enjoyable and relaxing ride.
The trailhead begins at Falls Park and there are plenty of bathrooms along the path.
5. Great Plains Zoo
The Great Plains Zoo offers a family-friendly experience with over 1,000 animals, including tigers, giraffes, and bears. The zoo is known for its focus on conservation and education. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits, both outdoor and indoor, making it a great destination year-round.
The zoo also hosts seasonal events and offers educational programs for all ages.
Click here to buy tickets to the Great Plains Zoo.
6. Butterfly House & Aquarium
The Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls offers a peaceful experience with hundreds of butterflies from around the world in a warm tropical setting.
The facility also features an interactive aquarium, where visitors can touch crabs, whelks, and other marine life in touch pools.
It’s a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts, providing both educational exhibits and immersive experiences with wildlife.
The Butterfly House is open all year from 10 am to 4 pm. You can buy tickets for the Butterfly House here.
7. Cathedral of Saint Joseph
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph is a 20th-Century Cathedral that serves as the seat of the Diocese of Sioux Falls. It has been beautifully restored to preserve its historical charm.
Visitors can explore the peaceful interior and admire the intricate marble work. The stained-glass windows of the Cathedral each show a specific person or event from the Bible.
Here is the schedule of the Cathedral of Saint Joseph to help you plan your visit!.
Where to Stay in Sioux Falls
One of the most highly-rated hotels in the city is the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls Downtown. This hotel overlooks the Big Sioux River, and is only a short walk away from Falls Park!
If you are traveling on a budget, the Microtel Inn & Suites is another option. This hotel is located on the outskirts of Sioux Falls. Another option is Sleep Inn Airport. In addition to its proximity to the airport, this hotel provides good amenities at a decent price.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
