With a population of around 175,000 people, Sioux Falls is far and away South Dakota’s largest city (the next closest in population is Rapid City, with around 75,000). There’s plenty to see and do in this amazing city, and we think these 15 things are some of the best it has to offer.
- Falls Park
Ollie O/Tripadvisor The 123-acre Falls Park is an oasis in the city. The falls are the star of the show, but you’ll also enjoy exploring the ruins of the Queen Bee Mill, dining at the Overlook Cafe, and visiting the horse barn and visitor center.
- SculptureWalk
Ladyme1/Tripadvisor SculptureWalk brings dozens of new sculptures to downtown Sioux Falls every year. Take a walk around the city to see them all, then vote for your favorite. Click here for a map that shows you the location of each sculpture.
- The Phillips Avenue Diner
The Phillips Avenue Diner/Facebook The Phillips Avenue Diner is a fun, retro diner with delicious breakfasts, burgers and comfort food like chili, meatloaf and other diner favorites. 121 S. Phillips Avenue.
- St. Joseph Cathedral
Julie T/Tripadvisor This cathedral rivals some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe, so if you’re into architecture, you’ll definitely want to put it on your list. Take the self-guided tour from 9 to11:30 AM or 1 PM to 5 PM every day. You’ll find the cathedral at 521 N. Duluth Avenue.
- Butterfly House & Aquarium
management/Tripadvisor Visit the Butterfly House & Aquarium at 4320 S. Oxbow Avenue for an entire day’s fun. Hang out at the Butterfly House to see 800 butterflies flitting all over. Hold still and one might even get up close and personal with you! The 20,000 gallons of aquariums are home to stingrays, jellyfish, sharks and host of marine wildlife.
- Great Plains Zoo
management/Tripadvisor Say hello to Satchi the Amur Tiger, or any of the more than 1,000 animals that call this delightful zoo home. 805 S. Kiwanis Avenue.
- The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway
605Kathy1/Tripadvisor This trail is 29 miles long and makes a loop through the city. Walk, run, rollerblade or bike the trail, which has stops in parks all over. Click here to see the map.
- Minerva’s
Management/Tripadvisor When you’re looking for upscale dining in Sioux Falls, Minerva’s is a good choice. Its been open since 1977, and serves up some delicious steaks, seafood, chicken and other dishes that will delight your palate. 301 S. Phillips Avenue.
- Washington Pavilion
lizzybobizzy18/Tripadvisor Washington Pavilion is THE epicenter for art and science in Sioux Falls. Catch a live performance or concert, learn something new at the Kirby Science Discovery Center, stroll the galleries at the Visual Arts Center, and watch a documentary at the Wells Fargo CineDome. 301 S. Main Avenue.
- USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial
Chicag0Guy/Tripadvisor The USS South Dakota made a great contribution to World War II, and was the most-decorated battleship of the war. Visit it at 12 Street and Kiwanis Avenue.
- Wild Water West Waterpark
Wild Water West Waterpark/Facebook In the summer, cool off at Wild Water West Waterpark, where you’ll enjoy four waterslides, a wave pool, lazy river, activity pool, baby pool and Caribbean Falls attraction. 26767 466th Avenue.
- JL Beers
Lindsey F/Tripadvisor If you’re craving a burger, JL Beers serves up one of the best in the city. Try one of their specialty burgers, or order a tasty chicken sandwich. 323 S. Phillips Avenue.
- Good Earth State Park and Blood Run Nature Area
Lindsey B/Tripadvisor This beautiful nature area and state park boasts plenty of hiking trails to help you explore the area. Stop by the visitor center to see exhibits that help you learn about the Native Americans who once called this place home.
- Great Bear Ski Valley
Great Bear Ski Valley/Facebook During the winter, Great Bear Ski Valley is the place to play outdoors. Ski or board on one of the 14 downhill runs, practice your skills at the snowboard terrain park, and go tubing. Snowshoe or cross country ski on the trails in the winter, and hike those same trails in the summer. 5901 E. Rice Street.
- TapHouse 41
TapHouse41/Facebook Visiting all of Sioux Falls’ attractions is thirsty work! Grab a beer or some bourbon at TapHouse 41. This place will also give JL Beers a run for its money when it comes to delicious burgers, and everything on the menu here is delicious.
What’s your favorite thing about Sioux Falls? Tell us in the comments!
Ollie O/Tripadvisor
The 123-acre Falls Park is an oasis in the city. The falls are the star of the show, but you’ll also enjoy exploring the ruins of the Queen Bee Mill, dining at the Overlook Cafe, and visiting the horse barn and visitor center.
Ladyme1/Tripadvisor
SculptureWalk brings dozens of new sculptures to downtown Sioux Falls every year. Take a walk around the city to see them all, then vote for your favorite. Click here for a map that shows you the location of each sculpture.
The Phillips Avenue Diner/Facebook
The Phillips Avenue Diner is a fun, retro diner with delicious breakfasts, burgers and comfort food like chili, meatloaf and other diner favorites. 121 S. Phillips Avenue.
Julie T/Tripadvisor
This cathedral rivals some of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe, so if you’re into architecture, you’ll definitely want to put it on your list. Take the self-guided tour from 9 to11:30 AM or 1 PM to 5 PM every day. You’ll find the cathedral at 521 N. Duluth Avenue.
management/Tripadvisor
Visit the Butterfly House & Aquarium at 4320 S. Oxbow Avenue for an entire day’s fun. Hang out at the Butterfly House to see 800 butterflies flitting all over. Hold still and one might even get up close and personal with you! The 20,000 gallons of aquariums are home to stingrays, jellyfish, sharks and host of marine wildlife.
Say hello to Satchi the Amur Tiger, or any of the more than 1,000 animals that call this delightful zoo home. 805 S. Kiwanis Avenue.
605Kathy1/Tripadvisor
This trail is 29 miles long and makes a loop through the city. Walk, run, rollerblade or bike the trail, which has stops in parks all over. Click here to see the map.
Management/Tripadvisor
When you’re looking for upscale dining in Sioux Falls, Minerva’s is a good choice. Its been open since 1977, and serves up some delicious steaks, seafood, chicken and other dishes that will delight your palate. 301 S. Phillips Avenue.
lizzybobizzy18/Tripadvisor
Washington Pavilion is THE epicenter for art and science in Sioux Falls. Catch a live performance or concert, learn something new at the Kirby Science Discovery Center, stroll the galleries at the Visual Arts Center, and watch a documentary at the Wells Fargo CineDome. 301 S. Main Avenue.
Chicag0Guy/Tripadvisor
The USS South Dakota made a great contribution to World War II, and was the most-decorated battleship of the war. Visit it at 12 Street and Kiwanis Avenue.
Wild Water West Waterpark/Facebook
In the summer, cool off at Wild Water West Waterpark, where you’ll enjoy four waterslides, a wave pool, lazy river, activity pool, baby pool and Caribbean Falls attraction. 26767 466th Avenue.
Lindsey F/Tripadvisor
If you’re craving a burger, JL Beers serves up one of the best in the city. Try one of their specialty burgers, or order a tasty chicken sandwich. 323 S. Phillips Avenue.
Lindsey B/Tripadvisor
This beautiful nature area and state park boasts plenty of hiking trails to help you explore the area. Stop by the visitor center to see exhibits that help you learn about the Native Americans who once called this place home.
Great Bear Ski Valley/Facebook
During the winter, Great Bear Ski Valley is the place to play outdoors. Ski or board on one of the 14 downhill runs, practice your skills at the snowboard terrain park, and go tubing. Snowshoe or cross country ski on the trails in the winter, and hike those same trails in the summer. 5901 E. Rice Street.
TapHouse41/Facebook
Visiting all of Sioux Falls’ attractions is thirsty work! Grab a beer or some bourbon at TapHouse 41. This place will also give JL Beers a run for its money when it comes to delicious burgers, and everything on the menu here is delicious.
Check out the 9 reasons why you’ll fall in love with South Dakota’s state parks over and over again.
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