Things To Do
in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is the largest city in the state of South Dakota, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The city is situated along the Big Sioux River, offering beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities. Sioux Falls is home to a variety of historic landmarks, including the Falls Park, which showcases the city's namesake waterfalls.
The community is known for its friendly residents and welcoming Midwestern hospitality.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $35
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $4
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Falls Park, where you can witness the stunning waterfalls. Enjoy a breakfast picnic with a view of the cascading water.
Take a stroll around the park and explore the walking trails. Check out the Visitor Information Center to learn more about the park's history.
Enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant and experience the vibrant atmosphere of downtown Sioux Falls. Don't miss the chance to take a sunset photo by the falls.
Visit the Sioux Falls Museum to discover local history and art exhibitions. Engage with interactive displays that are fun for all ages.
Relax at one of the nearby cafes for lunch. Afterward, check out the SculptureWalk, featuring various artworks displayed throughout the city.
Dine at a local bistro, enjoying regional cuisine. End the day by attending a cozy art gallery opening if available.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger U.S. cities.
- Strong job market with opportunities in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
- Family-friendly environment with good schools and low crime rates.
- Access to beautiful parks and outdoor recreational activities.
- A growing arts and culture scene, including festivals and events.
- Harsh winters with very cold temperatures and snowfall.
- Limited public transportation options.
- Smaller city may offer fewer entertainment and dining choices than larger urban areas.
- Economic opportunities may be more limited in certain industries.
- Potential for conservative social views in some communities.
Best Activities in Sioux Falls
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful Falls Park, featuring cascading waterfalls and walking trails.
Enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in the winter, and hiking and biking trails in the summer at Great Bear Recreation Park.
Visit Sertoma Park for its lovely gardens, picnic areas, and outdoor recreational facilities including a butterfly house and a Japanese garden.
Tours
Uncover the best of Sioux Falls with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Sioux Falls
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers great views of the Big Sioux River and the beautiful waterfalls, popular for photography.
Features scenic nature trails and wildlife viewing areas, perfect for nature photography.
Located nearby and provides breathtaking views of quartzite formations and Split Rock Creek, ideal for landscape photography.
Food in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved local dish consisting of cubed meat, usually lamb or beef, that's been seasoned and deep-fried. It's often served with a side of garlic salt and saltine crackers. Recommended places to try it include the Alpine Inn and Parker's Bistro.
Must-Try!
Walleye, a freshwater fish, is a regional favorite. The fish is often breaded and fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy outside and tender inside. Look for it at iconic spots like Foley's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse and Wiley's Tavern.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in the beautiful Falls Park, this market offers an array of fresh produce, locally-made goods, and street food vendors offering diverse cuisines. Visitors can enjoy everything from Mexican street tacos to Korean BBQ.
This vibrant area hosts a food festival showcasing various food trucks and vendors, offering everything from gourmet hot dogs to creative fusion dishes. It's an excellent spot to sample an assortment of street foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Sioux Falls, it's important to show respect for the local Native American culture, including the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota tribes. This includes being mindful of traditions, ceremonies, and historical sensitivities.
Engaging in community activities and events is highly valued in Sioux Falls. Showing interest in local affairs and participating in community projects is a way to demonstrate respect for the city and its residents.
Politeness, courtesy, and friendliness are highly regarded in Sioux Falls. It's important to greet people with a smile, use
Safety
Tipping in Sioux Falls
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is a common practice in Sioux Falls, United States, especially in the service industry. It is customary to tip restaurant servers, bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff. The standard tip is generally 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in Sioux Falls, United States, is commonly made using cash, credit/debit cards, or mobile payment methods. Most businesses and service providers accept major credit cards, and it is also common to use contactless payment methods for convenience and security.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a popular time to visit Sioux Falls as the weather starts to warm up, and the city's parks and outdoor attractions begin to come to life. The Falls Park is particularly beautiful during this time, with blooming flowers and flowing waterfalls.
Summer is a great time to visit Sioux Falls for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking. The city hosts many outdoor events and festivals during this time, and the warmer weather allows for enjoyable exploration of the city's attractions.
Fall in Sioux Falls is characterized by beautiful foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit. The cooler temperatures also make it a comfortable time for outdoor activities, and the city's farmers markets and apple orchards offer unique experiences.
Winter in Sioux Falls can be cold, but it offers a charming winter wonderland atmosphere. The city's holiday lights and decorations create a festive ambiance, and indoor attractions like museums and galleries provide great opportunities for cultural exploration.
Sioux Falls at Night
Hiking in Sioux Falls
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular park in Sioux Falls featuring the city's namesake waterfalls, with trails that allow for hiking and exploration along the banks of the Big Sioux River.
A large park with a variety of trails for hiking, running, and cycling, located near the city center and offering scenic views of the river and surrounding nature.
A scenic hiking trail that offers beautiful views of the Black Hills landscape, located a short drive from Sioux Falls.
A nature trail adjacent to the zoo that provides a unique hiking experience while observing local wildlife and plants.
Offers trails for hiking along with educational programs about outdoor skills and nature, making it a great place for families and beginners.
Aiports
How to reach Sioux Falls by plane.
The main airport serving Sioux Falls, offering domestic flights.
Located approximately 250 miles northeast of Sioux Falls, it is the largest airport in Minnesota and a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Located in Omaha, Nebraska, about 180 miles southeast of Sioux Falls, it serves as a major airport for the region with many domestic and some international flights.
Located roughly 250 miles southeast of Sioux Falls, this airport serves a significant number of domestic flights and is the primary airport for Des Moines, Iowa.
Located about 350 miles south of Sioux Falls, it is the largest airport in the Kansas City area, offering extensive domestic and international service.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Approximately 83% of the population in Sioux Falls identifies as White.
About 10% of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino.
Approximately 5% of the population identifies as Black or African American.
Around 2% of the population identifies as Asian.
About 1% of the population identifies as Native American.
Approximately 4% of the population identifies as having two or more races.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is widely played in Sioux Falls, with numerous schools and local clubs participating in competitive leagues, as well as adults enjoying recreational pick-up games.
American football holds a significant place in the community, with local high schools and colleges hosting games that attract large crowds.
Baseball is popular at various levels, with youth leagues, amateur teams, and the Sioux Falls Canaries, a minor league baseball team, drawing fans during the season.
Soccer has been growing in popularity, with youth programs flourishing and local clubs offering competitive teams for all ages.
Ice hockey is played in local arenas, with youth leagues and the Sioux Falls Stampede, a junior ice hockey team, fostering a strong following.
Running and road races are popular in Sioux Falls, with events like the Sioux Falls Half Marathon and various community races attracting participants.
Volleyball, both indoor and sand, is popular among schools and recreational clubs, with many leagues and tournaments held throughout the year.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sioux Falls.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Sioux Falls boasts numerous eateries offering delicious vegetarian and vegan fare. Look for options such as the veggie burger at JL Beers and the vegan sushi rolls at Sushi Masa.
Many restaurants in Sioux Falls accommodate gluten-free diners, with offerings like gluten-free pizza at RedRossa Napoli Pizza and gluten-free pastries at CH Patisserie.