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South Dakota's largest city, Sioux Falls is a hub for tourism, healthcare, finance, and retail. The city is known for its Sioux Waterfalls and the Big Sioux River. South Dakota is a land surrounded by natural beauty and rich culture. The city offers numerous outdoor activities like hiking, biking, boating, and fishing. Sioux Falls is also well known for hosting vivid art exhibitions, music concerts, and sporting events.
While the debate between North Dakota and South Dakota is never ending, visit this vibrant, growing SD city with gorgeous landscapes, natural beauty, rich culture, and history.
Best Time To Go To Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is a historic and cultural vacation spot. While every season has its own charm in this quaint city, the best months to travel to Sioux Falls are from May to October. The warmest months are June, July, and August. However, the month of June is also when it rains the most. So, hiking can get tricky this month.
Sioux winters drop to the lowest temperatures between January and February. The highest recorded temperatures during the summer months average 86 degrees, and peak tourism in Sioux Falls touches in July.
The hotel and flight rates also hike up during this time. Summers are perfect to travel to this city because of the wide range of outdoor activities available to indulge in. From hiking to fishing, boating, and biking, this epic city has something for everyone.
September and October are fairly good times to travel around South Dakota as the city and its neighboring towns turn into hues of orange.
What To Know When Visiting Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls has some hidden treasures that visitors can enjoy. Here are some things to know when visiting this little city.
- There is a mini Japan in Sioux Falls. The Shoto-Teien Japanese gardens are flooded with lanterns and pagodas.
- Sioux Falls hosts one of the biggest music festivals in the US. The Life Light Festival attracts a crowd of over 350,000 music lovers from across the nation.
Best Ways To Get Around Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Regional Airport is the closest access point to the city and is located only 5 miles from downtown. Airlines like Delta, United Airlines, American Airlines, and a few more fly to this airport. Direct flights run from Denver, Las Vegas, St. Petersburg, Phoenix, and Dallas.
Navigating the city is as breezy as the wind here. From car rental and cab services like Lyft and Uber to bus services, bike rentals, and more, Sioux has it all.
Visitors can use the Sioux Area Metro which has easy accessibility to most tourist spots in the city. Another easy and tourist-friendly way to see the city is by taking the Downtown Trolley bus service. This is a hop-on-ho-off city touring service that helps visitors explore the entire downtown.
To explore neighboring cities, the Jefferson Lines Bus Depot is an excellent option. It connects over 15 states at affordable prices.
Where To Stay In Sioux Falls
Sheraton Sioux Falls & Convention Center (Luxury)
This popular 4-star hotel in the city defines luxury and comfort. The hotel has over 240 rooms, best suited for large conferences, business gatherings, and weddings.
The location of the hotel is a highlight as it gives easy access to most of the tourist spots in the city. The Thunder Road Family Park and the Elmwood Golf Course are under 1.5 miles away.
- Accommodation: Sheraton Sioux Falls & Convention Center
- Address: 1211 N W Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States
- Price: $300 onwards
- Amenities: Fitness center, indoor pool, spa, steam, sauna
Hilton garden inn (Mid-range)
With direct shuttle service to the airport, Hilton Garden inn is located on the I-299 highway. This is a great mid-range hotel with excellent hospitality and luxury rooms. For sleek sophistication, grandeur, and an excellent in-house restaurant, this is a hot spot for business and leisure travelers.
- Accommodation: Hilton garden inn
- Address: 201 E 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, United States
- Price: $160 onwards
- Amenities: Microwave, whirlpool tubs, fitness center, spa, sauna, pool, kids play area
GLo Best Western Dawley Farms, Sioux Falls(Budget)
For an urban yet contemporary vibe, this is the best budget-friendly hotel option in Sioux Falls. This is a cool, hip hotel that delivers easy access to I-90 and I-229. The hotel also lies in proximity to downtown Sioux Falls.
This is also a pet-friendly hotel and has a kids' play area. Children under 17 can stay for free.
- Accommodation: GLo Best Western Dawley Farms
- Address: 1211 S Darryl Pl, Sioux Falls, SD 57110, United States
- Price: $130 onwards
- Amenities: Heated pool, fitness center
Where To Eat In Sioux Falls
Being the largest city in South Dakota, Sioux Falls does not fall short of serving delicious world cuisine. Here are some of the must-visit restaurants in Sioux Falls.
Lalibela (Ethiopian)
This restaurant is a local favorite and serves some of the most mouth-watering Ethiopian dishes. The restaurant is named after a historical town in Ethiopia.
The staff at Lalibela also teaches its customers how to eat authentic Ethiopian food. Every dish is served with the classic Injera, a famous Ethiopian sour flatbread and pancake.
- Address: 200 S Kiwanis Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States
- Price: $$
- Must-try: Homemade Injera (sour flat bread)
All Day Cafe and Goodnight Bar (best for brunch)
Located in Western Mall, this famous joint is known for its delicious brunch spreads. Brunching is a way of life here and they offer some mean cocktails in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. The chef uses the best quality ingredients and each dish is made-to-order.
- Address: 2101 W 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, United States
- Price: $
- Must-try: County Club and fluffy eggs
Monks House (Brewery)
The only brewery in Sioux Falls, the brewer and chef at MOnks House aim at serving their customers the best brews alongside tasteful American food. This is a perfect spot to network, meet friends and grab some of the most delicious brews in town.
They have an outdoor fireplace and also serve over 150 bottled beers.
- Address: 420 E 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, United States
- Price: $$
- Must-try: Their tap beers and One night in Bangkok pizza
Top Things To Do In Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is home to a rich history, heritage, and culture. This is a family-friendly vacation spot with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to do.
Kayak in Sioux Falls
Kayak down the Big Sioux River and through downtown Sioux Falls and enjoy one of the best outdoor activities in the city. King Kayak Rentals is one of the best outdoor activity rental services in Sioux Falls. It is perfect for beginner and advanced-level kayakers.
- Price: $60 onwards
- Time: 2 hours
Falls Park
The Falls Park is stretched over 123 acres of land where the falls drop over 7,400 gallons of water on average. The waterfalls are the key attraction point at Falls Park.
There are several biking and walking trails in and around the park and visitors can also enjoy a session of fishing. Since its opening in 1856, this has been one spot visitors have to cross off their Sioux Falls list. Overlook Cafe is an excellent spot to enjoy a quick meal.
- Price: Free
- Address: 131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States
Bike on the Sioux Falls Bike Trail
Sightseeing is one of the reasons why tourists enjoy Sioux Falls. In Falls Park, there is a 30-mile stretch of biking trail that visitors can enjoy.
Grab a bike and do a quick self-guided tour around the park. Some of these trails also have cafés, museums, and shops where riders can stop for refreshments. This is a fun way to explore the beautiful landscapes of this city.
- Price: $75 onwards
Cathedral of St Joseph
For lovers of history and architecture, the Cathedral of St. Joseph is a must-visit. Walk into this life-size marvel and take a quick self-guided tour and enjoy the history and craftsmanship of the locals.
The Cathedral is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day and self-guided tours can be taken from 9 AM to 11.30 AM and from 1 PM to 5 PM Monday to Friday.
- Price: Free
- Address: 521 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States
Pettigrew Home Museum
This is a unique place to visit in Sioux Falls. The museum opened in 1889 and the final owner of the house was Senator Richard Franklin Pettigrew.
The home museum is filled with fun artifacts and every shelf has something interesting to look at. Come and watch the fascination of Sir Pettigrew and dip into a world of stone tools, and natural history.
- Price: Free
- Address: 131 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States
SculptureWalk
This activity is for visitors who enjoy exploring a new destination on foot. There are vivid sculptures placed across downtown Sioux Falls and visitors can explore these and take fun pictures while on a bike or segway tour.
The Sculpture walk trail has over 69 sculptures by local and national artists.
- Price: Free
- Time: 2 hours
Butterfly House
This is yet another unique must-see spot in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It is a fun place to visit with the kids and learn about the various species of butterflies.
They have an aquarium filled with sharks, stingrays, exotic fishes, and other marine life plus interactive exhibits and a small gift shop for some souvenir shopping.
- Price: Adult - $14, Senior- $12, Youth- $10
- Address: 4320 S Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States
Big Sioux Recreation Area
Laid on the banks of the Big Sioux River, this area is popular among campers, hikers, and history buffs. There are several activities visitors can keep themselves occupied with like archery, off-track biking, trail biking, canoeing, and bird watching.
There is a separate cost for each of these activities and visitors can even camp here.
- Price: $8 per vehicle
- Address: 410 W Park St, Brandon, SD 57005, United States
Wild Water West Park
A perfect spot for families with children, this water park promises a day of fun and adventure. From wave pools to a waterslide complex, tornado alley, and an in-house bar, there is something for everybody at Wild Water West Park. Drop in and enjoy an adventurous and eventful day with the kids.
- Price (day tickets): Adults- $30, Seniors - $18
- Address: 26767 466th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States
Strawbale Winery
Located in Renner, Strawbale Winery is only 20-minute drive from downtown Sioux Falls. This is one of the unique wineries in South Dakota as it is made from straw. The building is made from insulated straw panels and the tasting room is made from straw bales.
The vineyards on the outside look like Napa Valley land. They have a beautiful outdoor venue which they source out for small events and intimate weddings.
- Address: 47215 257th St, Renner, SD 57055, United States
Buffalo Ringe Ghost Town
Quirky doesn't even begin to explain this place. The Buffalo Ringe town was built in the early 1900s as a replica of the 1800 lifestyle.
The entire area is filled with buildings that look dirty, dungy, dusty, and weird cowboy-like mannequins that visitors can pose with.
- Price: Free
- Address: 46614 SD-38, Buffalo Ridge, SD 57107, United States
Good Earth State Park
This is one of the best places to enjoy a cozy, outdoor picnic with the family. Perfect for biking, hiking, bird watching, and snowshoeing, this place is a relaxing outdoor adventure in itself.
There is an on-site museum dedicated to South Dakota's indigenous tribes and their lifestyle.
- Price: Free
- Address: 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, United States
- Time: 2 hours or more
Great Bear Ski Valley
Winters are a great time to explore Sioux Falls and skiing is one of the most attractive winter activities in the city. Great Bear Ski Valley has over 220 acres of skiable land.
The valley offers all types of winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, family tubing, and a terrain park with over 14 downhill trails.
- Price: $300 onwards
- Address: 5901 E Rice St, Sioux Falls, SD 57110, United States
- Time: Half day
How To Spend A Perfect Day In Sioux Falls
While visitors would require a few days to explore the entire city of Sioux Falls, the main attractions can be covered in a day. Start the day by visiting Falls Park to see the beautiful waterfalls and gardens and enjoy a quick picnic with the family.
Later, explore the SculptureWalk, an outdoor exhibit of sculptures designed by various national and international artists. This is also an easy-to-explore downtown area.
Grab lunch at any cafe or restaurant in the city center and head to see the Old Courthouse Museum. The second half of the day can be reserved for the Cathedral of St. Joseph. Keep the hour in check as the cathedral closes by 5 PM.
End the day by watching the sunset along the Big Sioux River. The scenic views will make for picture-perfect moments in one of the most beautiful towns in South Dakota.
FAQ
Q: Is Sioux Falls worth visiting?
Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota, has a wide range of outdoor activities, and is also a cultural and historical vacation spot. From spotting the falls to hiking, cycling, sightseeing, and historic museums and churches, there are tons of things to do in Sioux Falls.
Q: What is Sioux Falls South Dakota known for?
Sioux Falls is largely known for its beautiful waterfall and outdoor exploration opportunities. The city is also home to amazing public art and architecture.
Q: Is Sioux Falls a big city?
Sioux Falls isn't exactly a small town; its population hovers just under 200K people. In fact, Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota, which hints at how open and inviting the state itself is. SD offers up Mount Rushmore and other tourist attractions, and Sioux Falls is a central highlight.