Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is filled with attractive destinations for tourists. It is also filled with lots of exciting activities to partake in while vacaying in the city.
Visitors come to Sioux falls for several reasons, such as the hiking trails in and around the city, the impressive park system, culture, museums, et cetera.
There’s never a dull moment in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and it is impossible to run out of fun and adventurous activities to do.
The article details some of the best and fun things to do in Sioux Falls, SD.
Let’s get started!
Where is Sioux Falls, South Dakota?
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is the county seat of Minnehaha County and the most populous city in the United States state of South Dakota.
It is also the 31st most populous city in the United States, with a population of more than 192,000.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has a total area of 73.47 square miles, of which 72.96 square miles is land and 0.51 square miles is water.
It is in extreme eastern South Dakota, about 24 km west of the Minnesota border.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is named the waterfalls on the Big Sioux River and has more than 70 parks and greenways.
See Also: Fun Things to Do in Rapid City (SD)
Fun Things to Do in Sioux Falls, SD
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is always bustling with activities. There are lots of fun outdoor experiences to be had and lots of exciting places to visit.
Below are the best things to do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for adults, families, couples, kids, and for the weekend!
1. The Sertoma Butterfly House & Marine Cove
The 3,600 square-foot Butterfly House is kept at a warm 80 degrees Fahrenheit for the 800 butterflies, and the beautiful tropical garden allows visitors to see and admire both attractions.
The butterflies come from Asia, Africa, Australia, and North and South America.
The Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove are one of the best places to visit in Sioux Falls, SD.
On the other hand, the Marine Cove is the home of hundreds of corals and fish species, and the Pacific Tide Pool houses sea anemones, sea stars, and sea urchins.
Address: The Sertoma Butterfly House & Marine Cove is located at 4320 South Oxbow Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Phone: 605-334-9466.
2. Falls Park
This is another exciting place to visit in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Falls Park sits on 123-acre of land.
It is situated around the falls on the Big Sioux River, which the city was named after.
The 1881 seven-story Queen Bee Mill remains from the Sioux River’s east side, and the 1908 Sioux Falls Light and Power Company building has now become the famous Falls Overlook Café.
The 19-mile hiking, biking, and the walking trail starts at Falls Park and makes a loop around the city.
Address: The falls park is located at 131 E. Falls Park Dr., Sioux Falls, SD 57103, United States.
3. Old Courthouse Museum
Located on West Sixth Street, this Old Courthouse Museum is a historic building that first served as the first Minnehaha County courthouse.
It was built between 1889 and 1893 by local architect Wallace L. Dow; the building is made of native Sioux quartzite stone, popular local building material in the late 19th century.
In addition, the 16 large murals on the walls of the hallways provide a glimpse of early life and local nature.
The courthouse was used until 1962 when it was marked for demolition after a new courthouse was built.
However, citizens saved the historic building, which is now available for tours.
Address: The Old Courthouse Museum is located at 200 West Sixth Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States.
4. Great Plains Zoo
Located on South Kiwanis Avenue, the Great Plains Zoo is a 45-acre zoo and museum. It began operations in 1963.
The zoo has over 1,000 animals, such as giraffes, primates, and tigers.
The museum also displays exhibits such as Asian Cats, Birds, Bugs, Flamingo Aviary, Amphibians, and the Rare Rhinos of Africa.
Delbridge Museum of Natural History has over 150 mounted animals, 38 considered vanishing species.
Address: This attraction is located at 805 South Kiwanis Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
5. Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science
Opened in 1999, the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science center has an art gallery, a concert hall, a large-format theater, and a science museum.
It is currently housed in the renovated Washington High School, a neoclassical building whose facade is made of Sioux quartzite.
The center is also home to several educational institutions, such as the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts, the Community Learning Center, and the Graham Academy Preschool.
In addition, organizations such as the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society are associated with the center.
This is one of the 21 things you can do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Address: The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science center is located at 301 South Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
6. Terrace Park
The park contains many amenities and facilities, including baseball fields, miracle league ball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, walking trails, et cetera.
There are access points for fishing and kayaking. There are also several sculptures, formal gardens, and Japanese gardens, which enhance this park’s beauty.
The Terrace Park Family Aquatic Center has a large swimming pool, drop-off slides, a looping water slide, and a wading area.
Address: The Terrace Park is located at 1100 West 4th Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
7. Battleship Memorial, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial has a display that includes several relics from the historic battleship.
The outline of the ship’s hull is concrete, and visitors can view the relics and several pieces of memorabilia.
The ship was built beginning in 1939 and was commissioned in 1942.
At the time, the USS South Dakota was the lead ship of its class and was used in several battles in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.
Two such battles included the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands and the Second Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
It was sold as scrap metal after being decommissioned, and parts of the ship were saved for this memorial.
Address: This attraction is located at 2705 West 12th Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
8. Veterans Memorial Park
The Sioux Falls Veterans Memorial Park was established to commemorate the individuals who served in the military.
After the community and veterans groups started talking about the project, a committee was formed to gather input from the public and designers.
The park features various features, such as a theater, a historical display, and gardens.
It also has walking trails and a variety of sculptures. Walls, flags, and plazas additionally mark the park’s entrance.
Address: The Veterans Memorial Park is located at 1021 West Bailey Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
9. The Cathedral of Saint Joseph
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph, the Sioux Falls Catholic Diocese seat, was designed by architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray.
However, he died before the building was completed. The building was completed in 1919, and it underwent many other additions.
In 1935, a Kilgen pipe organ was installed; in 1946, the marble high altar and tester were added.
In 1947, the windows were also painted with French stained glass. In addition, the cathedral holds various events that are geared toward non-Catholics.
Address: This attraction is located at 521 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
10. Falls Overlook Café
Located along the bank of the Big Sioux River, Falls Overlook Cafe has one of the best views in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The view of this cozy restaurant includes a series of wild tumbling falls by the most exquisite greenery.
The Cafe is famous among visitors to Falls Park. You can take a break, enjoy the view or grab a bite to eat.
The Cafe has a small menu of freshly made sandwiches, soups, and salads.
It also has tables both inside and outside the Cafe. In addition, guests have a unique opportunity to see several historic exhibits displayed in the building.
Address: This Cafe is located at 825 N Weber Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57103.
11. The Arc of Dreams Monument
The Arc of Dreams is a massive art installation that spans the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls.
It features a gap of 15 feet tall, representing the courage that every dreamer must take to reach their dreams.
This impressive structure can be viewed at any time of day.
The Arc of Dreams monument in Sioux Falls is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys art.
It was constructed by local artist Dale Claude Lamphere and is a massive stainless-steel sculpture that will take your breath away.
The monument’s design is inspired by the various dreams people have in their lives.
Address: The Arc of Dreams Monument is located at the Arc of Dreams, Sioux Falls, SD 57103, 605 838 8102.
12. Great Bear Recreation Park
The Great Bear Recreation Park is a city-owned ski area in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
It was first established in 1963 and featured a lodge and a couple of runs. Eventually, more runs and tows were added, and a larger facility was constructed.
The park features 12 runs and three lifts. It also has a variety of equipment such as a magic carpet, a quad, and a handle tow.
During the summer, the park’s eight miles of walking trails provide visitors with amazing views.
Address: The Great Bear Recreation Park is located at5901 East Rice Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
13. Good Earth State Park
The Good Earth State Park is situated on one of the earliest sites of human habitation in South Dakota and is an important historical site and a place to enjoy nature at its finest.
It was initially an important trading and cultural center for early settlers (from 1300 to 1700 AD.
They provide visitors with an expansive outdoor recreation area where you can enjoy a wide range of activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching, fishing, and geocaching in summer and snow-shoeing in winter.
Address: Good Earth State Park is at 26924 480th Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108.
14. Catfish Bay Water Ski Park
Your visit to Sioux Falls will be incomplete if you don’t take the time to visit the fantastic H2O show at the Catfish Bay Water Ski Park.
It is an excellent opportunity for the whole family to be entertained as you watch the different talents and skills of the cast of this unique water show.
H2O covers both land and water acts which are suited to all ages.
The Stunt Show displays sensational water acts that will have everyone on the edge of their seats.
Address: Catfish Bay Water Ski Park is located at 5500 Show Place, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.
15. Wild Water West
Wild Water West is a water park on 466th Avenue in Sioux Falls. It was built more than 25 years ago, and Wild Water West is the largest water park in South Dakota.
There is a Swim-up Bar for adults interested in chugging a few alcoholic beverages and pools for babies and children.
There are also amenities for non-water activities such as batting cages and go-karts, and visitors can also partake in mini-golf, paintball, and sand volleyball.
Address: The Wild Water West is located at 26767 466th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States.
16. The World’s Only Corn Palace
The World’s Only Corn Palace is a title that can immediately stop you in your tracks. But, the good news is that it’s also a fun and interactive experience.
The World’s Only Corn Palace is a convention center that can host various events, such as concerts and rallies. It can also be used as a venue for festivals.
Address: This attraction is located at 604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301, United States.
17. Pettigrew Home and Museum
Various natural history specimens, such as Native American totems, stone tools, and other objects, can be found in the Pettigrew House and Museum.
The house was carefully preserved to maintain the 19th-century aesthetic.
It also features a variety of interesting furniture, such as purple carpets leading up to the stairs.
Address: This attraction is located at 131 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States.
18. SiouxperCon
If you’re a passionate fan of anime, manga, and games, head over to SiouxperCon, an annual convention held every fall.
It’s a gathering of people who are interested in all things geeky.
Address: SiouxperCon is located at 1201 West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States.
19. PAve
One of the most popular places to gather in Sioux Falls for a night out is PAve, which is a restaurant and nightclub that can be found in the heart of the city.
Not only is it right in the middle of the downtown area, but it can also provide a fun and interactive experience for everyone.
Address: PAve is located at 130 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States.
See Also: Fun Things to Do In Keystone (SD)
20. Sioux Falls Stadium
One of the most popular places to watch baseball in South Dakota is Sioux Falls Stadium.
This venue, built over 50 years ago, is one of the oldest in the state and the American Association.
It can seat about 4,500 people. During its time, the stadium was large enough that it could hold thousands of people.
Address: This attraction is located at 1001 Northwest Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States.
21. McKennan Park
McKennan Park is a great place to spend time with family members. It features a variety of activities that everyone can enjoy.
Address: McKennan Park is located at 400 E 26th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, United States.
There are several exciting things to do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as you can see in this guide.
So, if you’re looking to spend your summer vacation in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, you will likely have a swell time.