Things To Do
in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls is a mid-sized city in southeastern South Dakota centered around the scenic Falls Park on the Big Sioux River. It blends a revitalized downtown with public art, museums, and a growing culinary scene. The city is a regional hub for healthcare, finance, and retail while offering easy access to prairie landscapes and nearby state parks.
Visitors enjoy a compact, walkable core, family-friendly attractions, and year-round outdoor recreation opportunities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Sioux Falls and settle into your accommodation. After dropping off your bags, take a leisurely stroll at Falls Park to witness the stunning falls and the surrounding trails. Enjoy a coffee from a local shop while soaking in the beauty of the cascading waters.
Explore the downtown area, where you can visit the local shops and artisan markets. Grab lunch at a popular eatery, indulging in the local flavors of South Dakota. Spend some time at the Sioux Falls Art Museum, admiring the regional artworks on display.
As evening falls, head to a local restaurant to enjoy a delightful dinner. Consider attending a live music event or checking out a theater performance to immerse yourself in the local culture. Wind down with a relaxed walk by the Sioux River, watching the city lights twinkle.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a hiking adventure at the nearby Palisades State Park. Explore the stunning rock formations and scenic views as you navigate through the trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty.
After your hike, return to Sioux Falls for a leisurely lunch at a café overlooking the river. Spend the afternoon biking along the Sioux River Recreation Trail, which offers beautiful views of the landscape and city. Stop by the SculptureWalk to admire various public artworks scattered throughout downtown.
Enjoy dinner at one of the city's top steakhouses, where you can savor expertly cooked local meat. If you're in the mood for some fun, visit one of the local breweries for a tasting of South Dakota craft beers. Conclude your night with a stroll around the historic district, soaking in the charm of the illuminated buildings.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi / short ride | $8-15 |
| 🏨Midrange hotel per night | $90-150 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction admission | $5-18 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful central waterfall and scenic riverfront parks
- Compact, walkable downtown with public art and cultural venues
- Affordable compared with larger U.S. cities
- Plentiful outdoor recreation and easy access to nearby state parks
- Winters are long and can be harsh with snow and ice
- Limited direct international flight options; small regional airport
- Smaller nightlife and entertainment scene compared with major cities
- Some attractions close seasonally (outdoor activities limited in winter)
Places to Visit in Sioux Falls
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic waterfalls on the Big Sioux River, with observation decks, the historic Queen Bee Mill remains, and great vistas at sunrise and sunset.
Striking Sioux Quartzite cliffs and narrow canyons offering dramatic rock formations and scenic overlooks for landscape photography.
Architectural and public art opportunities—sculptures, colorful murals, and evening-lit façades in the downtown arts district.
Riverside trails, bridges, and tree-lined paths that provide seasonal landscapes and wildlife photo opportunities.
Food in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cubed and seasoned meat (typically beef or lamb), often deep-fried or grilled and served on skewers—found at diners, bars, and local meat markets.
Must-Try!
Freshwater fish commonly served pan-fried or battered; a regional favorite available at seafood-focused restaurants and local diners.
Menus highlight local produce, steaks, and craft sides—seek out downtown bistros and newer neighborhood restaurants for rotating seasonal dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market (seasonal) with local produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and vendors; ideal for sampling local cheeses, jams, and artisan bites.
Food trucks gather at events and near the downtown core with tacos, barbecue, and regional comfort foods—check local event calendars for where they’re parked.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are generally friendly and polite—greeting strangers, holding doors, and casual small talk are common.
Conversations are warm but respectful—avoid overly personal topics with new acquaintances and be courteous in queues.
Tipping is expected for service workers; failing to tip is considered rude unless service is very poor.
Safety
Tipping in Sioux Falls
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in restaurants is 15–20% of the pre-tax bill for good service; tip bartenders $1–2 per drink or 15–20% for a tab. Taxi and ride-hail drivers typically receive 10–15%.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) and chip cards are common. Carry a small amount of cash for markets and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Variable weather with warming temperatures and occasional heavy rains or late snow; flowers and greenery return—great time for lower crowds but bring layers and waterproof gear.
Warm to hot daytime temperatures, sometimes humid; ideal for river activities, festivals, outdoor dining, and park visits—stay hydrated and wear sun protection.
Crisp, cool weather with colorful foliage in parks and along river corridors; comfortable for hiking and photography with fewer tourists.
Cold and snowy, with below-freezing temperatures common; good for winter sports at nearby recreation areas but require warm clothing and preparedness for icy conditions.
Sioux Falls at Night
Hiking in Sioux Falls
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Trails through prairie, wooded creek bottoms, and interpretive exhibits focusing on native plants and native history—close to town and family-friendly.
Known for dramatic quartzite formations, cliffside views, and narrow valleys—excellent for photography and varied hikes.
Rolling hills, forested trails, and seasonal wildflowers about a short drive south—offers hiking, camping, and scenic overlooks.
Mountain-bike friendly trails and hiking paths with elevation changes; also a winter sports area for sledding and skiing.
Airports
How to reach Sioux Falls by plane.
Primary local airport with commercial flights to major hubs—convenient for regional travel and about a short drive from downtown.
Major international hub approximately a 3.5–4 hour drive away (or short connecting flight), offering a wide range of domestic and international connections.
Large regional airport about a 3–3.5 hour drive southeast with additional commercial flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Largest demographic group, reflecting European ancestry common across the Great Plains.
A growing community contributing to cultural diversity, local businesses, and cuisine.
Indigenous communities are present in the region and contribute to local heritage, arts, and events.
A mix of young professionals drawn to healthcare and finance jobs and families attracted to schools and community amenities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League) draws fans to professional basketball games and community events.
Junior hockey (USHL) is popular locally, with lively game nights and community support for the Stampede.
High school football and basketball, as well as college athletics in the region, generate local enthusiasm and community involvement.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sioux Falls.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are increasingly common at cafes and farm-to-table restaurants—look for seasonal vegetable plates, salads, and pasta; markets also sell plant-based prepared foods.
Vegan choices exist but can be limited outside specialty eateries; many restaurants will accommodate vegan requests with advance notice or by modifying dishes.
Most midrange and upscale restaurants offer gluten-free options; always confirm with staff about cross-contamination if you have celiac disease.