Sioux Falls, a city in South Dakota, gets its name from a beautiful waterfall in the town center. Being the largest city in the state, Sioux Falls has a vibrant culture that includes enjoying its abundant nature, art scene, and history.
What’s great for travelers is that all these attractions were created for the residents without being overrun by tourists. Consequently, you can easily experience the authentic things to do in Sioux Falls without falling into tourist traps. This family-friendly city offers a touch of romance with its grand cathedral and performing arts community.
Despite its apparent size, Sioux Falls is quite easy to navigate, and the best way to explore is by taking advantage of its extensive network of bike trails.
12. Great Plains Zoo

The Great Plains Zoo is located on the west side of Sioux Falls. It is a popular attraction for families and lives up to its reputation. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about various species while enjoying outdoor activities. It is a budget-friendly option and remains open throughout the year.
Some of the highlights at the zoo include Amur tigers, eastern black rhinos, and snow monkeys. The zookeepers are always present and ready to answer any questions you may have. If you want to enhance your zoo experience, you can participate in daily events like getting up close with wildlife or feeding a giraffe. For lunch, you can visit the Maasai Market Cafe.
11. Pettigrew Home & Museum

The McMartin family built the historical home in 1889. Later, Richard Franklin, a senator, bought the house in 1911 and later donated it to Sioux Falls when he died 15 years later. The house showcases beautiful late 19th-century architecture, but the main attraction lies inside.
Senator Pettigrew, who was not only the first full-term senator in South Dakota but also a passionate traveler, collected artifacts from around the world. These artifacts are now on display in the restored home. Additionally, there are galleries that highlight the natural and cultural history of Sioux Falls.
10. Sioux Falls Bike Trail

Did you know that there are more than 70 urban parks in Sioux Falls? The Sioux Falls Bike Trail is a great way to explore the best of these parks. You can begin your journey at Falls Park, where you’ll find the city’s famous waterfall.
From there, you can enjoy a relaxing 20-mile bike ride through the town, passing by beautiful green spaces and getting picturesque views of the Big Sioux River. The trail forms a loop, and you’ll come across many scenic stops along the way, such as the zoo and Pasley Park, where you can take a break and enjoy the surroundings. Just keep in mind that you’ll be sharing some sections of the trail with pedestrians.
9. Old Courthouse Museum

Sioux Falls’ Old Courthouse Museum is a remarkable local landmark that offers a range of options for travelers. They can now explore both the town’s history and its natural beauty. The courthouse was constructed in the 1800s and has transformed into a three-level museum.
Inside, visitors can find both permanent and temporary exhibits that focus on the history of the city and its surroundings. These exhibits shed light on the rich past of Sioux Falls. One of the highlights of the museum is the collection of over two dozen murals decorating the hallways.
To get a complete understanding of Sioux Falls’ story, travelers should combine their visit to the museum with a trip to the nearby Pettigrew Home and Museum.
8. St. Joseph Cathedral

The St. Joseph Cathedral has been a part of Sioux Falls’ skyline since 1919. It was built to resemble the grand cathedrals in Europe and has recently undergone renovations to bring it back to its original splendor. The cathedral is surrounded by lovely grounds, providing a serene setting to appreciate its beautiful facade.
Once inside, you’ll be amazed by the intricate details of the church. The highlight is the free-standing altar, which was inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Visitors can explore the cathedral on their own or take guided tours during the week.
7. Great Bear Recreation Park

During the winter in Sioux Falls, there is one place where you can enjoy skiing on fresh snow. Great Bear Recreation Park is a small ski area that has been popular since the early 1960s. It started with only two runs and a rope tow, but now it has grown with the addition of a lodge and more runs.
Today, you can find twelve runs, three lifts, a magic carpet for beginners, and a handle tow. Plus, there is an exciting Terrain Park. Most people visit Sioux Falls in the warmer months, but don’t worry, you can still enjoy the mountain by exploring its eight miles of trail.
6. Falls Park

Sioux Falls gets its name from the beautiful waterfall that is the main attraction in town. The waterfall is located on the Big Sioux River and it is very powerful, dropping 25 feet over a rocky cliff. These falls were formed when an ice sheet broke away during the Ice Age, causing significant changes to the surrounding area.
When visiting, one can enjoy the falls from different viewpoints while surrounded by vibrant trees in the spring and summer. Besides the waterfall, one of the most popular spots is the information center, which is next to a tall observation tower with five stories.
In Falls Park, there is something for everyone, including a café called the Overlook Café where you can have a meal while enjoying live music every Friday. Additionally, there are playgrounds for the kids and many public artworks and historical landmarks to explore, such as the Queen Bee Mill.
5. SculptureWalk

The SculptureWalk in Sioux Falls is a great way to explore the city and learn about its art culture. There are over 50 sculptures that rotate regularly, allowing you to discover different parts of town. You can take your time and explore the sculptures at your own pace, or join a guided tour.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to choose which sculptures you want to see and enjoy the dining scene and boutique stores in Sioux Falls. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite displays on the SculptureWalk website after you’ve visited.
4. Terrace Park

Terrace Park is known for its serene atmosphere and is considered one of the most peaceful areas in Sioux Falls. It is located along the city’s bike trail and serves as a popular stopping point for cyclists.
As visitors meander through the park, they will instantly feel a sense of relaxation while admiring the well-maintained gardens, particularly the magnificent Japanese Garden. Once you have immersed yourself in the beautifully landscaped garden, you can leisurely proceed to Covell Lake.
This location offers a perfect setting for a picnic, accompanied by picturesque views of the water and the surrounding lawns with abundant trees. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even rent a kayak and explore the lake, or engage in some fishing during your outing. Additionally, the park boasts various sports fields, trails, and tennis courts for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
3. Butterfly House & Aquarium

The Butterfly House is a wonderful place to see and learn about more than 800 butterflies. The butterflies come from different parts of the world like South America, Asia, and Africa. It is a nonprofit organization that allows visitors to have a hands-on experience and learn about nature.
Besides the Butterfly House, there is also an aquarium where you can explore and interact with sharks and stingrays in a touch pool. The center’s naturalists offer various tours and programs, including a behind-the-scenes look at how the Butterfly House is run and overnight camps for children.
2. USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial

The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial is located near the Great Plains Zoo and honors the ship’s important role in World War II. Construction of the USS South Dakota started in 1939, but it wasn’t until 1942 that it was sent to the Pacific Ocean and led its fleet in various battles.
The memorial is open to visitors every day from May to September, allowing them to see different parts of the famous battleship up close. Although the ship was sold for scrap metal after the war, many items were saved and used in the memorial, including relics, memorabilia, and an outline of the hull.
1. Washington Pavilion

The Washington Pavilion is a central part of Sioux Falls’ arts and entertainment scene. It has two performing arts centers where you can see live music, Broadway shows, and affordable recitals. The Visual Arts Center is another exciting feature of the Washington Pavilion. It has a stunning permanent exhibit along with rotating temporary shows.
There are seven different galleries that display artwork from local, national, and international artists. In addition to the galleries, there is also the Kirby Science Discovery Center. This interactive center offers fun and educational experiences for people of all ages, with themes like outer space and dinosaurs.