While Sioux Falls, SD, may be small in size — less than 200,000 residents, the city is full of big opportunities. From rugged outdoor adventures to laid-back days riverside, the biggest challenge is fitting all the fun into one vacation. If a trip to Sioux Falls is in your future, follow this South Dakota vacation guide for a memory-making experience.
What to See
Sioux Falls’ rich past and community commitment to education has produced a long list of must-see sights. From solo travelers to group trips, you’re sure to find a location or area of the city worth exploring.
History & Architecture
To truly appreciate a city, you need to understand its past. Even though it’s not on the east coast, Sioux Falls offers plenty of rich historical buildings. In fact, the city was originally chartered in 1856, and there are still many gorgeous architectural sites dating back to that time period.
If you’re a history buff, then you won’t want to miss a trip to the Pettigrew Home & Museum. Dating back to 1889, the house’s second owner, Richard Franklin Pettigrew, was a senator and instrumental in Sioux Fall’s commercial growth. There are free guided tours of the museum available daily. Other popular historical sites include the Old Courthouse Museum and the Cathedral of Saint Joseph.
Family Fun
Keeping the kiddos entertained with historical sites isn’t always that easy. Thankfully, Sioux Falls offer plenty of interactive educational attractions perfect for family-friendly vacation planning. One of the most popular sites is the Butterfly House and Aquarium, which is composed of multiple exhibits on one property.
The Butterfly House allows you to get up close and personal with free-flying butterflies amidst a backdrop of lush, green plant life. The Cove aspect of the adventure offers the chance to see exotic fish and breathtaking corals from around the world, while the Stingray Touch Pool provides a hands-on learning experience. If you’re not traveling with kids, enjoy a nice and quiet tour of the exhibits at one of their adults-only evening experiences.
For a wider variety of wildlife, stop by the Great Plains Zoo. The facility features species from all around the world, including bears, giraffes, and snow monkeys. It’s also home to the Delbridge Museum of Natural History.
What to Do
Whether you want to spend your Sioux Falls vacation getting in touch with Mother Nature or tasting the local brews, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Three favorite pastimes of both locals and visitors include hiking, drinking, and eating. Fortunately, you can customize all three experiences based on your personal preferences.
Head Outdoors
Surrounded by such serene landscape, outdoor adventures are a staple of South Dakota vacation guides. In Sioux Falls, Falls Park is an excellent spot for an afternoon of exploration. The 123-acre park is home to the city’s namesake — The Falls. Enjoy the views — and a snack — at the Falls Overlook Cafe before hitting one of the many walking paths.
For a more intense adventure, head to Great Bear Ski Valley. During winter, the park offers skiing, snowshoeing, and a tubing park. In summer, the area transforms into an oasis for hiking and bird watching. Or, if your idea of outdoor fun is more on the relaxing side, head to Wild Water West for a day of water-based relaxation in the sun.
Grab Drinks
Sioux Falls is also an excellent destination for wine and beer connoisseurs. For wine enthusiasts, Strawbale Wine offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city with a calming, laid-back vibe. You can visit the vineyards and taste delicious wine, and enjoy the regularly offered events like live music.
With a resurgence of craft breweries, beer lovers definitely have the upper hand in Sioux Falls. Some of the top spots include Remedy Brewing Co., Woodgrain Brewing Co., and Fernson Brewing Co. You can book tours for individual breweries or enjoy multiple locations with a guided tour from SuFu Brewery Tours.
Enjoy the Local Cuisine
Ranging from Americana staples to chic and gourmet, Sioux Falls is home to an eclectic food scene. Phillips Avenue Diner offers a retro dining experience with a classic selection of dishes, including omelets, burgers, and malts. The B&G Milky Way is another comfort food establishment with a throwback vibe, featuring hotdogs, burgers, fries, and soft serve.
If you’re looking for a more refined offering, head to Crawford’s. Located in downtown, the restaurant offers a hipster-fied selection of American eats and handcrafted cocktails in a historic setting. For vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, stop by Sanaa’s Gourmet. The eatery specializes in plant-based, gluten-free fare with a nod to Mediterranean styles.
Book Affordable Sioux Falls Bus Travel Today
Ready to put this South Dakota vacation guide to use? Book your travel today with BusTickets.com. Within minutes, you can locate the available routes, compare prices among multiple carriers, and find the most affordable rates for your budget. We even offer charter bus quotes for group travel. Start your stress-free Sioux Falls vacation off right by booking your bus tickets today!
References:
www.siouxlandmuseums.com/home-page/pettigrew-home-museum/
www.siouxlandmuseums.com/home-page/old-courthouse-museum-exhibits/
www.stjosephcathedral.net/
butterflyhousemarinecove.org/
butterflyhousemarinecove.org/events-calendar/adult-only-after-hours-experience–1
greatzoo.org/
greatzoo.org/plan-your-trip/delbridge-museum-of-natural-history
www.siouxfalls.org/parks/parks/locations/falls-park
fallsoverlook.com/
greatbearpark.com/
wildwaterwest.com/
strawbalewinery.com/
www.remedybrewco.com/
www.woodgrainbrew.com/info
www.fernson.com/
www.facebook.com/sufubrews
www.phillipsavenuediner.com/
www.bandgmilkyway.com/
crawfordssf.com/
sanaacooks.com/restaurant/
