Discover Sioux Falls - Where Art, Nature, and History Flow

Day 1: Falls & Artistic Downtown Charm

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Arrive in Sioux Falls and check into your accommodation (e.g., Hotel on Phillips or a comfortable downtown hotel, estimated $175-$225/night). Head directly to Falls Park, the city’s namesake and most iconic attraction. Spend ample time exploring the park’s multiple vantage points of the Big Sioux River’s cascading falls. Walk to the five-story observation tower for panoramic views of the falls and the city. Be sure to visit the Falls Park Visitor Information Center for historical insights and souvenirs. Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you’ll be covering some ground. Parking is free and readily available.
  • Time Needed: 2-2.5 hours.
  • Cost: Free.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:30 PM) Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Enjoy a casual lunch. Consider Falls Overlook Cafe located within Falls Park for convenience (sandwiches, salads; est. $30-40 for 2) or walk a few blocks into downtown for Mama’s Ladas (Mexican fusion) for a livelier atmosphere (est. $35-50 for 2). Art & Culture (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM): Immerse yourselves in downtown’s vibrant art scene. Begin with the SculptureWalk Sioux Falls, an outdoor exhibit featuring over 60 new sculptures annually along Phillips Avenue and surrounding streets. Pick up a map from the Visitor Center or a downtown shop. Continue to the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science, focusing on the Visual Arts Center which offers free admission to most galleries showcasing regional and national artists.
  • Practical Tip: The SculptureWalk is free and a great way to see downtown. The Visual Arts Center is also free.
  • Time Needed: 2.5 hours (1.5 for SculptureWalk, 1 for Pavilion galleries).
  • Cost: Free. Relax & Browse (4:00 PM - 5:30 PM): Wander through the unique boutiques and shops along Phillips Avenue. Recharge with a coffee or local treat at Coffea Roasterie & Tea House (est. $10-15).
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) Dinner (6:30 PM - 8:00 PM): Indulge in a memorable dining experience. For a unique culinary journey, try Lalibela Restaurant for authentic Ethiopian cuisine (est. $60-80 for 2). Alternatively, for a modern American, farm-to-table experience, Parker’s Bistro offers delicious dishes in a sophisticated setting (reservations recommended; est. $80-100 for 2). Evening Stroll (8:00 PM onwards): If weather permits, take another walk through Falls Park to witness the beautiful illumination of the falls, or enjoy a craft beer at a downtown establishment like Fernson Brewing Company Downtown Taproom or Covert Artisan Ales & Cellars (est. $20-30 for drinks).

Day 2: Architectural Wonders & Local Delights

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Breakfast (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local favorite. Josiah’s Coffee House, Cafe & Eatery offers delicious breakfast sandwiches, pastries, and coffee in a charming, bustling atmosphere (est. $30-40 for 2). Historic Architecture & Gardens (10:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Drive a short distance from downtown (approx. 5-7 minutes) to visit the magnificent Cathedral of Saint Joseph. Admire its stunning Romanesque architecture, intricate stained glass, and peaceful interior. This active cathedral is a remarkable piece of local history and art. Afterwards, head to the Old Courthouse Museum located downtown. Explore the preserved courtroom, local history exhibits, and the stunning 1890s quartzite building itself.
  • Practical Tip: Both are free to enter. Be mindful and respectful if visiting the Cathedral during a service.
  • Time Needed: 1 hour for Cathedral, 1 hour for Old Courthouse.
  • Cost: Free.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:30 PM) Lunch (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM): Savor another taste of Sioux Falls. Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen is a popular spot known for its creative and delicious sandwiches (est. $35-50 for 2). For classic American fare in a relaxed setting, Cj Callaway’s is a great choice (est. $40-60 for 2). Leisure & Last Bites (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM): Depending on your departure schedule, enjoy a final leisurely activity. Consider a scenic drive or walk along a portion of the Bike Trail System that winds along the Big Sioux River (e.g., from Falls Park heading south). Alternatively, revisit downtown shops for any last-minute gifts or souvenirs. For a sweet ending to your trip, indulge in locally made ice cream from Stensland Family Farms Ice Cream (various locations, including downtown; est. $10-15).
• Evening Depart from Sioux Falls at your leisure, taking with you memories of its natural beauty, vibrant art scene, and delicious local flavors.

Day 1: Riverfront Wonders & Downtown Delights

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Begin your Sioux Falls adventure at the iconic Falls Park. Walk along the paved trails, marvel at the Big Sioux River’s cascading waterfalls, and climb the Observation Tower for panoramic views. Don’t miss the historic Queen Bee Mill ruins and the unique SculptureWalk pieces scattered throughout the park. The Visitor Center offers helpful information and restrooms. Allow 2-3 hours.
  • Distance: Easily walkable within the park. From a central hotel, typically a 5-10 minute drive.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Practical Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Parking is free and plentiful near the Visitor Center.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) Head south from Falls Park into the vibrant downtown area. Enjoy lunch at a local favorite like Lalibela Restaurant (Ethiopian, ~$40 for two) or Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen (gourmet sandwiches, ~$30 for two). Afterward, stroll down Phillips Avenue, admiring the rotating outdoor art collection of SculptureWalk Sioux Falls. Pop into unique boutiques like Zandbroz Variety or browse local art galleries.
  • Distance: Falls Park to downtown is about a 5-10 minute walk or a very short drive. Downtown is highly walkable.
  • Cost: Lunch ~$30-50. Shopping variable.
• Evening For dinner, experience Parker’s Bistro (upscale American, reservations recommended, ~$100-150 for two with drinks) for a sophisticated meal, or a more casual but highly-rated spot like Monk’s House of Ale Repute (pub fare, large beer selection, ~$60-80 for two). Afterwards, enjoy a craft beer at Fernson Brewing Company’s downtown taproom or catch a performance if available at the historic Orpheum Theater Center.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion & American History

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Immerse yourselves in arts and science at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science. Your admission includes access to the Kirby Science Discovery Center (interactive exhibits) and the Visual Arts Center (galleries featuring regional and national artists). Catch a show at the Wells Fargo CineDome & Sweetman Planetarium if timing works out. Allow 3-4 hours to explore thoroughly.
  • Distance: Centrally located downtown, walkable from many points.
  • Cost: ~$23 per adult for full admission (Kirby Science Discovery Center & Visual Arts Center), ~$46 for two.
  • Practical Tip: Check their website for daily schedules and any special exhibits.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Grab lunch at the Phillips Avenue Diner (classic American diner, ~$30-40 for two) or a quick bite at the Pavilion’s café. Then, journey to the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial (located near the I-29 interchange). This unique memorial honors the battleship “Battleship X” and its crew. Afterwards, head to the Old Courthouse Museum (part of the Minnehaha County Historical Society) to learn about local history in a beautifully preserved 1890s quartzite building.
  • Distance: Washington Pavilion to USS South Dakota Memorial is about a 10-minute drive. USS South Dakota Memorial to Old Courthouse Museum is about a 5-7 minute drive.
  • Cost: USS South Dakota Memorial: Free. Old Courthouse Museum: Free.
• Evening For dinner, explore options on the city’s east side or stick closer to the center. Try authentic Mexican cuisine at Jacky’s Restaurant (multiple locations, ~$40-60 for two) or a casual meal at a place like Look’s Marketplace (food hall style, diverse options, ~$50-70 for two). End the night with a leisurely stroll or an early night in.

Day 3: Natural Wonders & Retail Therapy

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Venture out to Good Earth State Park at Blood Run, South Dakota’s newest state park and a significant historical and cultural site for Native American tribes. Enjoy hiking on its extensive trail system (e.g., the River Bluffs Trail or Woodland Trail), offering beautiful views of the Big Sioux River valley. Visit the Interpretive Center to learn about the site’s history and ecology. Allow 3-4 hours.
  • Distance: Approximately 15-20 minute drive southeast of downtown Sioux Falls.
  • Cost: South Dakota State Parks require a park entrance license. A daily pass is $8 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors.
  • Practical Tip: Bring water, wear appropriate hiking shoes, and check trail conditions.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Head back towards town for lunch. Options could include Fiero Pizza (wood-fired pizzas, ~$30-40 for two) or a casual spot near your next destination. Afterwards, indulge in some retail therapy. Explore the myriad of stores at The Empire Mall, the largest shopping center in the region, offering everything from department stores to specialty shops. Alternatively, if you prefer unique local finds, revisit the downtown boutiques or explore the East Bank area for more independent shops.
  • Distance: Good Earth to Empire Mall is about a 15-20 minute drive.
  • Cost: Lunch ~$30-50. Shopping variable (budget ~$100-200 for shopping for two people over the trip).
• Evening Treat yourselves to a memorable dinner. Consider M.B. Haskett Delicatessen (sophisticated American fare, requires reservations, ~$80-120 for two) or Minervas Restaurant and Bar (classic American steakhouse, a Sioux Falls institution, ~$90-140 for two). After dinner, catch a movie at a local cinema or enjoy a quiet evening with a drink at your hotel or a cozy downtown bar.

Day 4: Aquatic Wonders & Fond Farewell

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Start your last day with a visit to the Butterfly House & Aquarium. Walk through a lush tropical conservatory teeming with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Then, explore the diverse exhibits in the aquarium, showcasing marine life from various ecosystems. This engaging experience is perfect for all ages. Allow 2-3 hours.
  • Distance: Located in Sertoma Park, about a 10-15 minute drive southwest from downtown.
  • Cost: ~$16 per adult, ~$32 for two.
  • Practical Tip: Go early to avoid crowds, especially if visiting on a weekend.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM) Enjoy a final lunch in Sioux Falls. Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews (fun atmosphere, extensive burger menu, ~$40-60 for two) or Pizza Cheeks (creative pizzas, ~$30-50 for two) are good options. Depending on your departure schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Butterfly House gift shop, downtown, or a quick stop at a local grocery store for regional treats.
  • Distance: Butterfly House to lunch spots will vary, typically within a 10-15 minute drive.
  • Cost: Lunch ~$30-60.
• Evening Head to the airport (Sioux Falls Regional Airport - FSD) or continue your journey. Reflect on your “Extended Sioux Falls Adventure” and the diverse experiences you’ve had, from natural beauty to cultural gems and historic insights, with a budget leaving room for comfort and a bit of splurging.