After spending a few days in Sioux Falls, South Dakota I discovered “12 Reasons to Travel To (and Not Through) Sioux Falls” thanks to Travel Mindset and the Sioux Falls CVB. If you’ve decided to travel to the Midwest to visit Sioux Falls (which I hope you do!) I’ve got the perfect day planned for you. With options to explore the arts, outdoors, restaurants, breweries and music get ready to uncover why South Dakota’s largest city is full of small town charm.
BREAKFAST:
PAPPY’S THE ORIGINAL or ODE
Sioux Falls has over 650 restaurants and is known for having one of the largest restaurants per capita ratios in the country. Whatever type of cuisine you’re looking for, they’ve got it. To kick off your day, grab a quick bite at the locally owned coffee shop Pappy’s The Original or take your time at ODE where Chef Bob’s goal is for you to leave “happyful” – the perfect combo of happy with a full belly.
MUST DO:
SCULPTUREWALK
After you’ve fueled up, take a leisurely stroll down Phillips Ave to enjoy downtown and the SculptureWalk. This outdoor exhibition is a collection of artwork that displays local artists’ work for a year. The sculptures are eligible to win awards totally $15,000 in prizes and are up for sale if you want to bring one home.
MORNING ADVENTURE:
VISUAL ARTS CENTER or OLD COURTHOUSE MUSEUM
Next up, keep enjoying the arts! Choose between the Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion with galleries showcasing regional, national and international artists specific to South Dakotans or the Old Courthouse Museum focused on natural and cultural histories of the Sioux Falls region.
LUNCH:
BACKYARD GRILL or JACKY’S
What sounds better to you – BBQ or Mexican? Good thing when you visit Sioux Falls there’s both options. For finger-lickin’ good BBQ chow down at Backyard Grill or head over to Jacky’s for Mexican to spice up your afternoon with a meal from across the border.
AFTERNOON ADVENTURE:
BIKE TRAILS or BREWERY TOUR
Up next it’s time to work up a sweat exploring the outdoors on the 26 miles of biking trails or embark on a craft beer lover’s dream come true brewery tour. For bikers, ride over to Spoke-N-Sport to rent gear and to learn all about the bike trail system. For drinkers (and your DD), my top picks for a fun-filled pub crawl are Hydra, Fernson, Monks, Prairie Berry East Bank and WoodGrain.
MANDATORY:
FALLS PARK
You can’t visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota without going to Falls Park! Watching the Big Sioux River flow through the city center is a beautiful experience for any visitor of any age. It’s the city’s most iconic destination for a reason. Falls Park is also a great place to catch a sunset.
DINNER:
BOB’S CAFE or PARKER’S BISTRO
It’s time for your last meal of the day so choose something classic or upscale. For a classic diner Bob’s Cafe serves up some of the best comfort (and fried) food in town. For an upscale, made from scratch meal using local organic ingredients your answer is Parker’s Bistro. If you’re there on the “First Friday” of the month get ready for a drink theme night.
NIGHT ADVENTURE:
TOTAL DRAG or ORPHEUM THEATRE
Arts, museums, outdoors, food, drinks… what’s left? Music! When you visit Sioux Falls enjoy the vibrant live music scene for all types of music lovers. End your night at record shop Total Drag for an intimate, hipster-esque underground show or class it up with some classical music at the Orpheum Theatre.
THE NEXT DAY:
PALISADES STATE PARK
After you visit Sioux Falls, I highly recommend taking a 30-minute drive to Palisades State Park. This must see destination for outdoor adventurers is home to 1.2 billion years old Sioux quartzite formations, hiking, cliff jumping and beautiful views. Palisades State Park is definitely worth the trip!
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