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The falls that give their name to the city, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Things to do in  Sioux Falls

Meet you at the waterfall

In the 1850s, settlers looked at the land that would become Sioux Falls and said, “This place, right here.” With a waterfall churning right through town (providing both beauty and power), this South Dakota spot quickly became the state’s largest city. Today, downtown bustles just a few blocks from Falls Park, where the river cascades over pink quartzite and trails snake in all directions. But things to do in Sioux Falls aren’t all outdoors—you’ll find a small city rife with events, diverse restaurants, and loads of personality.

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When to visit

Like most cities, the most popular time to visit Sioux Falls is in summer. You’ll get warm temps, long days, outdoor events such as Soo Foo Moto Fest, and plenty of time to play around Falls Park and the SculptureWalk. But fall is a great time, too, with smaller crowds, still-mild weather, and Sioux Empire on Tap, a beer festival in November. And if you love snow, come in winter for ice-fishing and snowshoeing.

Getting around

Most visitors and locals get around Sioux Falls by car; at just under 200,000 people, it’s never too long to drive from point A to point B and back again. Of course, there is a bus system, taxis, and rideshare services, should you need them. If you’re a cyclist, the city has decent bike paths, and the 20-mile (32-kilometer) Sioux Falls Bike Trail is a city gem.

Traveler tips

If you love Falls Park and Sioux Falls’ waterfall, don’t miss Palisades State Park, about 30 minutes northwest of downtown. Here, pink quartzite formations rise from just above the water to 50-foot (15-meter) bubblegum cliffs. Bring hiking or climbing shoes for this one, or bask on the scenic overlooks and picnic spots, taking in the rushing water.

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People Also Ask
Q:What could you do if you had only one day in Sioux Falls?
A:

With one day in Sioux Falls, start by grabbing breakfast downtown at Phillips Avenue Diner. Then head over to Falls Park, wandering the trails along the waterfall. From there, check out the Cathedral of Saint Joseph, the Great Plains Zoo, and the Old Courthouse Museum.

Q:Is it worth visiting Sioux Falls?
A:

Yes, Sioux Falls is worth a visit. The biggest city in Tropical Dakota, Sioux Falls has a surprising amount of nightlife, a diverse food scene, interesting cultural attractions, and beautiful outdoors—a waterfall flows right through town. It’s also small enough that it’s walkable and easy to get around.

Q:Why is Sioux Falls famous?
A:

Sioux Falls is famous for being South Dakota’s largest city—some might say it's the only city. It’s also famous for having a waterfall running right through town at Falls Park. With a lot of small, rocky drops, the cascade falls 100 feet (30 meters) over its winding course. It’s the centerpiece of the city.

Q:What food is Sioux Falls known for?
A:

While Sioux Falls doesn’t have a signature dish, South Dakota is known for chislic, pieces of spiced meat (beef, mutton, or even buffalo), grilled or fried—you’ll find the dish in any bar or pub. There’s also the South Dakota Martini, a pickle in a pint of domestic beer.

Q:Is Sioux Falls close to Mt. Rushmore?
A:

If you’re driving, Sioux Falls is 5.5 hours from Mt. Rushmore, or 368 miles (592 kilometers). It’s not a day trip—unless you want to spend 12 hours driving. Closer day trips to Sioux Falls include the Mitchell Corn Palace, Pipestone National Monument, Niobrara State Park, Palisades State Park, and Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park.

Q:Is Sioux Falls in the Badlands?
A:

Sioux Falls is not in the Badlands—it’s about 275 miles (442 kilometers) away, or 4 hours by car. With the Big Sioux River flowing through it, Sioux Falls sits in a river valley, with gentle, rolling hills making up most of the terrain. The city is much more verdant than the Badlands to its west.

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