Waterfalls & SculptureWalk in Sioux Falls
Tips on renting in Sioux Falls
Getting Around
What to Pack
Must-Try Activities
Smart Spending Tips
Welcome to Sioux Falls, South Dakota—a vibrant destination where families can create unforgettable moments together. Start your journey at Falls Park, the city’s crown jewel, where the Big Sioux River tumbles over striking quartzite cliffs in a captivating display of natural beauty. Ascend the five-story observation tower for sweeping city views, and savor a delightful meal or farm-fresh ice cream at the Falls Overlook Café, set within a charming historic building dating back to 1908.
For families with animal lovers, the Great Plains Zoo is an essential stop. Home to more than 1,000 animals representing 137 species, the zoo boasts a newly expanded lion habitat, among the largest on the continent. Children will love interactive exhibits, including a unique kangaroo enclosure and a hands-on farm area, while the zoo’s splash pad promises refreshing fun for all ages.
Sioux Falls is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering over 30 miles of scenic bike trails that meander through the city and along the picturesque Big Sioux River. When winter arrives, Great Bear Recreation Park welcomes families with 14 downhill ski trails, a terrain park, and cross-country skiing. In the warmer months, the park’s four-mile trail system is ideal for hiking and bird watching, ensuring year-round adventure and relaxation for the entire family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Sioux Falls has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To visit Falls Park in Sioux Falls, start at the Falls Park Visitor Information Center, where you can explore a gift shop filled with local memorabilia and ascend the five-story viewing tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the falls and city skyline. Stroll through the 123-acre park, taking in the magnificent rock formations, walking paths, and picnic areas, and be sure to visit the Falls Overlook Cafe and the historic Queen Bee Mill. The park is open from 5 a.m. to 12 midnight, making it perfect for early risers or evening strolls, and it’s best visited during the warmer months when the farmers market and scenic views are at their peak.
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For a seamless kayaking experience in Sioux Falls, launch your kayak at Farm Field Park, located at 57th Street and Western Avenue. This site offers easy access to the Big Sioux River and is ideal when the water level is at 250cfs or higher. It’s a great spot to enjoy the scenic views and gentle flow of the river, making it perfect for a leisurely paddle.
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For outdoor enthusiasts near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, two standout national parks are within driving distance. Badlands National Park, just 4.2 hours away, offers a vast 242,755 acres of dramatic badland formations and diverse wildlife, making it a must-visit for its unique landscapes and hiking trails. Wind Cave National Park, about 5.6 hours from Sioux Falls, is renowned for its extensive cave systems and rare boxwork formations, along with its surface areas of forest and prairie teeming with wildlife. Both parks are open year-round, but early autumn is particularly scenic.
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For the most breathtaking view of the waterfalls in Sioux Falls, head to the 5-story viewing tower at the Falls Park Visitor Information Center. This tower, equipped with an elevator, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the cascading falls and the city skyline. You can also explore the surrounding trails and walk out onto the ancient Sioux quartzite rock formations for an up-close experience with the falls.
