Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota. It has earned the distinction of being number 1 on Forbes’ list of “Best Small City for Business and Careers.” Parenting magazine thinks Sioux Falls, SD is one of the best cities to raise a family. Below is a list of attractions you will want to see when you are visiting Sioux Falls.
Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum
The Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum is located at 805 South Kiawanis Avenue in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The zoo has over 1,000 species of animals in 45 acres. Natural habitats of these animals have been recreated as closely as possible. There is also an interactive part of the zoo for children. The museum features mounted animals from five continents. This Sioux Falls’ attraction also has a seasonal train ride through Africa. Wheelchairs and strollers are provided free of charge. The zoo itself is open year round, but the hours change so please check their website for the most current rates and hours.
Great Bear Recreation Park
Great Bear Recreation Park boasts that it is the hotspot for winter fun in that area. It is located on East Rice Street in Sioux Falls, SD. They offer 14 trails for the downhill skier, a snowboarding area, cross country skiing, tubing, snow-shoeing, and hiking. For more information about rates and rentals, please visit Great Bear’s website.
Sertoma Butterfly House
Need to go someplace tropical in the middle of winter? Check out the Sertoma Butterfly House when you’re in Sioux Falls. It is located on Oxbow Avenue in Sioux Falls, and it is open year-round except for Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter Sunday. For current hours, please visit their website.
Sioux Falls Trolley
Riding the Sioux Falls Trolley is a great way to get an overview of the city, and best of all, it’s free. The trolley is wheelchair accessible. You can board the trolley at any trolley stop sign in downtown Sioux Falls. In season, the trolley runs Monday through Saturday 10 am until 8 pm. To find out the current schedule, please call the Sioux Metro Office at (605) 367-7885, or visit their website. To see a list of some of the attractions the trolley stops at, click here.
Wild Water West Waterpark
In addition to the waterslide complex, this waterpark in Sioux Falls has a swim-up bar, wavepool, lazy river, waterfalls, activity pool, baby pool, go karts, batting cages, miniature golf, a place to play volleyball, and paintball. The waterpark is located on 466th Avenue (highway 17) in Sioux Falls, SD. It is open from the end of May to the beginning of September. Please check their website for exact days and hours as these change throughout the year. Also on their website are discounts off the price of admission.
USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center
If you are interested in science and space, this is a must-see. The USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science Center, or USGS EROS, is located on 252nd Street in Sioux Falls. It is open for public tours Monday through Friday 8 am until 4 pm. One hour guided tours are scheduled at 10 am and 2 pm. I would highly recommend visiting the USGS EROS website before touring the facility. The satellite imagery on there is absolutely amazing.
Thunder Road Family Fun Park
Thunder Road Family Fun Park is located on Thunder Road off Kiwanis Avenue in Sioux Falls, SD. There you can engage your friends and family in a water balloon fight, go kart races, human foosball, miniature golf, climbing wall, or try your arm in the batting cages. The park is open between April and October with varying hours so please visit their website to find the current hours. Their website also offers daily discounts.
Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science
The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science is located right on Main Street in downtown Sioux Falls. It’s actually a four in one attraction: the Kirby Science Discovery Center, the Mary Sommervold Hall featuring music and plays, the Visual Arts’ Center and the CineDome Theater. Visitors can dine at Leonardo’s Café. For current events and shows, please visit their website.
Falls Park
This 42-acre park is home to the Falls of the Big Sioux River. Each second, 7,400 gallons of water go over the 100-foot falls. There is a five-story viewing tower for visitors to get an overview of the park. There is a café open for visitors, as well as several historic landmarks. For a list of the landmarks, and hours the park is open, please visit the Sioux Falls, SD website.
Siouxland Heritage Museums
As the name suggests, the Siouxland Heritage Museums are dedicated to the history, culture, and heritage of the Sioux Falls, SD area. The Old Courthouse Museum and the Pettigrew Home and Museum are part of the Siouxland Heritage Museums, and are stops along the Sioux Falls Trolley. For current events and hours, please visit the museums’ website.
Sources:
City of Sioux Falls, SD
