Holidays to Sioux Falls
South Dakota offers more than gold rush towns, cavernous canyons and sweeping prairies. While you’re only hours away from iconic attractions like Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore, holidays to Sioux Falls are about indie boutiques, quirky cocktail bars and a diverse dining scene. And no trip here is complete without a visit to the city’s namesake waterfalls, which have brought Native American Peoples together for centuries.
Sioux Falls holiday highlights
Sioux Falls
Experience Sioux Falls
Phenomenal falls
The pink-hued quartzite of the falls of the Big Sioux River was carved during the last ice age, 14,000 years ago. For hundreds of years this was a place for Native American Peoples to gather, and later for meetings between Indigenous peoples and French fur trappers. Today, you can admire the tumbling waterfalls from a number of viewpoints in Falls Park, including a five-storey watchtower.
Self-guided art walk
SculptureWalk is the largest annual collection of public sculptures in the world and a must-see on holidays in Sioux Falls. At times whimsical, at times poignant, the exhibit comprises dozens of artworks that pepper Downtown and beyond. The permanent ‘Arc of Dreams’ spans the Big Sioux River and represents the leap of faith required to follow one’s dreams.
Where to stay
Downtown Sioux Falls puts you within walking distance of city highlights as well as shops, restaurants and watering holes. Get panoramic views of the falls and skyline from the Falls Park Visitor Information Center. Hit the Overlook Cafe for live music on Friday nights in summer. Come nightfall, grab your friends and bust into the Treasury, a former bank vault turned upscale cocktail bar.
Sioux Falls: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)
High season
June – August
Low season
January – February
/
Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls
Experience Sioux Falls
Take in the culture
You can learn about the regional history of South Dakota — including its history as a ‘divorce colony’ — at the Old Courthouse Museum. Or head to the Pettigrew Home & Museum, which tells the story of South Dakota’s first full-term US senator. For kids, the interactive Stockyards Ag Experience highlights the history of agriculture on the Great Plains.
Shopping
Head down Phillips Avenue if you have the urge to splurge. Indie stores and boutiques cover the gamut of shopping needs, from rustic fashion to exotic teas. In Zandbroz Variety, you’ll find treasures you never knew you needed. The Downtown institution has been delighting shoppers since 1989 with antique trinkets, kitschy home decor and thought-provoking books.
Places to eat
Try the traditional South Dakotan dish ‘chislic’ (cubed red meat that’s been deep fried or grilled) while you’re in Sioux Falls. Urban Chislic’s take on this local icon was celebrated by celebrity chef Guy Fieri on ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’. For another regional speciality, look out for Indian tacos, a local favourite that’s typically made with doughy, flaky fry bread and ground bison or beef.
FAQs about Sioux Falls holidays
English is the language you'll encounter most while on your city break in Sioux Falls.
The wettest month is June, which receives an average rainfall of 15 cm. But don't let the weather put a damper on your Sioux Falls trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like browsing shops, wandering through museums, or enjoying a long lunch.
January is the coolest time of year to visit. Set off on your Sioux Falls holiday then and you can expect lows of -17ºC (1ºF).
Holidays to Sioux Falls can make for a charming weekend getaway. Or you can use the city as a jumping-off point to explore the wider state. While most come to South Dakota for Mount Rushmore, don’t miss the Crazy Horse Memorial, which honours the Lakota warrior who resisted US governance.
Tourist areas of the city are generally considered safe. Beware of car theft on holidays to Sioux Falls. Most instances occur when keys are left inside the vehicle, so lock up and park on busier, well-lit streets.
No matter how many times you visit, no trip to this city is ever the same. If sightseeing is on your list of things to do in Sioux Falls, make sure you include Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History and Old Courthouse Museum.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) during your trip to Sioux Falls. Along with your credit cards, consider taking some cash with you for things like minor purchases and getting around.
July is the warmest month in Sioux Falls, with temperatures hitting highs of 31ºC (88ºF).
The cost of your city break in Sioux Falls will differ based on things like your departure point, when you go, and your chosen stay. Sioux Falls flights and hotels are usually pricier during busier times, but you can enjoy savings by travelling in quieter months.
Make the most of extensive parkland, river trails and events by booking flights and hotels to Sioux Falls for warmer months. Levitt at the Falls offers free concerts throughout the summer. If you prefer the cold, winter here is all about snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing.
