31 Best & Fun Things To Do In Sioux Falls (South Dakota)

Home to malls, museums and more, Sioux Falls can be a great place for a vacation.

It’s one of the most well-known cities in the entire state of South Dakota, and it offers all kinds of opportunities for fun.

There’s a reason why it attracts more than 1.6 million visitors per year!

Nature lovers will enjoy its beautiful parks and gardens.

Foodies will appreciate its gourmet dining and its bizarre snacks and street foods.

Adrenaline junkies can swim, sail, ski and snowmobile across its rugged natural terrain; art and culture enthusiasts can appreciate the finer things in life through its ballets and orchestras.

Roadtrippers, there’s something for you, too.

If you like quirky roadside attractions, Sioux Falls has quite a number of odds and ends that will make for awesome vacation stories when you get home.

Are you ready to start planning your trip to the premiere destination of South Dakota?

Let’s talk about cool things to do in Sioux Falls!

1. Falls Park

Sioux Falls is named after a series of waterfalls that rush over rock formations.

Dropping an average of 7,400 gallons of water per second, they’re some of the best places to experience the wild majesty and raw power of South Dakota’s natural landscapes.

The waterfalls are the main attraction of Falls Park, and they can be viewed from multiple observation spots, including a five-story tower that looks over the very top of the rushing waters.

Walking and biking trails are available for those who’d like to get close enough to feel the spray on their face.

Other points of interest in the park include a quartzite museum and an abandoned mill from the late 19th century.

There’s also a cafe housed in the remnants of an old light and power company building.

If you only have time to visit one tourist attraction during your stay, make it the namesake of the city.

Visit Falls Park for breathtaking views that have been inspiring travelers since its original settlement in 1856.

Address: 131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

2. Sioux Falls Bike Trails

With beautiful parks, gardens and waterfalls, sightseeing is one of the most popular things to do in Sioux Falls.

Many people choose to drive or even explore on foot, but another, more active option is to rent a bike and hit up the bike trails.

Covering almost 30 miles in total, the bike trails are a series of orderly, well-trained pathways that loop around the entire city.

Many of them wind through the 3,178 acres that make up the Sioux Falls park system, but others run by shops, cafes, malls and museums.

You can join the trails anywhere; prominent access points include major tourist attractions like Falls Park.

Walking, jogging and dog walking is also allowed on the trails, so you don’t have to be a cyclist to take advantage of them.

All things considered, the Sioux Falls Bike Trails are some of the best ways to experience the city.

You’ll see the sights; you’ll get some fresh air; you’ll be able to break away from the paths to explore any passing fancies.

What’s not to like?

Address: Sioux Falls, SD, United States

3. Candy Cloud Factory

If you’re wondering what to see in Sioux Falls, how about a gigantic tower of cotton candy?

The Candy Cloud Factory started as a small shop in downtown Sioux Falls with a single cotton candy machine.

Today, it’s morphed into a rainbow of colors and flavors, many of them coming in the form of highly creative treats.

The “magical taco,” for example, is a cotton candy shell with scoops of ice cream inside.

The “jumbo cake” has a half-dozen colorful cotton candy layers stacked on top of each other like a unicorn gradient.

Regular fluff is available in bags and plastic tubs, and potential flavor combinations include everything from banana and bubblegum to pina colada and pink vanilla.

You might not have “eat a cotton candy burrito” on your bucket list, but at the Candy Cloud Factory, you can add it and cross it off.

It’ll be a fun, colorful and thoroughly memorable experience that will give you a great story to tell about Sioux Falls.

Address: 701 N Phillips Ave Suite 160, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

4. SculptureWalk

If you’re looking for Sioux Falls attractions that don’t cost an arm and a leg, consider a stroll around the SculptureWalk.

Not only does it offer a fun, interactive experience filled with creativity, but as a free enterprise, it won’t cost you a dime!

There’s no set pathway for the walk.

Instead, you just wander the downtown area and play “I Spy,” always on the lookout for metal, glass, wood and stone creations that range from birds and butterflies to gardens and geometric shapes.

You can also cap off your self-guided tour with a visit to the Arc of Dreams, a bridge that curves over the river and represents the spirit of entrepreneurship for the city.

If you’re looking for free things to do while on vacation, hit up the SculptureWalk.

It’ll be a highlight of not only Sioux Falls but all of South Dakota.

Address: 300 S Phillips Ave L104, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

5. Butterfly House and Aquarium

The Butterfly House and Aquarium is one of the most unique places to visit in Sioux Falls.

It’s part zoo, part sanctuary, part tourist attraction and all fun.

Hundreds of butterflies are housed within the butterfly house, and visitors can walk among them like characters in a fairy tale.

Species include not just those native to South Dakota but also from all around the world.

On the other side of the complex is an aquarium and marine cove where sea life dominates.

There are tanks where you can watch sharks and stingrays glide through the water; there are tide pools where you can touch starfish, sea urchins and anemones.

If you’re looking for nifty things to do this weekend, consider a trip to the Butterfly House and Aquarium.

It’s open every day, so its doors are always ready to receive new guests with a passion for animals and a spirit of discovery.

Address: 4320 S Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States

6. Downtown Sioux Falls

Filled with tourist attractions, downtown Sioux Falls is a highlight of the city, so much so that you could easily spend your entire vacation visiting the shops, cafes, restaurants, museums and theaters of a few square blocks.

Are you feeling hungry?

Grab a bite to eat at everything from casual diners to fancy patisseries.

Are you in the mood for some culture?

Catch a performance of a ballet, orchestra or live theater show.

Do you want to shop ’til you drop?

Open your wallet at boutiques, bookshops, art galleries, nail salons and souvenir stores.

Other activities include brewery tours, trolley rides, museum workshops and more.

When you’re done with the fun, lay down your head at one of the many hotels in the area.

Of all the things to do in Sioux Falls, a stroll downtown is one that shouldn’t be missed.

If you only have time for a short trip, make sure that you prioritize it!

Address: Sioux Falls, SD, United States

7. Arrowhead Park

Stargazing is one of the best things to do in South Dakota.

Since so much of the land is undeveloped and uncommercialized, it isn’t affected by light pollution, and brilliant blankets of stars can be seen along with the occasional planet or meteor shower.

Some of the northernmost parts of the state are even visited by the aurora borealis!

You can go stargazing in Sioux Falls as well; you’ll just have to find a good place to do it.

Arrowhead Park is one such location.

While still located within the city limits, it’s far enough away from downtown that you’ll be able to gaze into the night sky and see what lies beyond.

Many local astronomers and astrophotographers have been known to use it as a base of operations.

The park is also a treat during the daytime with beautiful trails to follow and local landmarks like a rustic, historic barn.

Ultimately, however, Arrowhead Park is best visited at night.

It’s one of the top destinations for stargazing in Sioux Falls, so grab your binoculars and get ready to count the constellations.

Address: 1600 River Bluff Rd, Sioux Falls, SD 57110, United States

8. Denny Sanford Premier Center

Do you love fairs, festivals, concerts and other large-scale events?

If so, you’ll probably be directed to the Denny Sanford Premier Center at some point.

It’s the largest indoor venue in South Dakota, and it’s located right in the heart of Sioux Falls.

Many events are hosted at the center, which is also connected to the Sioux Falls Arena and the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Smaller events tend to take place at the other venues while larger ones are held at the center, which can seat a whopping 12,000 spectators.

As for what happens at the center, the itinerary is both busy and varied.

There have been everything from Kidz Bop singalongs to late-night Slipknot concerts.

Sports are also popular; there have been basketball games, hockey tournaments, indoor football championships and even a bull-riding convention or two.

Many Sioux Falls attractions will bring you to the Denny Sanford Premier Center and its surrounding venues.

You might as well familiarize yourself with the name now!

Address: 1201 Northwest Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

9. Big Sioux State Recreation Area

Big Sioux State Recreation Area is one of the most epic places to go on vacation in the entire northern US.

It sits right on the banks of the Big Sioux River, and it offers all kinds of outdoor adventures, including camping, canoeing, hiking, biking and snowmobiling.

You can sleep under the stars; you can go horseback riding through the plains.

You can even take archery lessons or rent equipment for disc golfing!

That said, you don’t have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy the park.

It’s a beautiful place, and it’s entirely possible to just rent a cabin in the woods and enjoy nature on your own terms.

How relaxing would it be to wake up to the sounds of rusting trees every morning?

If you’re looking for thrills, however, the Big Sioux State Recreation Area can definitely provide them.

From kayaking down the river to hunting game in the forest, you can have the vacation of a lifetime at this Sioux Falls retreat.

Address: 410 W Park St, Brandon, SD 57005, United State

10. Carnaval Brazilian Grill

Carnaval is a Brazilian-themed restaurant that will let you travel the world without ever leaving South Dakota.

In addition to an award-winning menu, it also offers a lively social atmosphere that makes it great for date nights, so it’s one of the best romantic things to do for couples in Sioux Falls.

Part of its festive atmosphere comes from its brightly painted walls and globally-inspired artwork.

Another element is the live music that’s often played by local musicians as well as its indoor and outdoor patio seating.

The top feature of the restaurant, however, is its food.

It serves slow-roasted, all-you-can-eat meats that are cooked to perfection with an assortment of Brazilian sauces and spices.

You’ll be licking your fingers even as you’re grooving to the music or laughing with your partner across the table.

A special someone deserves a special night out.

Book a reservation at Carnaval to experience authentic South American culture right in the middle of Sioux Falls.

Address: 2401 S Carolyn Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States

Visiting other parts of South Dakota? Why not check out some of the things to do in Rapid City?

11. Wild Water West Waterpark

When thinking about things to do in Sioux Falls, you probably don’t think about the water.

It’s a landlocked city within a landlocked state.

You can still have some splashy summer fun, however, when you visit the Wild Water West Waterpark!

Home to rides, games, go-karts and more, this amusement park offers non-stop entertainment for visitors of all ages.

Toddlers can waddle in the baby pools; older kids can clamber on slides and water towers; teens can hit up the batting cages or bumper boats.

There are even drinking establishments for mom and dad, including a unique swim-up bar located near the lazy river!

The Wild Water West Waterpark is a top 10 destination for not just Sioux Falls but all of South Dakota.

Whether you’re interested in games, activities, drinks, rides or just all-around family fun, this is the place to make a splash.

Address: 26767 466th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States

12. JazzFest

Did you know that Sioux Falls is home to a thriving jazz community?

Not only do they have a Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM) in April with jazz crawls, jazz camps and jazz concerts, but they also dedicate a weekend every summer to JazzFest, a fun and family-friendly celebration of the genre.

Visitors to JazzFest can enjoy multiple stages with both local and national talent.

There’s food and drink aplenty to go along with the music, and many folks also set up stalls to sell jazz-related merch.

The whole shebang is organized by the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society.

They’re also the brains behind Jazz Appreciation Month, if you enjoy JazzFest, consider visiting in April to enjoy many other musical camps, concerts and workshops as well.

Address: Sioux Falls, SD, United States

13. Museum of Visual Materials

If you’re looking for cool things to see, it doesn’t get better than a Museum of Visual Materials.

This fun, family-friendly attraction is filled with all kinds of artwork to make you “ooh” and “ahh” while in Sioux Falls.

Despite the name, however, the museum isn’t only dedicated to the visual.

It incorporates all five senses with a wide range of arts and crafts materials.

You and the kids can touch, sniff, stamp, poke, color and build with everything from blocks and dolls to construction paper and glitter glue.

The museum is also a popular site for meetings and gatherings, so if you’re planning a wedding, hosting a convention or arranging a class reunion, their event space is something to consider.

Heading to Sioux Falls on business can be just as rewarding as going there on vacation.

To have fun with everyone in the family and beyond, put the Museum of Visual Materials on your list of what to do in and near Sioux Falls.

Address: 500 N Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

14. Old Courthouse Museum

Also known as the “Old Minnehaha County Courthouse,” the Old Courthouse Museum is something that you can’t see outside of Sioux Falls.

This is because it’s constructed out of quartzite, a mineral that was heavily cultivated and traded by South Dakota miners in the 1800s.

The entire building is made from quartzite, so it has a distinctive appearance like textured brown stone.

Other architectural marvels include a clock tower, granite pillars, tiled fireplaces, decorative dormers and a series of stained glass windows.

Inside the building, dozens of murals line the walls, and educational displays have been set up to teach visitors about South Dakota.

Topics include but are not limited to railroads, country towns, colonial life and the Native American tribes of the region.

If you’re looking for memorable attractions in Sioux Falls, it’s hard to beat the utter uniqueness of the Old Courthouse Museum.

It’s the kind of site that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Address: 200 W 6th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

15. Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History

Housing more than 1,000 animals, the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History is a wonderful destination for those with a passion for wildlife.

Not only will you be able to see everything from slinking snow leopards to eye-popping, larger-than-life giraffes, but you’ll also have the chance to look upon rare and endangered species via taxidermy animals at the living history museum.

Getting around the zoo is easy; there’s even a bright red train that will take you around the exhibits.

Whether you’re interested in birds, bears or butterflies, you can find where you need to go.

Other attractions and activities at the zoo include carousels, food stalls, animal feedings, zookeeper chats and a “zoovie theater” where kids can see themselves projected on a giant screen with various critters.

Animal lovers are sure to enjoy the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History.

Not only is it one of the best places to go to see wildlife up close, but it also has a lot to teach about geology, zoology and other kinds of science.

It could turn out to be a very educational destination that actually teaches your little ones something while they’re having fun.

Address: 805 S Kiwanis Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

16. Great Bear Ski Valley

Skiing is one of the top things to do in Sioux Falls in the winter, and at Great Bear Ski Valley, you can have a great time on and off the slopes.

You can start by renting equipment and booking a lesson with the staff; no previous experience is required.

Once you’re comfortable on your skis, you can test yourself on more than a dozen trails, some of them only accessible by a trip on a lift to dizzying heights.

Cross-country skiing is also an option for the more experienced.

Other activities at the park include tubing and snowboarding, so when you’re ready to attempt an ollie or an indy, how about shredding it up at the terrain park?

There’s nothing like the feeling of whizzing down the slopes with the wind in your hair and the world blurring at the corner of your eyes.

Buy tickets for the Great Bear Ski Valley and you could be living this winter adventure as early as this weekend!

Address: 5901 E Rice St, Sioux Falls, SD 57110, United States

17. Strawbale Winery

Though technically located outside of Sioux Falls in the city of Renner, South Dakota, the Strawbale Winery is less than a 20-minute drive from downtown, and it’s well worth the gas.

It’s a winery made from straw!

The building was laid and insulated with compacted straw panels.

The tasting room was built with straw bales.

Even the timber framing and flooring has been accented with tastefully rustic “straw art.”

Outside, the vineyards are more traditional; they look like something straight out of Napa Valley.

However, the aesthetic of the winery is still cute and kitsch.

From the black slate chalkboard menu to the multicolored lawn chairs that are used for outdoor parties, this is a down-home, family-run kind of business.

Anyone can visit a fancy-schmancy winery, but the Strawbale Winery offers a rarer and more memorable experience with its quaint, country charm.

Whether you’re looking for romantic things to do or fun, quirky selfies that can rake up the likes on social media, this destination will tick off all of the boxes.

Address: 47215 257th St, Renner, SD 57055, United States

18. Buffalo Ridge Ghost Town

One of the most unique things to do in Sioux Falls is the ghost town populated by animatronics.

Yes, you read that right: It’s a Wild West themed “ghost town,” and it’s filled with animatronic robots.

“Quirky” doesn’t begin to describe the Buffalo Ridge Ghost Town.

It isn’t authentic, and it doesn’t try to be; it was built in the 1960s as a replica of 1800s living.

Many buildings have a distinctly run-down aesthetic with dusty, dirty and grungy elements ranging from peeling paint to rusted stairs and shutters.

The charm of the ghost town lies in its strangeness.

Whether you’re looking at grotesque taxidermy animals or a collection of chipped and faded mannequins posed like cowboys, you’ll want to snap pictures of everything just to prove that it actually exists.

Some of the more gruesome ones might even haunt your dreams, but don’t worry; everything is rated PG.

It’s safe for visitors of all ages who can appreciate what it’s trying to do.

It’s hard to top the Buffalo Ridge Ghost Town as a bizarre roadside attraction.

If you’re taking a trip through South Dakota and looking for memorable stops along the way, hit the brakes for the 1800s robots.

Address: 46614 SD-38, Buffalo Ridge, SD 57107, United States

19. The Outdoor Campus

Owned and operated by the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Park Department, the Outdoor Campus is an “outdoor learning center” where you can get in touch with nature while also learning fun and unique outdoorsmen skills.

Courses are available for both adults and children, and their lessons range from hunting and fishing to gardening, orienteering, cooking wild game and shooting a bow and arrow.

There are even programs for things like kayaking and cross-country skiing across South Dakota’s hills and rivers.

Many are low-cost or outright free, which can be a real boon for travelers on a budget.

Families might also be interested in Outdoor University, the center’s family-focused program that offers many kid-friendly events and activities, including animal encounters with local wildlife.

The next time that you’re wondering what to do while in Sioux Falls, have an adventure on the Outdoor Campus.

You’ll have a blast, and you’ll learn skills that can last you a lifetime.

Address: 4500 S Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106, United States

20. Good Earth State Park

Good Earth State Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the United States.

Like its name suggests, it’s a nature retreat, and it’s marked by both its deep roots and its rich cultural heritage related to the Native American tribes of the region.

Splendor is aplenty at the park.

From its wide open prairies to its babbling brooks and rivers, you’ll have ample opportunities to unplug from modern life and enjoy the natural world.

You can also go hiking, biking, birdwatching, geocatching, picnicking and snowshoeing.

Another significant feature of the park is its importance to South Dakota’s indigenous tribes.

Thanks to its fertile lands and natural shelter from the elements, it’s been a site of human habitation since 1300 – 1700 AD.

An on-site museum explains more.

Though it’s located a few miles south of the city limits, Good Earth State Park is often considered one of Sioux Falls’ attractions, and it’s definitely worth the half-hour drive.

You’ll be able to experience a wonderful retreat into nature while also learning about important history and culture for the entire north-central US.

Address: 26924 480th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, United States

21. Cathedral of Saint Joseph

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Cathedral of Saint Joseph is a marvel in terms of both history and architecture.

It started as a humble wooden building in 1881, but after a century of renovations, it’s turned into the larger-than-life structure that it is today.

Stained glass windows cast a colorful glow over the pulpit.

A mighty pipe organ rests in the center of the pews.

Outside, twin spires can be seen for miles, beckoning visitors to come to the church and behold its beauty.

Did we mention that there’s no admission charge?

If you’re looking for free things to do near and in Sioux Falls, this is a trip that won’t cost you a dime.

You don’t even need a ticket; you can just show up and take a self-guided tour.

Step into the Cathedral of Saint Joseph to transcend yourself from the earthly realm into the spiritual one.

Even if you aren’t religious, you’ll find it hard not to be moved by the amazing sights and sounds of its history, its craftsmanship and its people.

Address: 521 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

22. Orpheum Theater Center

Oh no!

You’ve just landed in Sioux Falls, and it’s raining cats and dogs.

What are your options for indoor fun?

One idea is to catch a performance at the Orpheum Theater Center.

Built in the early 1900s, it has all of the prestige of a grand, old-fashioned theater, but it’s also filled with lively and modern actors who love to put on a good show.

Common events include concerts, musicals, plays, dances, demonstrations and more.

Check the schedule to see what’ll be playing when you’re in the city.

If you’re wondering what to do on a rainy day in Sioux Falls, consider the shows at the Orpheum Theater Center.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for side-splitting comedy or family-friendly plays and musicals.

There’s always something entertaining going on behind the curtain.

Address: 315 N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

23. Terrace Park

Many things to see in South Dakota revolve around the rugged natural beauty of the area, and Terrace Park is no exception.

It’s home to some of the most gorgeous scenery in Sioux Falls thanks to its trees, lakes and gardens.

It even has a Japanese-inspired garden with a small waterfall surrounded by stone pagodas and lanterns!

You don’t have to sit in peace and quiet meditation, however, if you prefer to be more proactive in your parks.

Many other forms of entertainment can be found.

You can go swimming, canoeing or kayaking on the water; you can hit up the tennis courts or the baseball fields; you can catch an outdoor concert at the bandstand.

Another fun feature is the on-site waterpark with its pools, slides and tubes.

Though it’s lesser known than some of the other tourist attractions of Sioux Falls, Terrace Park is a great place to visit, especially if you’re interested in getting out of hotels and other indoor spaces for awhile.

Take a breath of fresh air at a beautiful outdoor destination instead!

Address: 1100 W 4th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

24. Sioux Falls Stadium

Baseball is the great American pastime, and you can enjoy it with a charming, old-fashioned feeling at Sioux Falls Stadium.

Built more than 50 years ago, the stadium is one of the oldest in not only South Dakota but the entire American Association.

It was large for its time, though it’s considered small today; it can seat a little under 4,500 people.

Part of its magic lies in its quaint size as well as its vividly green fields surrounded by bucket seats and old-school scoreboards.

It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to yell “Batter up!” while munching on crackerjacks.

Another fun fact about the stadium: It’s home to the Sioux Falls Canaries, a source of local pride, so it’s often referred to as “The Birdcage.”

Not all things to do in Sioux Falls are big and flashy.

Some have a quainter feeling, including the Sioux Falls Stadium.

Take yourself out to a ball game with an afternoon rattling around the Birdcage!

Address: 1001 Northwest Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

25. McKennan Park

McKennan Park is the kind of destination that’s always fun.

Whether you’re splashing in the wading pools in the summer or twirling around the ice skating rinks in the winter, you can have a blast every single season of the year.

Families can have a particularly good time at the park since there’s a little something for everyone in terms of activities.

Small children can jump on the playground equipment; older ones can get competitive on the basketball or tennis courts.

Adults can groove to outdoor concerts held at the bandshell.

Even grandma and grandpa can cut loose on the shuffleboard court!

For a good time, head to McKennan Park.

Whether you’re going as early as tonight or as late as next year, it’s the kind of vacation spot that always has something to offer.

Address: 400 E 26th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, United States

26. The World’s Only Corn Palace

“The World’s Only Corn Palace” is the kind of title that can instantly stop you in your tracks, and the good news is that the actual attraction is a blast, too.

Living up to its name, the World’s Only Corn Palace is indeed the only destination of its kind in the entire world.

It gets its moniker from the “crop art” that decorates its architecture as well as the corn- and grain-themed murals and paintings that line the interior.

What is the Corn Palace?

Simply put, it’s a convention center that hosts a number of concerts, rallies and other crowd-gathering events.

It also plays host to a number of corny fairs and festivals, including the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo in July, the Corn Palace Festival in August and the Corn Palace Polka Festival in September.

The only downside of the Corn Palace is that it’s located outside of Sioux Falls, so you’ll have to be willing to take a detour into Mitchell, South Dakota.

If you don’t mind a side trip, however, the husks will be waiting for you!

Address: 604 N Main St, Mitchell, SD 57301, United States

27. Pettigrew Home and Museum

The Pettigrew Home and Museum is one of the more unique places to visit when you’re in Sioux Falls.

Originally built in 1889, it passed through several owners before eventually finding its namesake: Senator Richard Franklin Pettigrew.

He filled the house with all kinds of fun, interesting objects, and when he died, he bequeathed it all to the city so that others would be able to enjoy his esoteric collection of goods.

What can you see at the Pettigrew Home?

Every shelf offers something new.

There are stone tools, natural history specimens, Native American totems and more.

The house itself is also a sight; it’s been carefully preserved to maintain its 19th century aesthetic, but it was also outfitted with Pettigrew’s unique style at the time, so you never know when you’ll see things like purple carpets leading up the stairs.

Another thing worth mentioning is that there’s no charge for admission, so if you’re looking for free things to do in the Sioux Falls area, it can be a way to have fun without dipping into your wallet.

Set aside some time to wander through the Pettigrew Home and Museum.

It’s equal parts weird and wondrous, so it’s sure to become a memorable vacation experience for you.

Address: 131 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

28. USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial

The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial has long been considered one of the best Sioux Falls attractions for history and military buffs.

However, you don’t have to be a scholar to appreciate the sight of a reconstructed battleship in the middle of a green, grassy lawn!

That’s just one of the things to see at the memorial.

Dedicated to the U.S.S. South Dakota, the most decorated warship in the history of World War II, it explores the full service history of this remarkable vessel.

The ship was so highly prized that it was even referred to as “Battleship X” to prevent enemy forces from identifying and targeting it.

Visitors to the memorial can explore both indoor and outdoor exhibits that will transport them back in time and onto the front lines of battle.

Again, you don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the South Dakota Battleship Memorial.

It’s an impressive destination for folks from all walks of life, so it’s definitely one of the best places to go near Sioux Falls.

Address: 2705 W 12th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

29. SiouxperCon

Are you a nerd and proud of it?

Put on your Naruto cosplay and head on over to SiouxperCon.

Held every fall, it’s an annual celebration of books, games, comics, anime and all things geeky.

You can toss dice during the board game tournaments.

You can watch movies during the film festival and try virtual reality headsets at the gaming booths.

If you’re a fan of particular creators, you can buy tickets for panels and Q&A sessions with your faves.

There are also booths, of course, and these booths offer all kinds of opportunities for buying merch and connecting with other like-minded folks in fandom.

Long story short, if you’re a nerd and you know it, you won’t want to miss SiouxperCon.

Address: 1201 West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

30. Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science

If you’re wondering what to do while traveling through Sioux Falls, how about visiting a place where there’s lots to do?

The Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science is a multipurpose complex where you can find everything from an old-fashioned concert hall to a cutting-edge science museum.

Everything is within walking distance, so you won’t have to travel far to enjoy all of the activities and amenities on offer, but they’re also distinct from one another if you only have the time or inclination to visit some and not all.

As for stuff to do, you’ll have a dizzying array of options.

Watch a movie; visit an art gallery; catch a live theater performance.

There are life-sized dinosaur skeletons and tiny replicas of the solar system.

If you visit during the right time of the year, you can also enjoy things like holiday musicals and seasonal food festivals.

Long story short, there’s a little something for everyone at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science.

Whether you’re visiting today, tomorrow or next year, you’ll have a grand old time on the pavilion.

Address: 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

31. PAve

A restaurant by day and a club by night, PAve is one of the major points of interest when it comes to Sioux Falls nightlife.

Not only is it located right in the heart of downtown, but it can offer a lively social experience for visitors of all ages.

The first floor has a trendy industrial look that’s right on point with its beer-and-burger menu and contemporary bar space.

The second floor is actually on the roof, and it pairs live entertainment with deep red cushioned seats and strings of fairy lights for a glittering night on the town.

Do you want to see and be seen in Sioux Falls?

Put on your best dress or blazer and grab a drink at PAve.

You never know who you’ll connect with during the night!

Address: 130 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Sioux Falls

Maybe you’re planning a future vacation.

Maybe you’re getting ready to take a road trip this weekend.

Whenever you plan on going to the northern US, these are just a few Sioux Falls attractions that you won’t want to miss!

Happy travels.