Sioux Falls is South Dakota’s largest city and, for many travellers, the easiest place to discover a more urban side of the state. It combines restaurants, breweries, shops and cultural attractions with one feature that gives the city an identity of its own: the waterfalls of the Big Sioux River.
Start at Falls Park
Falls Park is the obvious first stop, and for good reason. The river tumbles over layers of pink quartzite close to downtown, creating a surprisingly dramatic landscape in the middle of the city. Walk the paths, explore different viewpoints and give yourself time to see more than the main overlook.
Explore downtown Sioux Falls
Downtown is compact enough to explore on foot and has become one of the most enjoyable parts of a visit. Restaurants, cafés, bars, galleries and public art make it easy to spend several hours simply wandering rather than moving between major attractions.
The SculptureWalk, with artworks displayed around downtown, is a particularly easy way to combine sightseeing with a walk through the city.
Stay for the food
Sioux Falls has one of South Dakota’s broadest dining scenes. This is a good place to mix regional flavours with contemporary restaurants, craft beer and international food.
A useful first or last stop
The city’s location in southeastern South Dakota makes it a natural starting point for a road trip across the state. From here you can head west towards the Missouri River, Badlands and Black Hills.
I would give Sioux Falls at least a full day rather than treating it only as an overnight stop. Falls Park gets the photographs, but downtown and the local food scene are what make the city feel like more than a gateway.