South Dakota, located in the heart of the American Midwest, is a state rich in natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota and a great place to visit for a mix of outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and historical sites.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, began as a settlement favored for its location along the Big Sioux River, attracting Native American tribes and European settlers in the mid-19th century. The city’s growth was propelled by industries like milling and meatpacking, bolstered further by the arrival of railroads. Today, Sioux Falls thrives as a regional hub for healthcare and finance, blending its historical roots with a dynamic modern economy and cultural offerings.
Both the Dinks and the Family visited during a cross-country road trip and were only in the city a short time.
The Same
Both the Family and the Dinks enjoyed similar experiences in Sioux Falls, including visits to Falls Park, the sculpture walk, and exploring the local food scene.
Falls Park
Seems a bit obvious but when in Sioux Falls, one must visit the Sioux waterfall. Explore the 123-acre Falls Park, home to the iconic Sioux Falls, which plunges 74 feet over quartzite rock. Falls Park is centered around the breathtaking Sioux Falls, where the Big Sioux River cascades over a series of picturesque rock formations, creating a stunning waterfall. Visitors can admire the powerful rush of water from various vantage points throughout the park, including viewing platforms and walking paths. In addition to its natural splendor, Falls Park is home to several historical landmarks that offer insight into the area’s past. The Queen Bee Mill, a restored 19th-century flour mill, stands as a reminder of Sioux Falls’ industrial heritage. Visitors can explore the mill’s ruins and learn about its significance to the local economy. Falls Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Visitors can stroll along scenic walking paths that meander through lush greenery and offer panoramic views of the falls. Picnic areas and open spaces are perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal or gathering with family and friends.
SculptureWalk
Take a stroll through SculptureWalk, one of the largest annual public sculpture exhibits in the country. Over 60 sculptures are on display throughout downtown Sioux Falls, showcasing a variety of artistic styles and mediums. SculptureWalk showcases a diverse collection of sculptures created by local, national, and international artists. From abstract designs to realistic depictions, the exhibit features a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, including bronze, steel, glass, and more. Visitors can explore SculptureWalk at their own pace, wandering through downtown Sioux Falls to admire the artwork displayed along sidewalks, in parks, and other public spaces. The exhibit creates an immersive outdoor gallery experience that invites interaction and engagement with the art.
Local Cuisine
Sioux Falls, South Dakota offers a delicious blend of Midwestern comfort food and unique regional specialties. Whether you’re savoring Native American specialties, enjoying hearty comfort foods, or indulging in sweet treats, South Dakota’s cuisine is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
- Buffalo/Bison: Similar to its neighbor Montana, South Dakota has a rich tradition of bison ranching. Bison meat, lean and flavorful, is often served in various forms, including steaks, burgers, and stews.
- Native American Fare: The state’s Native American heritage is celebrated in its cuisine, with dishes such as Indian fry bread, wojapi (a type of berry sauce), and pemmican (a mixture of dried meat, fat, and berries).
- Chislic: This iconic South Dakota dish is a must-try! Chislic is skewered, cubed lamb or mutton (sometimes beef) that’s deep-fried or grilled. It’s typically served with a side of ranch dressing or malt vinegar for dipping.
- Trout: South Dakota boasts some fantastic freshwater fishing, and trout is a local favorite. You’ll find trout prepared in a variety of ways, such as pan-fried, grilled, or baked.
- Walleye: Another popular freshwater fish, walleye is often served breaded and fried, or prepared in a fish fry. But we enjoyed it sauted.
The DINKs
We had limited time in Sioux Falls but in addition to the above we found this Japanese Garden.
The Terrace Park Japanese Gardens
The Terrace Park Japanese Gardens in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, are a beautiful and tranquil spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Not what you would expect to find in South Dakota but so glad we did. The Japanese Gardens are located within the historic core of Terrace Park, on the eastern side of Covell Lake. The gardens were constructed in the late 1920s by caretaker Joe Maddox, who had studied landscape design. They feature exotic flowers, entrance arbors, trees, pagodas, and lanterns, creating a serene and meditative atmosphere. The design incorporates elements of traditional Japanese gardens, with rocks, gravel, and water features creating a sense of harmony and balance. Many of the plants and trees are native to Japan, while others are well-suited to the South Dakota climate.
The Family
We visited Sioux Falls as part of a cross-country road trip so we didn’t have a ton of time in any one place. Get the full details on this portion of our trip at AffordableFamilyTravel.com.
More on South Dakota
Be sure to check out our blog on Things to Do: Western South Dakota Including Badlands, Custer State Park & Mount Rushmore
Summary
During our brief visit to Sioux Falls, we discovered its charm through key attractions like Falls Park and SculptureWalk, which showcased the city’s natural beauty and artistic spirit. Both the DINKs and the Family made sure to indulge in local cuisine, savoring flavors unique to the region. The DINKs added a touch of tranquility to their experience with a visit to the Terrace Park Japanese Gardens, enhancing their exploration of this vibrant city. Although our time was limited, Sioux Falls left a lasting impression with its blend of natural landscapes, artistic endeavors, and culinary delights, making it a memorable stop on our journey.
Leave a Reply