Sioux Falls has quickly gained momentum as a must-visit destination for group travel. However, that has not always been the case. Located in the southeast corner of South Dakota, and being the state’s largest city, Sioux Falls was often viewed as a quick stop for travelers venturing west to visit Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.
Heavy investment from developers and generous donors have turned the tide in the last decade or two by adding unique experiences and enhancing these opportunities, making Sioux Falls a lovely destination for both visitors and locals alike. From award-winning art to historical tours, stunning parks, and more, Sioux Falls is full of surprises that are sure to delight.
Falls Park
A visit to the city’s namesake, Falls Park, is a must-do activity. Take in the sights and sounds of the Big Sioux River that has been rushing over the pink Sioux quartzite rock for thousands of years. Feel the power of the falls from one of the viewing platforms near the water, or take in a sweeping view of the entire landscape from the top of the five-story observation tower, with downtown Sioux Falls as the backdrop.
Arts & theater
Downtown Sioux Falls is home to an abundance of experiences you won’t want to miss out on, like art exhibitions and performances on stage. See over 80 new sculptures each year, scattered throughout downtown as part of SculptureWalk.
What was once a bustling theater full of energy for most of the 1900s, the Sioux Falls State Theatre fell into despair and closed in 1990. After receiving a multimillion-dollar donation five years ago, the State Theatre had enough funding to complete a full restoration. The State Theatre now shows a wide range of classic films in a building full of beautiful details. Explore the theater and learn about the history of its rise and fall and rise again.
The Washington Pavilion is a one-stop-shop for the arts. Wander through several galleries, where you will find rotating exhibits featuring award-winning national art exhibitions. In addition to art galleries, you can also enjoy events on stage, ranging from theatrical Broadway performances, touring concert acts, and the nationally recognized South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.
USGS EROS Center
The U.S. Geological Survey Earth Resources Observation and Science Center is a fascinating place doing vital work in satellite imagery for the federal government. Learn about the processes used as the USGS EROS Center tracks land and city expansion changes across our nation and around the world from above.
McCrossan Boys Ranch
Located on the edge of Sioux Falls sits McCrossan Boys Ranch, a safe place and residential community for troubled teens and at-risk youth. But it’s so much more than that. Explore the visitor center, which chronicles the history and vision of Melinda McCrossan to take in young boys to educate and guide them during a critical part of their youth and prepare them to live a balanced life outside the ranch. Through a variety of activities such as horsemanship, 4-H, Boy Scouts, and more, each boy is given the opportunity to learn and expand his horizons. Learn about the history of the ranch in the visitor center, which features a U.S. Bicentennial Wagon from 1976, interactive touch screen videos, and more.
Step back in time
Explore the Pettigrew Home & Museum, the home of South Dakota’s first senator, R.F. Pettigrew, to discover what life was like in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Throughout the home is Pettigrew’s collection of items from his world travels. Take a guided tour of the home and dive into the exhibit galleries that tell the story of Pettigrew’s works and of a growing city on the prairie.
Located just a few blocks from the Pettigrew Home & Museum is the Old Courthouse Museum, where you will find a vast collection of exhibits ranging from the building’s time as a courthouse to glimpses of notable time periods for citizens in the region. Inside the museum, don’t miss seeing the Fawick Flyer, the first four-door automobile ever manufactured in the U.S.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Sioux Falls for group travel. Whether you are planning a two-night stay in Sioux Falls or only have one day to explore, Experience Sioux Falls will work with you to craft an itinerary that fits your goals and budget.
Contact: Jackie Wentworth
Photos provided by Experience Sioux Falls
