Things to Do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls Things to Do

Sioux Falls offers many things to do – see the great outdoors, learn history and enjoy family-friendly fun!

Falls Park

Falls Park features the waterfall that gives Sioux Falls its name. Here, the Sioux River goes over the falls, which are made of pink quartzite. At the park you’ll find a visitor’s information center, an observation tower and bridges to cross over the falls. The remnants of the old Queen Bee Mill, built in the 1880s and destroyed by fire in the 1950s, are still plainly visible. Also visible are the remains of the Sioux Falls Light and Power Company hydroelectric plant, constructed in 1908 and closed in 1974. The Horse Barn, which was reportedly used for city maintenance horses, is now an art gallery and workshop for local artists. This is one of the best municipal parks around; admission is free.

The South Dakota Battleship Museum

The battleship USS South Dakota served with great distinction in the US Navy during World War II. Clearly, there would be no way to bring such a giant warship so far inland, but Sioux Falls has an organization dedicated to the memory of the ship and all the sailors who served aboard her. The South Dakota Battleship Museum is worth visiting to see the history and memorabilia. There is also a gift shop.

Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum

This zoo is definitely worth a visit. It has a good assortment of animals including a Red Panda, snow leopards, Siberian tigers, Amur Tigers, Eastern Black Rhinos, the Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, the Giant Anteater, the Siamang Gibbon and many more! You’ll need to do some walking, but it’s not too bad. The Delbridge Museum of Natural History is connected to the zoo and is a nice place to stop off in the air conditioning and learn more about animals as well.

Sertoma Butterfly House

The Sertoma Butterfly House has a large butterfly flight room, where you can go and see many different species of butterflies flying around. If you’re lucky, one may land on you! They’ve also added Purdy Marine Cove, so there is even more to do there. It’s a fun way to spend an hour or so.

Other things to see and do include downtown’s Sculpturewalk, Wild Water West waterpark, the Old Courthouse Museum, Empire Mall and Sioux Falls Storm Indoor Football.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Sioux Falls.