Award-Winning Art and Historical Experiences Abound in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls has been quickly gaining 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.

Grab a bite to eat at the onsite Falls Overlook Café where you can get a front row seat for the waterfalls as you enjoy your meal. Afterwards, taken in the remnants of the former seven-story Queen Bee Mill that was built in the late 1800s and later burned to the ground from a fire in 1956.

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 sculptures scattered throughout downtown as part of SculptureWalk. The sculptures are replaced with new ones each year, but the public can vote on their favorite for the city to purchase for permanent display. Be sure to make time to see the Arc of Dreams, a massive stainless-steel sculpture that spans the length of a football field across the Big Sioux River.

The Sioux Falls State Theatre is a historical gem that every visitor should see. What was once a bustling theater full of energy for most of the 1900s, the State Theatre eventually fell into despair and closed in 1990. After receiving a multimillion-dollar donation five years ago, the State Theatre received enough funding to complete a full restoration, bringing life back to the building that has a special place in the hearts of many locals. The State Theatre now shows a wide range of classic films in a building full of beautiful details. Explore the Theatre 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 that include rotating exhibits featuring both award-winning national art exhibitions as well as pieces by local artists. In addition to art galleries, you can also enjoy events on stage ranging from theatrical Broadway performances, touring concert acts and comedians, and amazing sounds from the nationally recognized South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.

USGS EROS Center

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) 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. This team also controls daily flight operations for satellites Landsat 8 and Landsat 9.

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 to 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 their horizons. Learn about the history of the Ranch in the visitor center which features large murals, a U.S. Bicentennial Wagon from 1976, interactive touch screen videos, and so much 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 you will find Pettigrew’s curation of items that he collected from his travels around the world. 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 as well as glimpses of notable periods in time 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 things to see and do in Sioux Falls for group travel. Whether you are planning a two-night stay in Sioux Falls or only have a day to explore, Experience Sioux Falls will work with you to craft an itinerary that fits your goals and budget.