Off the Beaten Path: Unusual Things to do in Sioux Falls
Urban Explorer Itinerary
Who wants to follow the crowd? Find interesting, not-on-everyone-else’s things to do in Sioux Falls. Leave the well-traveled path behind, and take the one less traveled. Trust us, it will make all the difference. From tucked-away finds to places only those who live in the city know about, this list guarantees the ultimate, alternative Sioux Falls visit.
24 Hours for City Adventures
Breakfast: Queen City Bakery
QCB proves a buttery croissant and savory quiche are all you need in life—apart from your favorite tea and coffee selection, that is. Prepare to window stare at made-from-scratch goods like turnovers, teacake, scones, and savory or sweet muffins.
Activity Idea: Museum of Visual Materials
Tucked away in northern downtown, MOVM is a popular location for child and adult art classes—from card making to watercolor classes. Not far from MOVM is the Jones421 building which is a marketplace full of shops and dining.
Lunch: CRAVE
Located within the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown along the banks of the Big Sioux River is a crowd favorite, CRAVE. Enjoy fine sushi or some of their additional delightful offerings such as sandwiches, salads and other American-fare.
Activity Idea: Cathedral of Saint Joseph or Gallery Walkabout
The first thing you see on the skyline flying into Sioux Falls is St. Joseph’s. The Cathedral was completed in 1919 and has stood as a symbol of the city for nearly a century. Most only admire from afar. But self-guided tours are available most days, and guided afternoon tours can be scheduled in advance. Admire religious artwork, French stenciled stained glass windows, a marble high altar, and a Kilgen pipe organ.
Want more modern art? Visit the city’s art galleries, most in easy walking distance. Start at Eastbank Art Gallery at 8th and Railroad in downtown. Explore regional fine artists’ work and check out featured artists’ shows coming up. Take a jaunt over to Rehfeld’s, featuring original artwork from over 25 local artists, and pick up a piece to take home. Further out is the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery on the campus of Augustana University which hosts nine exhibits a year—and includes works from Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse.
Dinner: Monk’s Ale House, Oshima Sushi or Crawford’s Bar & Grill
Showcasing 50 craft brews on tap, Monk's is the original craft beer bar in South Dakota. Or go Asian instead, and check out Oshima’s Rock Shrimp Tempura, Udon combos, and ramen bowl specialties.
Feeling more classic? Crawford’s Bar & Grill has a bejeweled wall-paper interior, complete with chandeliers and top-notch cocktails. Sample inventive entrees—like swordfish, philly cheese flatbread, or the popular weekend favorite, prime rib.
Activity Idea: McKennan Park Music or White Wall Sessions
Music genre schedules are as varied as the crowds that turn out on summer nights. McKennan Park music is generally held Monday nights, June through August. Prefer a more alternative vibe? White Wall Sessions offers shows at The Last Stop CD Shop, featuring original music by local, regional, and national artists. Check out past sessions on YouTube.
After Dinner Drink: Fernson Downtown or WoodGrain Brewing Company
Top off your day exploring with a few last suds. Fernson has unique, seasonal choices—like the refreshing, crisp Farmhouse Ale. WoodGrain is on the ground floor of a corporate building and comes with cement floors, repurposed wood furniture, and ever-rotating, hand-crafted ales and stouts.
