🌊 You Won’t Believe What Makes Sioux Falls a Must-Visit (Hint: It’s Not Just the Waterfall!)

If you’re road-tripping through the Midwest and think Sioux Falls is just a pit stop—think again. South Dakota’s biggest city is quietly becoming a haven for foodies, vinyl lovers, and travelers looking for beauty without the crowds.

Here’s everything you need to see, eat, and explore in Sioux Falls—from waterfall views to Brazilian bites and indie bookstores. Don’t miss the free downloadable travel guide at the end to take this itinerary on the road!

 

🚏 Table of Contents

• 🗺️ Welcome to Sioux Falls: Small City, Big Surprises
• 🌳 Falls Park: Waterfalls, History, and That Tower View
• 🎧 Hidden Gems: Where Locals Actually Hang Out
• 🍽️ Where to Eat in Sioux Falls (Yes, It's a Foodie Town Now)
• 🧭 Hit the Road With Sioux Falls in Your Itinerary

 

🗺️ Welcome to Sioux Falls: Small City, Big Surprises

With a population of around 210,000, Sioux Falls is South Dakota’s fastest-growing city. It’s perched along the Big Sioux River and packed with local charm—art, history, and nature all within a few minutes of each other.

The vibe? It’s a little bit artsy, a little bit historic, and a whole lot easier to navigate than a big city. Whether you’re coming from Minneapolis, Denver, or heading west to the Badlands or Seattle, this is the perfect overnight or weekend stop.

 

🌳 Falls Park: Waterfalls

The heart of Sioux Falls is (literally) the Falls themselves.

💧 Falls Park

• What it is: A 128-acre park built around the city’s namesake waterfall.
• Why go: See thousands of gallons of water rush over pink quartzite rock every second. It’s raw, natural power in the middle of downtown.
• Best time to visit: Sunrise or golden hour for fewer crowds and magical light.

🗼 Don’t Miss the Falls Park Tower

• A five-story observation tower offers sweeping 360° views of the falls, the city skyline, and surrounding green space.
• It’s totally free and the fastest way to understand why this city exists.

🍴 Quick Bite: Falls Overlook Café

Located inside a renovated hydroelectric plant from 1908, the café serves sandwiches, sweets, and local beer with an unbeatable view of the river.

🎧 Hidden Gems: Where Locals Actually Hang Out

Step off the beaten path and explore two of Sioux Falls’ most unique indie spaces:

🎶 Crosstown Vinyl

• Why go: A cozy, downtown vinyl shop with carefully curated records, turntables, and listening stations.
• Vibe: Part record store, part community space. Pop in for a throwback vibe and maybe a spontaneous live DJ session.

📚 Full Circle Book Co-Op

• Why go: A progressive bookstore, local event space, AND wine/beer bar all in one.
• Vibe: Grab a latte or a local craft brew, browse titles from underrepresented voices, and catch live poetry or open mic nights.
• Bonus: It’s a hub for creatives, activists, and travelers who love a good story.

 

🍽️ Where to Eat in Sioux Falls (Yes, It's a Foodie Town Now)

🍽️ Where to Eat in Sioux Falls (Yes, It's a Foodie Town Now)

From Brazilian flavors to retro diner comfort food, Sioux Falls punches way above its weight when it comes to food.

🇧🇷 Roots of Brasil

• Cuisine: Traditional Brazilian dishes with a warm, modern twist.
• What to order: Picanha (top sirloin steak), grilled pineapple, and pão de queijo (cheese bread).
• Why we love it: Family-owned, authentic, and a rare gem in the Dakotas.

🥞 Phillips Avenue Diner

• Cuisine: Classic American comfort with a retro twist.
• What to order: Chicken and waffles, banana cream pie, and a handspun milkshake.
• Why we love it: It’s like stepping into a time machine—with better coffee.

🍷 Parker’s Bistro (4.6⭐ on Google)

• Cuisine: Seasonal New-American with local ingredients and global influence.
• What to order: Truffle fries, duck breast, or the charcuterie board with a glass of house red.
• Why we love it: Cozy upscale vibes in a historic building. Perfect for a romantic dinner or foodie stop.

 

🎨 Bonus Stops in Sioux Falls

Want even more? Add these to your itinerary if you have extra time:

• SculptureWalk – A rotating outdoor art gallery along downtown sidewalks.
• Washington Pavilion – Science center, art galleries, and live theater all in one.
• Pettigrew Home & Museum – Tour the 1889 home of one of the city’s first U.S. senators and see quirky artifacts.

 

🧭 Hit the Road With Sioux Falls in Your Itinerary

If Sioux Falls wasn’t on your radar before—it is now. And if you’re heading west toward Washington or east back to Chicago, it’s the perfect midpoint to rest, explore, and recharge.

👉 Grab the Chicago to Seattle RoadBook

This detailed road trip guide gives you routes, hidden stops, foodie recs, and daily travel tips—with Sioux Falls and other surprise gems along the way.

✅ Turn your drive into an epic adventure.

🎒 Get the RoadBook here

 

📥 Get the Free Sioux Falls Travel PDF

Want this whole guide in your glovebox?

🎁 Download the Free Sioux Falls PDF Travel Guide — Offline-friendly, no ads, no fluff. Just the trails, towers, tacos, and tunes you need.