48 Hours to Explore Sioux Falls’ Outdoors
The great outdoors beckons to you! Find energy and beauty in the wide open spaces and nature’s best displays in Sioux Falls. No matter if you’re traveling through or our Midwestern city is your final vacation destination, Sioux Falls is made for the outdoor explorer in all of us. Discover new adventures and memories waiting to be made at all of our favorite recreational spots in (and around) the city!
Day One
Breakfast: Bagel Boy
Get ready for a day out with everyone’s favorite, carbs! Fill up to fuel up on all of your classic toasted and non-toasted favorite bagel flavors. Cream cheese is not optional, by the way. Enjoy creating a to-go box and eat your breakfast while watching the sunrise at an area park.
Activity Idea: The Big Sioux River Recreation Trail and Greenway
After breakfast, explore Sioux Falls’ nearly 30 miles of paved trails by bike or foot. Trails create a large circle around town--and meander through downtown and several of the city’s parks. Find water fountains and public restrooms along the way. If you start north from Minnesota Avenue, you’ll end up in Falls Park (a perfect spot to stop for lunch).
Lunch: Falls Overlook Café
Dine at the Falls Overlook Café at Falls Park. Built in 1908, the building itself has historic charm, serving as the Sioux Falls Light and Power Company until 1974. With a patio that sits right above the river, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views while enjoying your meal.
Activity Idea: Hiking at Great Bear Recreation Park
In the summer, this popular downhill ski area attracts novice and expert hikers alike. Trek almost four miles of trails surrounded by bluestem grass and wildflowers. After a morning of biking, this hike offers a breathtaking hilltop view of the landscape, while the bottom point provides cool shade under the Burr Oak tree canopy.
Dinner: MacKenzie River
Wooden floors, a cozy atmosphere, and a menu of on-tap craft beers await you at MacKenzie River. Indulge in their delicious pizzas, or sink your teeth into one of their many mouth-watering burgers. End your meal with dessert such as their Bourbon Bites.
Day Two
Breakfast: All Day Cafe
One of the best spots for brunch in town, All Day Cafe makes everything from scratch, and the atmosphere is hip and relaxed. They even have a patio for beautiful summer days. For the explorer in you, they serve a superb spicy Bloody Mary.
Activity Idea: Outdoor Campus
Get excited about the great outdoors and learn valuable skills, too! Everyone can explore outdoor trails and put their navigational skills to the test using a compass and map (no GPS devices or smartphones here). Afterward, be sure to check out the rest of the museum and nearby Butterfly House & Aquarium.
Lunch: Oshima Sushi
Head downtown for lunch. Go Asian, and check out Oshima’s Rock Shrimp Tempura, Udon combos, and ramen bowl specialties. Not a seafood fan? Ohsima also has some classic Asian dishes to enjoy.
Activity Idea: Palisades State Park
A quick 30 minute drive from Sioux Falls is a natural gem. An outdoor rock-climbing haven, Palisades State Park is evidence of how glaciers vastly impacted the lay of the land as 50-foot-tall quartzite cliffs (which are over a billion years old) tower over Split Rock Creek. Day pass is required, but picnic areas and hiking trails abound!
Dinner: TapHouse 41
This establishment serves burgers so gourmet, your mouth will water just reading the menu. Stick with traditional toppings, or dare to try something new, like their “Q” with Tennessee sauce, haystack onions, and dixie slaw on a brioche bun. Then choose from over 24 rotating taps and 40 bourbons to complement your burger’s unique flavor. Please note that you must be 21 to dine.
