---
title: "Historical & Cultural Things to Do in Sioux Falls to Celebrate 250 Years of America"
date: 2026-03-27T11:16:00-05:00
author: Matt Barthel
canonical_url: "https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/articles/historical-cultural-things-to-do-in-sioux-falls-to-celebrate-250-years-of-america"
section: Articles
---
![](https://d3bs6yihjcg6lz.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Veterans-Memorial-Park.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=550&h=241&q=98&f=webp&c=f71a2ebc&v=904e9e5631e449ae0e70e51db47b89a685699eb22b2a19f232a0d1ef2f9c7653) #  Historical & Cultural Things to Do in Sioux Falls to Celebrate 250 Years of America  

 

 

 

  

 

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our great nation this year, we encourage you to explore the past and acknowledge what got us to where we are today. Here are just a few activity ideas to get you started in Sioux Falls.

### [Battleship South Dakota Memorial](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/listing/battleship-uss-south-dakota-memorial)

As the most decorated battleship that fought in World War II, the USS South Dakota is remembered at Battleship South Dakota Memorial where you can walk the outline of the ship’s hull, as well as learn about the battleship, its history, and life as a sailor on the ship through the various exhibits inside the visitor center.

 

  [    ![The Battleship Memorial in Sioux Falls](https://d3bs6yihjcg6lz.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Battleship-Memorial-2025.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=550&h=238&q=98&f=webp&c=ecdcbbaa&v=15c2f03a56c3c3cdad1959cc4b7b6397e670e2f2445268ae606c990117b6c458)  ](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/listing/battleship-uss-south-dakota-memorial) ### [Veterans' Memorial Park](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/listing/veterans-memorial-park)

Honor the brave heroes of the United States military at Veterans' Memorial Park. The beautifully designed park provides picturesque areas for calmness, reflection, and remembrance.

 

 

  

 

 

### [Old Courthouse Museum](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/listing/old-courthouse-museum)

See aspects of life in Sioux Falls at various points in time through the many rotating exhibits at the Old Courthouse Museum. Some of the exhibits currently on display showcase how people celebrated past parades, picnics, and pageants, along with exhibits on the evolution of kitchens and the history of the building as a former courthouse.

 

 

  

 

 

### [Pettigrew Home & Museum](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/listing/pettigrew-home-and-museum)

Tour the home of South Dakota’s first senator and prominent member of Sioux Falls’ past, R.F. Pettigrew. You will experience how the wealthy lived in the late 1800s and early 1900s, as well as see artifacts from around the world that Pettigrew collected during his travels. There are also exhibits on display for you to learn about the history of the city.

 

 

  

 

 

### [State Theatre](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/listing/state-theatre)

The Sioux Falls State Theatre is packed full of history, from its beginning and rise to popularity, followed by its decline and closure to its rebirth with a recent multi-million-dollar restoration. Admire the many beautiful and intricate original details of the building while watching a movie from the comforts of reclining leather seats.

 

 

  

 

 

### [Independence Day Parade](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/sioux-falls-independence-day-parade)

Celebrate America’s independence in style during the Sioux Falls Independence Day Parade on July 4 in downtown Sioux Falls. Dress in your best patriotic attire and wave as the decked-out floats go by. Don’t miss the [free fireworks display](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/sioux-falls-fireworks) that night at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds!

### [Sioux Falls Airshow](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events/sioux-falls-airshow)

In addition to seeing state-of-the-art jets piercing through the sky during the Sioux Falls Airshow, you will also see various aircraft from the past, both on static display and through flight demonstrations. The Airshow is a can’t-miss event this summer, taking place July 18-19.

 

 

  

 

 

 

## Additional Events & Celebrations for America's 250th

 [Learn More](https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/celebrating-americas-250th)