Wander Freely: A Solo Traveler’s Guide to Sioux Falls

Traveling solo is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself— and Sioux Falls is just the place to do it. Whether you’re craving relaxation or a bit of adventure, our two-night itinerary gives you a touch of each. Take the guesswork out of planning so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

Afternoon Activity

Immerse yourself into the Sioux Falls culture right away by exploring the many different shops downtown. Elevate your cooking with spice blends from The Spice & Tea Exchange, pick out that perfect piece of art at Alcove, or complete your wardrobe with a trending fashion piece at one of the many apparel stores. You’ll find all of that plus many more fun shops. 

While you’re shopping in Downtown Sioux Falls, be sure to check out the many different sculptures that make up SculptureWalk. With over 80 sculptures spread throughout downtown, there are several photo opportunities on every block.

Dinner

Savor the Latin flavors at Dahlia Kitchen + Bar located at The Steel District in Downtown Sioux Falls. Your tastebuds will be dancing in your mouth with delicious entrees like Birria Short Rib Empanadas, Chimichurri Bison Steak, Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos, and more. Pair that with a handcrafted cocktail from their large tequila selection and you’ll be a happy traveler.

Evening Activity

After your meal, make the short walk to Levitt at the Falls for a free outdoor concert held on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings during the summer. The concert schedule covers a wide range of genres so there’s always something new to discover. Bring your own lawn chair or rent one onsite for a minimal charge. 

If you’re feeling hungry later or if you skip eating at Dahlia, there are several food trucks and an adult beverage vendor at Levitt at the Falls. You can also get food to go at any restaurant and bring it with you to eat on the lawn.

Breakfast

Enjoy a peaceful morning with breakfast at Perch, a quaint neighborhood delight just a few blocks west of Downtown Sioux Falls. Order classics like eggs and bacon or try something unique like Pineapple Upside Down French Toast or Mediterranean Toast with roasted red pepper hummus, arugula, tomato, cucumber, red onion, and feta drizzle.

Morning Activity

Relax and unwind in proper fashion with a massage at Solare Wellness Spa—you are on vacation after all. Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, cupping, and more spa services are offered. Let’s be honest, there’s no wrong choice here.

Lunch

Following your euphoric morning, head down to the Falls Park Farmers Market where you can enjoy lunch from one of the many local vendors, and then shop around for items like fresh produce, flowers, microgreens, bath and body products, pastries, and plenty more tasty snacks. 

Afternoon Activity

If you’re a history fan then you’ll love the Old Courthouse Museum as well as the Pettigrew Home & Museum. The Old Courthouse Museum offers a rotating selection of exhibits that depict various periods in time, while the Pettigrew Home & Museum gives you a glimpse of what life in the late 1800s was like as you tour the former home of South Dakota’s first senator, Richard Pettigrew.

Dinner

Order yourself an iconic American pairing—a burger and a beer— at JL Beers. Build your own burger or choose from of the many specialty burgers like Mt. Mushmore with sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and teriyaki sauce, or the Wham Bam Bacon Jam Burger with bacon jam, fried onions, gouda cheese, and pickles. And with an extensive tap beer list that covers everything from IPAs to amber lagers, stouts, sours, and wheat, even the pickiest beer drinker is sure to find something to enjoy here.

Evening Activity

Check the season schedule of the Sioux Falls Canaries to plan your trip around a baseball game. Is there a better summer sound than hearing the crack of a bat? Plus, there’s no bad seat at “The Birdcage.”

If sports aren’t your thing, the calendar of events at the Washington Pavilion is full of performances on stage such as touring Broadway musicals, comedians, concerts, and more.

End your night with a cocktail or two at Myrtle’s Fur Vault & Bar. The mixologists are constantly creating flavorful pairings, both approachable and adventurous. Be bold and give yourself a chance to try something new and unique, but if you’re the kind of person who would rather stick with what you know, that’s totally fine. There is a drink for every palate at Myrtle’s. If you're lucky, the basement speakeasy lounge may even be open which offers a more unique setting.

Breakfast

Fuel up for your journey home with a stop at Coffea Roasterie & Espresso Bar for your favorite latte, espresso, or iced coffee. Between sips enjoy a bite of a scone, muffin, or various other fresh pastries.  

Morning Activity

Before you head home, end your trip on a memorable high note by exploring Good Earth State Park just a few miles east of Sioux Falls. This serene spot has several hiking and walking trails through the wilderness where you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. Be sure to save some time to stop at the visitor center where you can learn about the history of the land which has signs of Native American civilization that dates back as early as 1300 AD.