The best things to do in Sioux Falls, southern Dakota in 1 day or less

We have seen unusual things cross the Dakotas during our Midwest road trip. Statues of giant bison, gigantic cows dominating the highways and even a corn palace. But most of the time, they were endless fields of meadow, contrasting with the dramatic landscapes of badlands. However, nestled in the southeast corner of southern Dakota is Sioux Falls, a pocket pocket of modern progressivism which is full of surprises.

We only had 24 hours to explore during our Southern Dakota roadtrip, but we found a lot to do in Sioux Falls to fill our time satisfactorily. There are first-rate bakeries, award-winning chiefs, charming shops, a fabulous public art and even a coffee belonging to a former Obama-Campaign staff member.

This start-ups in the city of Tech, low unemployment and support for the arts were named the best city n ° 1 for young professionals in smartasset.com. And given how crowded cafes were crowded at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning with distance workers, you can say that the price was well deserved.

Things to do in Sioux Falls, southern Dakota

So what to do in the largest city in southern Dakota? Well, there is a lot of outdoor adventure outside the city, but we focused on the city center of the city during our brief stay.

Falls Park

Your first stop in town should be in Falls Park. Here, you can stop in the visitors center and take the elevator to the top of the observation tower for a view of the eyes of the birds of the falls. If you are not afraid of a little mist, you can approach the falls on each side of the river. There is a lot of space to spread a picnic, or you can have lunch at the Falls Overlook Cafe.

Downtown Sioux Falls

You will find most of the action in downtown Sioux Falls along avenue Phillips and avenue Main. A good way to explore is to follow the Sculpture. Start at the Washington pavilion, then browse the city to see the 80 outdoor sculptures on display. Each year, a committee chooses the works of art of artists from around the world and the pieces vary from the abstract to the fanciful.

Given the young nature of Sioux Falls, it was not surprising to find a number of trendy shops in the city center. Hannah and I had a pleasure to browse stores like Heritage Boutique and and Prim. There is also the Jones 421 building, with a micro-retailers market and the 8th and the rail district if you really want to shop.

Of course, the only thing we did not have enough time during our short visit was to eat. There are so many incredible options, all with interesting stories behind them.

Where to eat in Sioux Falls

Josiah’s Coffeehouse & Café

Josiah seems to be perpetually stuck, but it is large enough for you to always find a place to eat. Its long recovered wooden tables are perfect for impromptu meetings and community restaurants. The menu includes cafes, zero-based pastries and coffee dishes, including full breakfast and lunch. It is one of these places where food is as good as the atmosphere.

104 W 12th Street, Sioux Falls, SD

Ch pastry

When your sweet tooth calls, head to Ch pastry. This European style bakery releases French elegance mixed with the friendliness of the Midwest. Property of the chief of pastry world champion Chris Hanmer, there is a full range of beautifully designed macaroons, including the only flavor of southern Dakota, Chiot Chow, as well as croissants, donuts and other pastries.

309 South Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD

If you need to refresh yourself, you can also stop at Parlour Ice Cream House on South Main Avenue where each scoop is a revelation.

Parker bistro

There are so many options in Sioux Falls in dinner, retro decoration and important American staples at Phillips Avenue Diner, in the kitchen Sandwich Casual Bread & Circus. Of course, there are also an appropriate number of craft breweries and hip cafes.

After days of relaxed and heavy meal in calories in the western parts of the Dakotas, we opted for a gastronomic experience at Parker bistro. This small but elegant restaurant was exactly what we needed to counterbalance the indulgences of the previous week.

I started with the gazpacho of the lobster, which was a new touch of a lobster bisque, with a generous part of the lobster meat perched on the top. Hannah was not too hungry, so she ordered the chiselic aperitif of the beef advice with chemichurri and truffle fries, which was more than enough to be entry. Instead of a main dish, I selected the seasonal salad with burrata cheese and tomato jelly. I cannot tell you how much we enjoyed dinner in a place with table clothes, excellent service and delicious modern kitchen.

210 S. Main avenue, Sioux Falls, SD

Where to stay in Sioux Falls

Note: We received a media rate at Sioux Falls Hilton Garden Inn. All opinions are mine.

There are a few hotels in downtown Sioux Falls, but we stayed at Hilton Garden InnJust on the river. It was practical enough to go to the walk for dinner or the shops, but with the amenities we wanted, including the free parking, an indoor pool and the butters essential. We had a beautiful view of the river and the patio and the bridge below.

201 E 8th Street, Sioux Falls, southern Dakota

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