Every city wants to host your event, but only Sioux Falls offers moments like these.
Planning a meeting? There’s a bustling city in South Dakota that should be on every event organizer’s short list because it offers a unique experience. Here are seven things you can only do in Sioux Falls.
1. See a waterfall
No other city has a waterfall flowing north through downtown like the one at Falls Park. Sioux Falls sees 7,600 gallons flow over sparkling pink quartzite rock every 10 seconds, right next to local restaurants, boutiques, and craft breweries in the heart of the city.
2. Bike or kayak the city
Need a break from the sessions? Unlike some cities, you can get outdoors to wake up the legs and refresh the spirit. Over 19 miles of continuous bike trail loop along the Big Sioux River Greenway.
3. Sculptures worth $1 million
SculptureWalk runs throughout downtown, featuring over 55 sculptures that are changed annually and will soon include Dale Lamphere’s Arc of Dreams. The massive stainless-steel structure will rise 70 feet above the river downtown and will be the largest sculpture in the state that’s not Mount Rushmore.
4. Bask in the countryside
Sioux Falls is surrounded by beautiful country and charming farms, many of which offer tours — like the famous Stensland Family Farms. You can also relax at Strawbale Winery, tucked away between a 100-year-old barn and grape vines.
5. Hear the world
Sioux Falls is the most diverse city in South Dakota, with more than 60 different languages represented in its school system. With low unemployment and a population growing by about 3,000 residents each year, the city is a modern-day melting pot with all of the cultural advantages that brings.
6. Take in a concert
The Levitt Foundation has pavilions in cities like Denver, Los Angeles, Memphis, and Houston — and chose Sioux Falls for their newest venue. The Levitt Shell will offer over 50 free concerts every year. Perhaps the most prestigious entertainment venue, the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, continues to set records since its opening in the fall of 2014.
7. Delectable plates
Decadent pastries and macarons can be enjoyed from “Top Chef: Just Desserts” winner Chris Hanmer at CH Patisserie, and fresh Mediterranean dishes are a local favorite at Sanaa’s Gourmet, a “Beat Bobby Flay” contestant. The craft beer scene is also growing, with 10 breweries open by the end of the year.
For your next event or meeting, break up with the ordinary — Sioux Falls is a special place.
Jeff Somers, [email protected]