Sioux Falls, SD Adventure

Looking for a fun road trip adventure? Sioux Falls, South Dakota is under 4 hours from the Twin Cities– it’s affordable and lots of fun!

I truly love going on road trips! When I was looking for places for our family to go this summer, I happened upon Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The timing was right– under 4 hours from the Twin Cities, affordable hotels and lots of fun things to do! While I did feel a little funny not traveling on to the Badlands or Mount Rushmore from Sioux Falls, I do believe it’s a fun trip all on its own!

Let’s dive into some of the fun things we did on our trip to Sioux Falls!

The Butterfly House and Aquarium

Our family loves butterflies so this was a must stop for us!

The Butterfly House and Aquarium is s the only public saltwater aquarium in the Dakotas and one of only a few butterfly houses nationwide that are open year-round. I want to share this– this place isn’t gigantic, but it is a fun visit for younger kiddos and anyone who loves butterflies. You can check our full review of The Butterfly House and Aquarium here.

If you visit, don’t miss a stop at Seratoma Park right next to the Butterfly House and Aquarium (they even share a parking lot!). In addition to the cool Seratoma climbing dome, there’s 5 playgrounds surrounding a gigantic picnic pavallion with tons of play opportunities and ample shade.

Kirby Science Discovery Center

We just happened to go to Kirby Science Discovery Center because the weather was unbearably hot one day on our trip! I’m so glad we stopped because it was definitely one of our favorite stops!

There are over 100 interactive, hands-on exhibits at this science center. The play opportunities are endless and include large motor playgrounds, water play, interesting facts about South Dakota, dinosaur fossils, a quarry dig and so much more! We were all blown away and had an awesome time.

Please note every day there is 50% off admission starting at 3pm! You can check out our full review of the Kirby Science Discovery Center here.

Falls Park

Of course no visit to Sioux Falls is complete without a stop at Falls Park! It truly is amazing to see the gigantic falls, where an average of 7,400 gallons of water drop 100 feet over the course of the Falls each second!

In addition to the amazing falls, there is a Farmers Market every Saturday May through October, a visitor information center complete with a viewing tower, the Falls Overlook Cafe and Stockyards Ag Experience.

Stockyards Ag Experience is free to visit! You learn the story of agricultural impact in this region and how food makes it from the farm to your table. Open every day except Tuesdays.

Downtown Sculpture Walk

Sioux Falls takes their downtown Sculpture Walk pretty seriously! Large sculptures are placed around the downtown each year and provide the perfect conversation piece while you’re out and about shopping. Be surprised at the artwork or check out all the 2026 sculptures on their website here.

I also have a few tips/ideas of places to stop on the way there and your way back from the Twin Cities! Don’t miss Minnesota’s Largest Candy Store in Jordan for all your road trip sweets, Sibley Park and Farm in Mankato is sure to help your kiddos get all their wiggles out and don’t miss your epic selfie with the Jolly Green Giant in Blue Earth at the Jolly Green Giant Statue and Museum!