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Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls travel guide

City in South Dakota, United States

Best time to visitSeptember
Nearest airportFSD · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population192,517

About Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is the most populous city in the U.S. state of South Dakota. It is the county seat of Minnehaha County and also extends into northern Lincoln County. The population was 192,517 at the 2020 census. The Sioux Falls metropolitan area, with an estimated 308,000 residents, accounts for more than one-third of South Dakota's population. Chartered in 1856 on the banks of the Big Sioux River, the city is at the junction of Interstates 29 and 90.

Places to visit in Sioux Falls

  1. Falls Park

    Falls Park

    Park

    The city takes its name from these waterfalls on the Big Sioux River, where pink quartzite rock ledges, walking paths, ruins of an old mill and an observation tower make for a relaxing visit.

  2. SculptureWalk

    Landmark

    A rotating outdoor exhibition of sculptures lines the streets of downtown Sioux Falls, letting visitors stroll Phillips Avenue and nearby blocks while browsing public art between shops and restaurants.

  3. Washington Pavilion

    Washington Pavilion

    Museum

    A former high school turned arts and science center downtown, with a hands-on science museum, a dome theater, visual arts galleries and a performance hall.

  4. Great Plains Zoo

    Great Plains Zoo

    Zoo · 2 mi from centre

    This zoo houses animals from around the world across themed habitats, and the adjoining Delbridge Museum of Natural History displays a large collection of mounted wildlife.

  5. Old Courthouse Museum

    Museum

    A large pink quartzite courthouse downtown, now a free museum with exhibits on regional history and beautifully restored interiors featuring painted murals, woodwork and stained glass windows.

  6. Cathedral of Saint Joseph

    Cathedral of Saint Joseph

    Religious

    Standing on a hill above downtown, this Catholic cathedral has twin towers and a bright interior, and is one of the most prominent landmarks on the Sioux Falls skyline.

Where to stay in Sioux Falls

Popular hotels in Sioux Falls, out of 87 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Sioux Falls

Best time to visit Sioux Falls

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sioux Falls is September, when average daytime highs are around 78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 9° – 24° 4
Feb 16° – 35° 4
Mar 28° – 49° 5
Apr 38° – 59° 11
May 50° – 71° 11
Jun 61° – 80° 12
Jul 65° – 83° 12
Aug 63° – 80° 10
Sep 58° – 78° 5
Oct 47° – 65° 6
Nov 30° – 45° 5
Dec 16° – 33° 7

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Sioux Falls weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 71° 45° 2%
  • Thu 22 Oct 74° 55° 1%
  • Fri 23 Oct 76° 59° 19%
  • Sat 24 Oct 67° 54° 45%
  • Sun 25 Oct 54° 40° 32%
  • Mon 26 Oct 50° 37° 20%

Know before you go

Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Language
English
Calling code
+1
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/ChicagoUTC−5
Capital
Washington, D.C.

Upcoming public holidays in United States

  • Veterans Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Day
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
  • Presidents DayWashington's Birthday

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Sioux Falls

These are the airports closest to central Sioux Falls. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • FSD Sioux Falls Regional Airport3 mi (4 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Sioux Falls

While there is some public transportation in Sioux Falls and taxis are generally available, the easiest way to get around the city is by car. Roads are generally well-maintained (with the occasional summer road construction) and traffic is quite light by typical North American standards, especially considering the exponential growth of the city.

By bus

Sioux Falls Metro operates 15 bus routes throughout the city. Fares are $1 for adults with books of 10 available for a 15 percent discount.

By ride share

Lyft, ride share service has been available in the Sioux Falls area since 2017. (Uber is not).

By taxi

There are a handful of taxi services that operate in Sioux Falls. Fares are reasonable by U.S. standards:

Sioux Falls travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Sioux Falls?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Sioux Falls is September, when average daytime highs are around 78°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.

What is the weather like in Sioux Falls?

July is usually the warmest month in Sioux Falls, with average highs of 83°F (28°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 9°F (-13°C). The wettest month is typically June, with about 153 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Sioux Falls?

Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (4 km) from the centre of Sioux Falls.

What time zone is Sioux Falls in?

Sioux Falls uses the America/Chicago time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Sioux Falls?

While there is some public transportation in Sioux Falls and taxis are generally available, the easiest way to get around the city is by car.

What are the best places to visit in Sioux Falls?

Top sights in Sioux Falls include Falls Park, SculptureWalk, Washington Pavilion and Great Plains Zoo. The city takes its name from these waterfalls on the Big Sioux River, where pink quartzite rock ledges, walking paths, ruins of an old mill and an observation tower make for a relaxing visit.

Where should I stay in Sioux Falls?

Popular areas for hotels in Sioux Falls include Joe Foss Field Regional Airport and South Sioux Falls. Well-reviewed options include Ramada by Wyndham Sioux Falls Arpt & Suites and Glō Best Western Dawley Farms In Sioux Falls.

How many hotels can I book in Sioux Falls?

Destina Holidays currently lists 87 properties in and around Sioux Falls, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.