Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls surprises travelers with its lively downtown, impressive parks, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Guests can walk the city’s extensive bike trails, enjoy farm-to-table dining, or attend seasonal festivals in open-air venues. The Big Sioux River flows through the heart of town, adding natural beauty to urban spaces. It’s a place where small-town friendliness meets urban convenience.
Where to look for an Airbnb in Sioux Falls
Downtown Sioux Falls
Downtown is the heart of the city, packed with shops, eateries, galleries, and public art installations. Airbnb options include lofts in historic buildings, sleek condos, and boutique-style apartments close to the riverfront. Guests can walk to the SculptureWalk, Levitt at the Falls concerts, and weekend markets.
Cathedral Historic District
This residential neighborhood is known for its beautiful architecture and quiet, tree-lined streets. Vacation rentals here include renovated craftsman homes, charming duplexes, and tasteful guest suites. Visitors can enjoy proximity to downtown while staying in a peaceful, historic setting.
McKennan Park
Located south of downtown, this neighborhood surrounds the picturesque McKennan Park, featuring a rose garden, bandstand, and walking paths. Airbnbs in the area include family homes, quaint cottages, and vintage-inspired apartments. Guests can stroll to tennis courts, playgrounds, and shaded picnic spots.
East Sioux Falls
East Sioux Falls is a growing area offering newer developments, easy highway access, and modern conveniences. Rentals include updated townhomes, suburban houses, and spacious short-term rentals near shopping centers and restaurants. The area provides a quieter alternative while still being within reach of downtown attractions.
Southwest Sioux Falls
This part of the city features family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and recreational areas like the Outdoor Campus and Sertoma Park. Guests can stay in comfortable homes, pet-friendly accommodations, and well-equipped rentals for groups. The area is great for kids and close to the Butterfly House & Aquarium.
Must-visit places and attractions in Sioux Falls
Falls Park
Falls Park is the city’s centerpiece, featuring cascading waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and historic ruins along the Big Sioux River. Visitors can climb the viewing tower, dine at the park café, or walk trails through lush green space. The falls are lit at night and especially beautiful in the spring and fall.
SculptureWalk & Arc of Dreams
This year-round public art exhibit features dozens of sculptures installed along downtown sidewalks. Guests can follow the walking tour, admire new works each year, and take photos of the impressive Arc of Dreams spanning the river. The project supports local and national artists and creates an open-air gallery experience.
Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum
This family-friendly zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, including tigers, rhinos, and snow leopards. Guests can enjoy interactive exhibits, educational talks, and a museum with mounted specimens from around the world. It’s a fun and informative experience for kids and adults.
Washington Pavilion
This arts and science center includes visual art galleries, a concert hall, a planetarium, and a hands-on science museum. Visitors can catch a Broadway show, watch a science demo, or explore contemporary exhibitions. It’s located in a repurposed high school building with stunning architecture.
Butterfly House & Aquarium
Located in Sertoma Park, this indoor attraction features hundreds of tropical butterflies and a small but colorful aquarium. Guests can walk among free-flying butterflies, observe marine life, and enjoy interactive exhibits. It’s peaceful, educational, and ideal for young children.
Old Courthouse Museum
This historic building tells the story of Sioux Falls through exhibits on Native American history, pioneer life, and regional development. Visitors can admire the clock tower, stained-glass windows, and restored courtrooms. The museum hosts special events and rotating exhibits throughout the year.
Big Sioux Recreation Area
Located just outside the city, this park offers wooded trails, river access, and scenic picnic areas. Guests can hike, fish, or enjoy a peaceful afternoon in nature. The area is known for its birdwatching and fall foliage.
Levitt at the Falls
This outdoor concert venue hosts dozens of free live music performances each summer in the heart of downtown. Guests can bring blankets or chairs and enjoy a wide range of genres under the open sky. Food trucks and local vendors often add to the festive atmosphere.
Where to find a vacation rental near Sioux Falls
Brookings, South Dakota
Just over an hour north of Sioux Falls, Brookings is a welcoming college town known for its cultural offerings and educational attractions. Visitors can tour the South Dakota Art Museum, visit the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, or explore McCrory Gardens. Booking a home in Brookings places you near family-friendly museums and peaceful campus trails. Vacation rentals include family-friendly homes, downtown apartments, and peaceful cottages near campus.
Mitchell, South Dakota
About 75 minutes west, Mitchell is home to the quirky and iconic Corn Palace, a staple of South Dakota tourism. Guests can also visit the Dakota Discovery Museum or enjoy a walk around Lake Mitchell. Renting a vacation home in Mitchell ensures easy access to its downtown highlights and local attractions. Accommodations range from cozy Airbnbs to well-situated vacation homes close to the town’s main attractions.
Yankton, South Dakota
Roughly 90 minutes south, Yankton is a historic Missouri River town offering both history and water-based recreation. Travelers can walk the Meridian Bridge, explore Riverside Park, or spend a day at Lewis and Clark Recreation Area. Staying in a cabin in Yankton provides peaceful river views and quick access to outdoor activities. Vacation rentals here include riverfront cabins, quaint downtown homes, and family lodges. Yankton’s river charm and historic downtown make it a perfect weekend escape from Sioux Falls.
Okoboji, Iowa
Just under two and a half hours southeast, Okoboji is a beloved summer destination known for its clear blue lakes and vibrant leisure scene. Visitors can boat or paddle on West Okoboji Lake, explore Arnolds Park Amusement Park, or relax at waterfront restaurants. Choosing a cottage in Okoboji puts guests steps from the lake and lively boardwalk fun. Vacation homes include lakeside cottages, resort condos, and large family retreats. Okoboji’s energetic and refreshing lake life offers a fun counterpoint to Sioux Falls’ city setting.
Pipestone, Minnesota
Only an hour northeast, Pipestone is a small town steeped in Native American history and natural beauty. The Pipestone National Monument offers walking trails and views of historic quarries where sacred red stone is still harvested. Staying in a house in Pipestone lets guests enjoy serene prairie views and easy access to cultural sites. Rentals range from charming local homes to countryside getaways surrounded by prairie views.
Embark on American urban adventures filled with diversity and excitement
Step into the vibrant energy of Sioux Falls and explore urban adventures that await across the United States. Experience the charm of restored historic sites and renowned museums in Fort Wayne by exploring its airbnb options nestled among Indiana's bustling attractions. In Beaverton, Oregon, discover leisurely trails and inviting parks while staying in vacation rentals that put you at the heart of local culture and activities. Head to the rapidly growing cityscape of Meridian, Idaho, with its unique blend of urban and natural beauty, and be sure to book accommodations that offer scenic views and modern comforts. Last but not least, delve into the dynamic metropolis of Phoenix, where a vibrant arts scene and stunning landscapes await when you search for places to rent within Arizona’s sun-soaked surroundings.