Free & Cheap Things to Do in Sioux Falls

Parks & Nature

The roaring pink quartzite waterfalls of the Big Sioux River cascade through the center of this stunning 123-acre free park right in downtown Sioux Falls. A free observation tower, walking paths, historic ruins of the 1870s Queen Bee Mill, and a visitor center make this one of the most impressive free city parks in the Midwest.

Address: 300 N Kiwanis Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: Climb the free observation tower for the best bird's-eye view of the falls. Open daily 5am–midnight. The falls are dramatically lit at night and just as beautiful after dark.

Arts & Culture

The largest annual outdoor sculpture exhibit in the world, with 80+ rotating sculptures by artists from across the country displayed year-round along a mile-long stretch of downtown Sioux Falls — all completely free to view. Each year's new lineup is unveiled in the spring, keeping the experience fresh for return visitors.

Address: Phillips Ave, Downtown Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: The sculptures run from the Washington Pavilion all the way north to Falls Park — combine with a Falls Park visit for a full free afternoon in downtown. A free visitor center at the Washington Pavilion has maps and information.

History & Culture

The beautifully preserved 1889 Queen Anne Victorian home of South Dakota's first U.S. Senator, Richard Pettigrew, now serves as a free city museum with exhibits on Sioux Falls history, Native American culture, and Great Plains natural history. One of the hidden gems of downtown Sioux Falls.

Address: 131 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: Open Tuesday–Saturday. A compact museum that rewards slow exploration — the Victorian architecture of the house itself is as interesting as the exhibits inside. Just a few blocks from Falls Park and SculptureWalk.

History & Culture

An outdoor memorial in Sherman Park traces the actual hull outline of the USS South Dakota — the most decorated U.S. battleship of World War II — in life-size concrete on the original deck plan. The grounds include the ship's anchor, mast, and main guns, plus a free indoor museum with crew memorabilia, photos, and artifacts open in summer.

Address: 2705 W 12th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: The outdoor grounds are open year-round; the indoor museum is open daily 9:30am–5:30pm May 1–September 30. Pair with a walk through surrounding Sherman Park, the city's oldest, which has a free playground and lake.

History & Culture

Three floors of free exhibits inside the dramatic 1893 quartzite-and-granite former Minnehaha County Courthouse in downtown Sioux Falls. Original 1890s murals by Norwegian artist Ole Running line the rotunda, and the building itself — slate stairs, granite pillars, stained glass — is half the attraction. Permanent and rotating exhibits cover regional history, Native American culture, and pioneer life.

Address: 200 W 6th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: Open Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Thu until 9pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 12pm–5pm. Free two-hour parking to the west of the museum. Pair with the Pettigrew Home & Museum (also free, run by the same organization) just a few blocks away.

Parks & Nature

A serene Japanese-style garden tucked into Terrace Park along the shore of Covell Lake — pagodas, stone lanterns, an entrance arbor, koi-friendly water features, and seasonal blooming gardens, all completely free. The surrounding Terrace Park is the oldest in Sioux Falls and adds a paved lakeside walking path, picnic grounds, and a band shell.

Address: 1500 W 4th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: Open daily 5am–10pm. Spring and early summer are peak bloom; fall foliage around the pagodas is also striking. Free street parking on adjacent neighborhoods. Combine with a Falls Park visit just over a mile away for a free park-hopping afternoon.

Arts & Culture

An open-air concert venue just west of Falls Park that hosts 50 free concerts every summer — from indie folk and jazz to bluegrass and global music, with national and regional acts on a permanent shell stage. Bring a blanket or low chair and stake out a spot on the lawn; food trucks line the venue most show nights.

Address: 504 N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: Concert season runs roughly June through August, Thursday–Sunday evenings. Check the season schedule in advance — popular acts draw big lawn crowds, so arrive early for the best spots. Off-season the venue grounds are still free to walk through.

History & Culture

A French Renaissance-revival cathedral built in 1915 atop a downtown Sioux Falls bluff, with two soaring twin spires visible from across the city. Inside: imported Italian marble, German stained glass, hand-carved oak, and a recent 10-year restoration of the original interior. Free self-guided tours daily and free guided tours weekday afternoons at 1pm.

Address: 521 N Duluth Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: Open daily 8am–4pm for visitors. Free 1pm volunteer-led tours Monday–Friday — call ahead at (605) 336-7392 to confirm. Quiet and contemplative — keep voices low if mass or services are in progress.

Museums & Galleries

Sioux Falls' premier arts-and-science center houses the Kirby Science Discovery Center with 100-plus interactive exhibits, the Wells Fargo CineDome theater, and the Visual Arts Center galleries. One ticket covers the science center and unlimited dome films, plus hands-on homeschool classes.

Address: 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: Admission is 50% off after 3 p.m. and online tickets save $1; the price includes unlimited CineDome films.

Parks & Nature

A 45-acre zoo on the west side of Sioux Falls with more than 1,000 animals - big cats, bears, primates, and a free-flight aviary - plus the Delbridge Museum of Natural History. Part of the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium, it pairs with the Butterfly House across town.

Address: 805 S Kiwanis Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104

Tip: Buy online to save $2 per ticket; the Delbridge natural-history museum is included.

Museums & Galleries

A tropical butterfly conservatory and marine aquarium where hundreds of free-flying butterflies drift past visitors and touch-pool tanks hold rays and tide-pool creatures. Now part of the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium, it's a warm, hands-on stop that's especially good with younger kids.

Address: 4320 Oxbow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106

Tip: Wear bright colors and the butterflies may land on you; it pairs with the Great Plains Zoo.