The 10 Best Things to Do in Sioux Falls, United States

Park with waterfalls where the river flows over many tiers of Sioux quartzite.

About UsThe mission of the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science is to educate, entertain, inspire, and enrich the community by making arts and science part of our lives. Our vision is to be the region’s premier arts and cultural institution and a national model for multifaceted, community-based institutions.The Washington Pavilion is the region’s home for the arts, entertainment and science. Located in a beautifully renovated historic building in downtown Sioux Falls, it is one of only a few facilities in the world to bring together under one roof the performing arts, visual arts, interactive science and educational opportunities.The Washington Pavilion makes art and science part of the daily lives of thousands of people with programming from Broadway tours to intimate chamber recitals in two state-of-the-art theaters in the Husby Performing Arts Center ; more than 100 hands-on interactive science exhibits and the newly renovated Wells Fargo CineDome in the Kirby Science Discovery Center; and regional and national exhibits ranging from noted South Dakota artists to Andy Warhol in the Visual Arts Center.The Washington Pavilion serves the community through several other important initiatives:• On the first Friday of every month, the Pavilion opens its doors free-of-charge, welcoming more than 8,000 guests throughout the year.• The Community Learning Center provides educational opportunities for all ages with a broad range of engaging arts and science classes, workshops and internships, and no-cost art experiences for at-risk youth and underserved populations weekly during the school year at multiple venues.• The Graham Academy Preschool offers a unique educational setting for ages 3–5 with need-based scholarships available.• The Dakota Academy of Performing Arts prepares adolescents and young adults students for professional-level music and theater performances.• The Events Department provides individuals, groups and businesses with affordable, one-of-a-kind space and services for weddings, conferences, meetings and social gatherings.• The Pavilion is also home to several cultural partners, including the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra , Junior League of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society , and South Dakota Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Pavilion is the future site of the South Dakota African American History Museum.With the vast array of high quality programming and educational activities available at the Washington Pavilion, people of all ages and walks of life can rely upon the organization to entertain, inspire, educate and enrich. There is, indeed, something for everyone here.

Enjoy over 800 free-flying butterflies from around the world in the tropical conservatory. View vibrant marine fishes, jellyfish, and corals in ten aquariums, including the Pop-Up Dome Aquarium, Shark & Stingray Touch Pool, and Pacific Tide Pool. Experience interactive learning and relaxation with tropical butterflies and marine life. A year round tropical destination! The Butterfly House & Aquarium is a nonprofit organization, funded entirely by admissions, memberships, gift shop sales, and donations. Thank you for visiting and supporting our mission of learning, healing, and celebrating nature's beauty with tropical butterflies and marine life!

Open 361 days a year, the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History is home to more than 1,000 animals from 137 species including 24 endangered species. The 45-acre park offers up-close views to animals often not found in larger Zoos including Tigers, Rhinos, Bears, Primates, Giraffe, and an award-winning Snow Monkey exhibit. The Zoo also includes the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, a rare collection of 150 mounted animals including 38 “vanishing species.”

Beautifully restored 1800s quartzite building has three floors of regional history exhibits.

Honoring the most decorated battleship of World War II, this memorial is a full-size outline of the ship with artifacts from the ship positioned in it.