Location: Sioux City
Top Things to do in Sioux City
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Things to do in Sioux City, Iowa (IA): The Best Specialty Museums
Sioux City (/ˌsuːˈsɪti/) is a city in Woodbury and Plymouth counties in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 82,684 in the 2010 census, which makes it the fourth largest city in Iowa. The bulk of the city is in Woodbury County, of which it is the county seat, though a small portion is in Plymouth County. Sioux City is located at the navigational head of the Missouri River. Often the city and surrounding area is referred to as Siouxland, especially by the local media and residents. The city is home to several cultural points of interest including the Sioux City Public Museum, Sioux City Art Center and Sergeant Floyd Monument, which is a National Historical Landmark. The city is also home to Chris Larsen Park, commonly referred to as “the Riverfront,” includes the Anderson Dance Pavilion, Sergeant Floyd Riverboat Museum and Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Sioux City is the primary city of the five-county Sioux City, IA–NE–SD Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), with a population of 168,825 in 2010 and a slight increase to an estimated 168,921 in 2012. The Sioux City–Vermillion, IA–NE–SD Combined Statistical Area had a population of 182,675 as of 2010 and has grown to an estimated population of 183,052 as of 2012.
Restaurants in Sioux City
1. Sioux City Public Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Located in the heart of downtown Sioux City, the Sioux City Public Museum features large, colorful exhibits, interactive displays, and much more. Visitors will discover the "Spirit of Sioux City" through a lively 12-minute orientation film in the ornate "corn palace theatre." A variety of hands-on experiences are available including the award-winning "Innovation I-Wall" and "The Big Dig," which replicates an active fossil dig site. Highlights of the permanent gallery are rare Native American artifacts from the area; Sioux City's first "horseless buggy," a 1901 Oldsmobile; a 1930 Kari-Keen airplane manufactured in Sioux City; and a 1918 Mack fire truck similar to ones used by the Sioux City Fire Department. The two-story Disaster and Recovery Wall features multi-media presentations of three major Sioux City catastrophes: the 1904 Pelletier Department Store fire, the 1953 Floyd River Flood, and the 1989 crash of United Airlines Flight 232. Temporary exhibits feature topics of local and regional interest.
Reviewed By joelwx39 - Saint Paul, United States
Many different facets of Sioux City history. Easy to miss things, but it is free so you can come back several times. Excellent displays. Not in a row so you tend to wander (which is good).
2. The Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Take a step back into history and encounter unique artifacts and exhibits that help tell the exciting story of aviation and transportation in our lives. Explore a wide variety of displays and exhibits of full size aircraft and surface transportation from bicycles to vintage automobiles, a fire engine, and even a Boeing 727-200! The Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation preserves and celebrates the rich aviation and transportation history of the Sioux City area. Spend an hour…spend a whole day… the entire family will find something fascinating, entertaining, unique or educational at the Mid America Museum of Aviation and Transportation!
3. Sioux City Railroad Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Originally known as the Milwaukee Railroad Shops, the Railroad Museum is located along Highway 12 in Sioux City, Iowa. This historical treasure, nestled in between the scenic Loess Hills and the Big Sioux River, was built in 1917. At one time this site was a large industrial complex that serviced and repaired locomotives and railcars for 65 years. Today this 30-acre complex is home to the Sioux City Railroad Museum. Only a handful these places still exist in the United States. Today, after several years of preserving and restoring what remained, the museum is able to showcase rare artifacts and architecture that represent an important and influential time in our nation’s history. The Railroad Museum and its historical atmosphere create a unique environment for friends and families to learn and enjoy. We are building tracks for the future!
Reviewed By sharons201
Best train sets ever !!! Staff was friendly. Wonderful tour of museum grounds. Train ride! Everyone of all ages will enjoy the train sets building and grounds. Great movie. It was the most amazing fun experiences with sites and sounds, and train whistles, and model trains of all types. I can not describe how much fun this was! The staff was soooo nice! Excellent restoration of museum. Best attraction in Sioux City !
4. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By joelwx39 - Saint Paul, United States
They have very nice displays about the animals and plants in the area. Many different types of displays to keep things interesting. We hiked around the hills and really enjoyed the paths.
5. Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By meo839
In lieu of having a walk-around tour, the tour guide narrates a video. Gave us a good chance to ask questions. You can see a few pieces of old candy making equipment.
6. Jolly Time Museum and Koated Kernels Shoppe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
JOLLY TIME Koated Kernels is a locally owned family business which sells specialty popcorn. The shoppe has over 20 flavors of homemade delicious popcorn that made fresh daily from quality ingredients. Koated Kernels is also the home of the JOLLY TIME Museum, which showcases 100 years of Jolly Time history with memorabilia and relics.
Reviewed By joelwx39 - Saint Paul, United States
A little bit of history of Jolly Time. Lots of pop corn treats. Worth the 10 or 15 minutes you spend to read the displays.
