Insider's Guide
It’s about more than savoring a delicious meal.
Or finding a one-of-a-kind gift.
Or enjoying a concert, art gallery or film.
When you visit downtown Sioux Falls, your spending multiplies across the city.
“We did an analysis recently and found the average visitor spends $124 downtown,” said Brandon Hanson, CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.
“With more than 7.5 million visits last year, that generates $930 million in spending a year.”
Where does the tax from that spending go? It’s spread across the community.
“Sales tax from downtown businesses funds things everyone cares about: public safety, roads, snow removal, public health and paying down our shared debt,” Hanson said. “The more downtown generates revenue, the more everyone benefits.”
That’s especially true in the summer months — prime season for visitors.
“Hopefully, you’re discovering downtown year-round, but if the nicer weather tends to draw you here, you’re about to find a lot has changed,” Hanson said.
Here’s a closer look at eight great new reasons to pay a visit to downtown Sioux Falls.
Discover new dining
No matter your taste, you’re likely to find a menu to your liking at several new restaurants that have opened in recent months downtown.
Chef Bryan Moscatello has brought three concepts to Cherapa Place: Nunzios, offering chef-crafted Italian menus at lunch and dinner; HK, offering curated small-group fine dining; and BlackFork Farms Tasting Room, a distillery tasting room with a standout appetizer menu.
Find them on the ground floor of The Dakota at 318 N. Reid Place.
And then, don’t miss a new addition to the original building at Cherapa Place. Locally owned Rivage Oak Kitchen has opened inside Cherapa’s Apex building at 900 N. Cherapa Place.
You’ll find a menu of South Dakota-inspired dishes, a popular happy hour — it even starts at noon on Fridays — and a weekend brunch.
Plus, outdoor dining is waiting, overlooking the Big Sioux River at one of downtown’s most popular patios.
New sculptures are waiting
Downtown’s own outdoor art galley is back, this time with 80 new sculptures.
Now in its 23rd year, the annual show features work from 56 artists representing more than 20 states and British Columbia, Canada. Twelve of this year’s artists are from or based in South Dakota.
New this year: A series of Sculpture Talks offers opportunities to hear directly from artists.
Plus, take a guided or virtual tour, or try out a scavenger hunt. Visit here for details.
Jacobson Plaza is bigger than ever
This marks the first full year for Jacobson Plaza, and it’s already expanding.
Work is underway to add the Everist Family Overlook and further enhance the green space leading down to the river, plus add to the most popular play equipment on the playground.
This spring and summer, bring your roller skates or scooters to the ribbon and enjoy it without the ice. Skates also are available to rent.
Plus, enjoy yoga in the park at nearby Lloyd Landing every Saturday this summer beginning at 8 a.m.
Falls Park Farmers Market has more to shop
Falls Park Farmers Market is back outdoors — with more vendors to shop than ever.
Shop from 42 local businesses, including seven new vendors this year, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday.
Enjoy different entertainment each week, from Latin dance groups to aerial artists.
Shop local and get creative
Wild Peach & Co. marks its first summer in a much larger location. Find it at 196 E. Sixth St. Shop unique merchandise from local makers, and put your own creativity to work.
Wild Peach offers a make-a-bracelet station, pop-up shows, rotating on-site crafts and craft camps.
Stop by on Saturdays for mini-maker mornings. And no matter what time you visit, pick up a downtown scavenger hunt adventure pack filled with more ways to discover downtown.
Try out a new brunch
Popular Italian favorite Maribella Ristorante now offers Brunch Club. It’s served from noon to 2 p.m. Saturdays and includes a menu of sweet and savory entrees, plus brunch-friendly beverages.
Can’t decide on a brunch cuisine? Four restaurants at The Steel District ensure you’ll find an option — from classic favorites at Big Sioux Diner & Dive to Mexican-inspired options at Dahlia Kitchen +Bar.
Interact with artists at Alcove
Keeping it at The Steel District, Alcove has a new mission and new reasons to stop in. Artists are taking up residence here, offering the chance to learn from them and purchase their work.
Artists Marlee Hayes and Sara Mulder are in residence through June and have a calendar filled with workshops and special events.
Here’s a look at their upcoming events:
Enjoy the ‘Open Streets’
Each First Friday this summer brings a new reason to visit downtown Sioux Falls — and leave your car behind.
On June 5, the monthly Open Streets event will close Main Avenue from 11th to 13th streets. There, you’ll discover a special mini golf course created for the event and designed for an evening of outdoor play.
At every Open Streets event you can expect:
- Local vendors and makers showcasing unique goods.
- Live music and pop-up performances.
- Family-friendly activities for all ages.
- Outdoor seating and street games.
- Food trucks and downtown dining.
- Interactive art and hands-on experiences.
And then, come back on the Fourth of July for the America250 celebration, featuring the return of the Independence Day parade and a Food Truck Madness competition.
Stay up to date on all downtown events here!
“No matter what your reason to visit downtown, we’re here to welcome you,” Hanson said. “And as you bring guests to town this summer, make sure you show them the heart of our city.”
Downtown by the numbers
It’s not just visitors driving business downtown.
There also are 5,000 residents and an estimated 17,000 people who work there.
“Many people don’t realize it, but while downtown occupies less than 2 percent of the land in Sioux Falls, it generates 14 percent of the city’s property tax revenue,” Hanson said.
“It’s an investment engine. As our community commits resources to downtown, there’s a multiplication effect as people spend more time here. The revenue generated becomes a true return on investment that benefits everyone.”
Consider becoming part of this important work: Explore a career with DTSF.
