When you think of ‘hipster paradise,’ I guarantee you a small city in South Dakota isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
And yet, with a bustling brew scene and chic bakeries, Sioux Falls offers all the amenities, boutiques, and nature that a visitor could want. Ready to check out Sioux Falls? Read more below.
Where to Stay
Full of artsy AirBnBs, tiny homes, and Victorian Bed & Breakfasts, one of the best parts of visiting Sioux Falls is the affordable, cozy accommodations. During our stay, we booked this mid-century modern home filled with a solarium, fully equipped kitchen, and a cozy dining area. The place was the perfect resting ground between outdoor hikes and days out in Sioux Falls, fitting up to seven people.
Itinerary
Day One: Hikes & Brews
Morning/Afternoon: Explore Palisades State Park & Devil’s Gulch
One of the most gorgeous state parks available, the Palisades State Park boasts lush greenery and a flowing river all surrounded by Barbie-worthy pink rocky cliffs. These geological formations are made of Sioux quartzite, a type of rock only found in the Minnesota, South Dakota, and Iowa regions.
After spending time exploring every crevice at Palisades State Park (and swimming in the water), don’t forget to stop by Devil’s Gulch for some wild west bandit history. Legend has it that within the beautiful Split Rock Creek area, Jesse James once jumped an 18-ft gorge to escape a posse after robbing the Northfield, Minnesota bank.
Evening: Hop Across Sioux Falls’ Expansive Brewery List
After you’ve showered and changed at your lodging, spend the evening exploring Sioux Falls’ bustling brew scene. With more than ten local breweries to choose from, Sioux Falls underhyped brew scene is one to delight brew lovers from East Coast to West.
While you can’t go wrong with any brewery, we loved Fernson Brewing Co. for their impeccable branding, design, and oh-so-refreshing tart ales.
Day Two: Boutique Shop in Downtown Sioux Falls
After a day of hiking, get ready to explore Sioux Falls’ adorable downtown. Sioux Falls is filled with oddity shops and antique stores alike, the perfect destination to add some flair to your home or wardrobe. The main street is fairly compact for easy walkability, with shops for every traveler. A few favorites include:
Mint + Basil
Mint + Basil’s well-curated aesthetic offered the light and airy vanilla cream look that’s trending this summer. From corsets to coats, Mint + Basil’s selection of trendy clothes is a can’t-miss destination at value Midwest prices.
Explore the website here
Sharing the Dream Fair Trade Marketplace
Formed first in 1996, Sharing the Dream Fair Trade Marketplace offers fair trade wares from wooden spoons and homeware to coffee and more. Explore gorgeous weaves, elegant jewelry, and braided totes, knowing all funds go to support community development projects in Guatemala.
See Sharing the Dream’s store here
Zandbroz Variety
Full of kick-knacks, antiques, collectibles, and more, Zanbroz is the toy-store-for-adults that you always dreamt of. After making your way through the front of the store, don’t miss exploring all the vintage items in the back – from antique South Dakota maps, vintage typewriters, and more.
Visit Zanbroz oddities & antiques here
Full Circle Book Co-op
A bit further away from immediate downtown, Full Circle is worth the extra drive for their curated collection of new and used books, in addition to art by local authors and artists. Beyond their bookstore front, Full Circle Book Co-op also offers artist memberships as a place to gather, collaborate, and create, with ongoing events for local and visiting artists and creators.
Check out Full Circle’s collection here
Can’t Miss Restaurants & Bakeries
CH Patisserie
Once you’ve finished exploring the many boutiques and stores of downtown Sioux falls, stop by CH Patisserie for award-winning treats. Winner of Top Chef: Just Desserts and named Top 10 Pastry Chefs in America, chef Chris Hammer offers a rotating bakery menu of macarons, croissants, petit gateaux, and more.
Enjoy award-winning desserts: https://www.chpatisserie.com
Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen
Serving globally-inspired sandwiches from curried cauliflower to Vietnamese fried chicken, Bread & Circus Kitchen brings the best of sandwiches to Sioux Falls. Vegan and vegetarian friendly, enjoy their innovative fare for people with all dietary preferences.
Check out their menu here
Ode to Food & Drinks
Inspired by the rustic luxury of Napa Valley, Ode to Food & Drinks provides upscale dining right along the river’s edge. Enjoy a full espresso bar, daily dine-in specials, and everything from sandwiches and salad to upscale burgers (including a black bean veggie burger) and pasta.
Visit Ode to Food & Drinks here
***
From boutiques to brews, Sioux Falls is the unexpected Midwest getaway you didn’t know you needed. Next time you’re in South Dakota, take the detour to check out this quirky, crunchy city nestled in the southeast corner of the state.
Get more like this—Sign up for our daily inspirational newsletter for exclusive content!
__
Photo: Dana Drosdick
