Sioux Falls, South Dakota · Published by Emberlight Studios
Updated October 2026 · 9 places · Sioux Falls
Quick answer
Our top picks are Falls Park, SculptureWalk Sioux Falls and Arc of Dreams.
These free places are in Sioux Falls and offer year-round ways to spend time outdoors, see public art, or visit local history exhibits. Admission to the museums is free; the Washington Pavilion is free on its monthly Free First Friday, rather than every day.
131 E. Falls Park Dr., Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Falls Park is a city park centered on the Big Sioux River waterfalls, which spill over pink quartzite rocks. The falls, historic ruins, and walking paths are among the features visitors come to see.
Best for: waterfalls and walking
Downtown Sioux Falls, along Phillips Avenue and nearby streets, Sioux Falls, SD
SculptureWalk is a free, self-guided outdoor exhibition of rotating sculptures placed around downtown and displayed year-round. Visitors describe it as an open-air gallery that makes a downtown walk a way to see public art.
Best for: outdoor public art
Along the Big Sioux River between 6th and 8th streets, Sioux Falls, SD
The Arc of Dreams is a large stainless-steel sculpture spanning the Big Sioux River. Its 15-foot gap at the center is intended to represent the leap of faith involved in pursuing a dream.
Best for: riverfront public art
1100 W. 4th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Terrace Park is a historic city park with a band shell, Japanese Gardens, and Covell Lake. The Japanese Gardens and the park’s historic character are features visitors and local guides highlight.
Best for: gardens and lake walks
Citywide; access points include Falls Park, Sioux Falls, SD
The Sioux Falls Recreation Trail is a paved trail system with more than 45 miles of routes, including a loop that follows the Big Sioux River. The city says the trails are available in all four seasons and pass parks, open fields, and wooded areas.
Best for: walking, running, or biking
200 W. 6th St., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
The Old Courthouse Museum occupies a restored 19th-century Sioux quartzite courthouse and has three floors of regional history exhibits. Visitors can see features including the restored courtroom, slate stairs, stained glass, and historic murals.
Best for: regional history
131 N. Duluth Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
The Pettigrew Home and Museum is an 1889 house that became the home of South Dakota’s first U.S. senator, Richard Franklin Pettigrew. Visitors can tour the restored home and view galleries about Pettigrew and the history of Sioux Falls.
Best for: historic house and local history
301 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
The Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion has eight galleries showing local and regional artists, internationally recognized creators, and Northern Plains Tribal art. The Pavilion offers complimentary museum admission on the first Friday of each month; it is not a daily free-admission museum.
Best for: art on Free First Friday
504 N. Phillips Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Levitt at the Falls is an outdoor performance space and community gathering place in downtown Sioux Falls. It is known for its season of free concerts, with the venue’s 2026 program listing 50 performances; concerts are seasonal rather than year-round.
Best for: community gathering and summer music