Downtown Sioux Falls is ever-expanding, and as Jacobson Plaza comes to life, more year-round recreation is home to the area, says City of Sioux Falls recreation coordinator Eric Saathoff.

The plaza encompasses the largest universal playground in South Dakota, structured to welcome kids of all abilities. Alongside the playground, there will be a splash pad, dog park, ice and roller skating ribbon, and The Lodge—an onsite restaurant.

“It’s going to be very easy for those visitors to come in, walk right into jacobson plaza, and join in on all the fun the citizens are also enjoying as well.”

-Eric Saathoff

The Lodge’s general manager Andy Wolf says the space allows for not just fun for the entire family, but also provides accessible food, drinks, Parlour ice cream, and hot cocoa during the winter months.

“Everything’s super affordable, and it’s good, quality ingredients. It’s freshly made, it’s fast,” said Wolf. “We pride ourselves in delivering quality food and drink as quickly and efficiently as possible without sacrificing quality. We want the longest period of time you have to wait to be in line for your order.”

The partnership between the City of Sioux Falls, Washington Pavillion, and donors—including the Jacobson and Lloyd families, the Rotary Club, Denny Sanford—made this spot a destination for the community.


Bacon-Burnt End Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Gooey smoked cheddar sauce with Ellsworth cheese curds tossed with pasta shells and topped with bacon-burnt ends.

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Crispy buttermilk fried and topped with iceberg lettuce, bread and butter pickles, and herb aioli on a brioche bun.

El Barrio

Double patty, guacamole, queso fresco, mole poblano, pico de gallo, and chicharrons.

The Lodge Salad

House greens with tomato, smoked cheddar, red onion, croutons and radish and served with choice of ranch, blue cheese, French, honey mustard or vinaigrette dressing.

Prairie Spritz

Campo Viejo Cava, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, soda water, and mint.

Ribbon Refresher

Tanqueray gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and soda water.

Spicy Sunset Margarita

Astral Añejo tequila, Magdala orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, Serrano-infused agave nectar, Tajín rim, and a serrano slice.

Trailhead Sangria

Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc, Magdala orange liqueur, local syrup honey, seasonal fruit, and soda water.

Breakfast With Emily

Garlic buttered sourdough, bacon, two fried eggs, house-smoked American, gouda, and swiss.

Milt’s Classic

(900 sold in under 30 days)

Double patty, house-smoked American, onion, pickles, and fancy sauce. (Make it deluxe with iceberg lettuce, beefsteak tomato, and grilled onion).

“We’re very thankful to all the donors, especially Gary Jacobson and his family and all they’ve contributed to the plaza,” said Saathoff.

The connection between Falls Park and downtown Sioux Falls will encompass the park, Jacobson Plaza, Lloyd Landing, The Levitt Bandshell, and the River Greenway. The collective, connected space is now known as The Falls.

“The partnership with the city and the Pavilion is community centric, and everyone’s going toward the same goal,” said Wolf. “We’re all one unit trying to make sure the community is better, and offer things for people to do in the city, especially downtown.”

Saathoff says the transition between inside and outside at the plaza is seamless, whether it’s summer or winter. The welcoming environment is paired with the warming house and fire pits for the winter months, and the patio and playground for the warmer months.

Since the 14,000-square-foot ice ribbon is refrigerated with cooling coils beneath the concrete, the city will have access to up to six months of outdoor ice skating.

A day of play on the playground, skating on the ribbon, and walking along The Falls is sure to work up an appetite, Wolf adds.

Mocktails, cocktails, soups, salads, smashburgers, and quick bites make up The Lodge menu. Saathoff says his favorite food item is the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Strips battered in-house.

Without hosts or servers, the Plaza’s eatery is able to run strategically, quickly with efficiency, good service, and quality as the main priorities.

“My favorite burger is The North Woods Burger. I’m a mushroom on a burger kind of guy,” added Wolf. “With the marrow gravy and everything made in-house, it’s the best. The burgers are the go-to here at The Lodge.”

As a connecting point between Falls Park and downtown, Wolf says he hopes to bring the lively energy from both places together.

Jacobson Plaza will have a formal ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m. on July 23 with activities around the park to enjoy.

Sixty percent of Falls Park visitors are from out of town, making this not just something the city will enjoy, but a regional draw, Saathoff adds. It’ll be easy for visitors to jump into the activity going on throughout The Falls.

“We have a quality team built with people who bought into this concept and are really excite to be here.”

-Andy Wolf

The Jacobson Plaza hosts a five-week long Recreation Cornhole League.

Register online or over the phone at 605-367-8222.


Activities such as the current bean bag leagues, fitness classes, and upcoming toddler activities will be regular happenings at the Plaza.

The NextGen Market is an event for local artists under the age of 17 to showcase and sell their handmade works, taking place on July 26 from 10 a.m. to noon.

“I really see this place being a spot where you can spend your whole day with everything Jacobson Plaza and The Falls has to offer,” said Saathoff.

For more information, visit EXPLORETHEFALLS.ORG+

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