It’s the time of year in the Midwest where the weather can’t decide if it wants to be winter or spring. One day you’re wearing a jacket, and the next you’re sporting shorts.
No matter what the meteorologist predicts, there’s always something to do in Sioux Falls.
IT’S MADNESS
Create your own walking tour to experience the 10th annual Downtown Mash Madness March 1-31. The drink competition in downtown Sioux Falls has participating businesses showcase creativity, innovation, and expertise highlighting the best in local brewing, mixology, and non-alcoholic artistry.
“Sample the unique drink creations from downtown restaurants, breweries, bars, and even coffee shops,” said Experience Sioux Falls communications manager Matt Barthel.
Vote on your favorites on the Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. app.
Make a day or afternoon of it with bursts in between in shops and other businesses.
HEATED ATTRACTIONS
“With 60 heated bays, Great Shots is a perfect middle ground between outdoors and indoors,” said Barthel. “The variety of game modes allows for any golf skill level to succeed.”
Grab a bite and/or drink from the full-service restaurant and sports bar before, after, or during your golf game.
Other indoor options to add to your list include seeing the wide range of species at the Butterfly House & Aquarium as well as a relatively new option to the city—Reptile Adventure Zoo. From gentle turtles to curious lizards, the attraction is “where all the cool critters come to play.”
You can also enjoy the last few indoor Falls Park Farmers’ Markets at Mosaic Arts & Events with the market being held March 7 and 21, and April 4 and 11.
Free Fun
Check out these activities that don’t cost you a thing.
Arc of Dreams
Center for Western Studies
Falls Park
Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum
Old Courthouse Museum
Outdoor Campus
Pettigrew Home & Museum
SculptureWalk
Terrace Park Japanese Gardens
OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
Grab some fresh air and a hike at state parks like Good Earth State Park at Blood Run and Palisades State Park, or check out the hiking trails at Great Bear Ski Valley.
Open to trying something new? The Outdoor Campus offers free classes throughout the year for things like ice fishing, archery, and plenty more outdoor recreational activities.
“If indoors is more your style and you’re feeling really adventurous, take on the rock climbing wall at Frontier Climbing & Fitness.”
Matt Barthel
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
Catch touring acts at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center (i.e. TOBYMAC with Crowder & Jeremy Camp: Hits Deep Tour on March 15) and The District (i.e. Wyatt Flores on March 31) or tune in as local musicians take the stage at Trio Jazz Club.
Catch an even more intimate performance at Myrtle’s Fur Vault & Bar speakeasy in the lower level with craft cocktails.
Newer to the downtown scene, reservations can be made to the speakeasy lounge … “if you know where to look.”
ARTSY AMBIANCE
Sioux Falls has become a destination for art seekers across the region that goes beyond downtown’s SculptureWalk.
“While SculptureWalk in downtown Sioux Falls is a main draw, there are incredible murals throughout the city that make for great photo ops,” said Barthel. “You will also find rotating art exhibitions at places like the Washington Pavilion and Eastbank Art Gallery.”
“For ultimate relaxation, watch a movie at the State Theatre where you can fully recline in the soft, leather seats.”
Matt Barthel
COMFORTING CUISINE
There’s something about carb-loading that is so comforting.
“You can’t go wrong with one of the many pasta choices at Cascata Italian Cuisine and Maribella Ristorante,” said Barthel.
A go-to for each is the Lobster Tortelloni (Cascata) and the Bolognese (Maribella). Bellissimo!
Or plan a night of meat sweats (and Grilled Pineapple) at Carnaval Brazilian Steakhouse. Sample a variety of savory meats delivered tableside via gaúchos.
For something that’s a little lighter, a bowl of soup and a toasted sandwich at Josiah’s Coffeehouse & Café will warm you right up. Breakfast is also served all day.
“For an area that’s often thought of as meat-and-potatoes land, the culinary scene is full of surprises, like several chefs being recognized with nominations for James Beard Awards in recent years.”
Matt Barthel
SPORTS!
The Denny Sanford PREMIER Center has a busy month with The Summit League Basketball Championships March 4-8, the NCAA DII Men’s Wrestling Championships held March 13-14, and the NCAA DI Men’s Hockey Regional on March 26 and 28.
“You can also catch Sioux Falls Stampede hockey and Sioux Falls Skyforce basketball games throughout the month,” said Barthel.
LOOKING FOR MORE IDEAS? CHECK OUT A FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS ON EXPERIENCESIOUXFALLS.COM+
