Location: Sioux City
Top Things to do in Sioux City
10 Free Things to do in Sioux City That You Shouldn't Miss
Sioux City (/ˌsuːˈsɪti/) is a city in Woodbury and Plymouth counties in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Iowa. The population was 82,684 in the 2010 census, which makes it the fourth largest city in Iowa. The bulk of the city is in Woodbury County, of which it is the county seat, though a small portion is in Plymouth County. Sioux City is located at the navigational head of the Missouri River. Often the city and surrounding area is referred to as Siouxland, especially by the local media and residents. The city is home to several cultural points of interest including the Sioux City Public Museum, Sioux City Art Center and Sergeant Floyd Monument, which is a National Historical Landmark. The city is also home to Chris Larsen Park, commonly referred to as “the Riverfront,” includes the Anderson Dance Pavilion, Sergeant Floyd Riverboat Museum and Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Sioux City is the primary city of the five-county Sioux City, IA–NE–SD Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), with a population of 168,825 in 2010 and a slight increase to an estimated 168,921 in 2012. The Sioux City–Vermillion, IA–NE–SD Combined Statistical Area had a population of 182,675 as of 2010 and has grown to an estimated population of 183,052 as of 2012.
Restaurants in Sioux City
1. Trinity Heights
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By MNDoodles - Stillwater, United States
No matter your faith or beliefs, this is a beautifully peaceful and serene park with many quiet paths to walk among trees and pretty plants. The stunning statues of Jesus and Mary are truly exquisite. This large park is a wonderful place to reflect and meditate, and for Christians it is an exceptionally spiritual place to visit. Well worth your time when in Sioux City.
2. Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 264 reviews
The Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the Betty Strong Encounter Center comprise an almost 20,000-square-foot, private, non-profit cultural complex, built and sustained by Missouri River Historical Development, Inc. (MRHD). The Interpretive Center opened in 2002 to commemorate the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial. It expanded in late 2007 with the opening of the adjoining Betty Strong Encounter Center to fulfill a permanent mission of "commemorating a history of encounters before, during and after the expedition. Joined by the symbolic Crossroads, these two parts create a Missouri Riverfront home for exhibits, programs and activities that explore how we live together as diverse people and how we care for our land, our great river, and other natural resources. Admission and programs are free.
Reviewed By Cytraveler26 - Des Moines, United States
Great place to learn about the historic expedition of Lewis and Clark. Very nice building containing many nice exhibits. Interesting robots telling the story.
3. Sioux City Public Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
Located in the heart of downtown Sioux City, the Sioux City Public Museum features large, colorful exhibits, interactive displays, and much more. Visitors will discover the "Spirit of Sioux City" through a lively 12-minute orientation film in the ornate "corn palace theatre." A variety of hands-on experiences are available including the award-winning "Innovation I-Wall" and "The Big Dig," which replicates an active fossil dig site. Highlights of the permanent gallery are rare Native American artifacts from the area; Sioux City's first "horseless buggy," a 1901 Oldsmobile; a 1930 Kari-Keen airplane manufactured in Sioux City; and a 1918 Mack fire truck similar to ones used by the Sioux City Fire Department. The two-story Disaster and Recovery Wall features multi-media presentations of three major Sioux City catastrophes: the 1904 Pelletier Department Store fire, the 1953 Floyd River Flood, and the 1989 crash of United Airlines Flight 232. Temporary exhibits feature topics of local and regional interest.
Reviewed By joelwx39 - Saint Paul, United States
Many different facets of Sioux City history. Easy to miss things, but it is free so you can come back several times. Excellent displays. Not in a row so you tend to wander (which is good).
4. Stone State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By joelwx39 - Saint Paul, United States
We just drove through. Many spectacular overlooks. It is a hilly bluff so hiking will be more difficult, but enjoyable. If you go, visit the nature center.
5. Palmer Candy
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
Reviewed By rjcmead - Nixa, United States
This was a fun stop on our vacation; old fashioned candy along with new and modern edibles, gifts, etc. The staff was very nice and helpful; offered us samples of unusual (but very good) fudge flavors. We bought several gifts and goodies for ourselves.
6. Woodbury County Courthouse
7. Sioux City Art Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Reviewed By marlenebP3227DH
Found a favorite piece in every gallery and on 3 rd floor in its own room is the Beautiful Grant Wood mural.
8. Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Reviewed By joelwx39 - Saint Paul, United States
They have very nice displays about the animals and plants in the area. Many different types of displays to keep things interesting. We hiked around the hills and really enjoyed the paths.
9. Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By meo839
In lieu of having a walk-around tour, the tour guide narrates a video. Gave us a good chance to ask questions. You can see a few pieces of old candy making equipment.
10. Bacon Creek Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By beamhanson - Mondovi, United States
Great relaxing time, whether you need the exercise or just time to enjoy nature - walking, fishing, boating, or biking. Many off paved trails as well.
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