Top Outdoor Activities in Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls, South Dakota offers a vibrant mix of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With over 80 parks, a scenic river greenway, and a robust trail system, the city invites both residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors in every season. Whether it’s biking along the Big Sioux River, kayaking through calm waters, or exploring botanical gardens, the range of outdoor activities in Sioux Falls, SD reflects a lifestyle rooted in wellness, recreation, and community connection.

With a population that continues to grow and a real estate market that remains strong, many are discovering that the city’s abundant outdoor offerings are a key reason to consider relocating. The natural landscape surrounding Sioux Falls supports an active lifestyle, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in a home while embracing a high quality of life.

No list of outdoor activities in Sioux Falls, SD would be complete without Falls Park. Located just north of downtown, Falls Park is a 123-acre green space centered around the majestic waterfalls that gave the city its name. Visitors can watch the Big Sioux River cascade over pink quartzite rocks, with observation decks offering panoramic views of the area. A five-story viewing tower at the Falls Overlook Café provides a bird’s-eye perspective and is especially popular during sunrise and sunset.

Falls Park is also the northern anchor of the city’s greenway trail system, connecting seamlessly to miles of bike paths and walking routes. It’s a year-round destination for both leisurely strolls and more vigorous outings, and in winter months, it transforms into a magical landscape during the Winter Wonderland lighting event.

The Sioux Falls Bike Trail, officially known as the Sioux Falls Greenway, is a 29-mile loop that circles the city and follows the Big Sioux River. This multi-use path is paved and maintained year-round, making it one of the most popular outdoor activities in Sioux Falls, SD for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. With bridges, underpasses, and minimal road crossings, the trail provides a continuous and safe recreational route that’s easily accessible from many neighborhoods.

Along the trail, users pass through key parks, including Tuthill Park, Yankton Trail Park, and Spencer Park. These access points create opportunities to stop and enjoy picnics, disc golf, playgrounds, and even outdoor concerts during the summer months. The loop’s urban-meets-natural vibe allows users to appreciate river views, wooded stretches, and skyline vistas all in a single ride or walk.

For those looking to experience Sioux Falls from the water, paddling the Big Sioux River offers a peaceful and scenic alternative to land-based exploration. Canoe and kayak launches can be found at several points within the city limits, allowing paddlers to explore both upstream and downstream segments. The river's gentle current and consistent water levels in spring and summer make it suitable for all experience levels.

Guided paddles and rental services are available seasonally, and the city continues to enhance its water access points as interest in paddle sports grows. With wildlife viewing opportunities and changing seasonal landscapes, kayaking the Big Sioux is one of the more immersive outdoor activities in Sioux Falls, SD.

Just east of the city, Great Bear Recreation Park provides a destination for year-round fun. In winter, it serves as the region’s ski and snowboarding hill, with equipment rentals, groomed runs, and lessons available for beginners and seasoned athletes alike. When the snow melts, Great Bear becomes a hub for hiking and trail running. The trails range from gentle woodland paths to steeper climbs offering scenic overlooks of the river valley.

This multi-season destination makes it easy for residents to enjoy outdoor recreation without leaving city limits. The park also hosts community events, guided nature hikes, and fitness challenges, making it a favorite for families and solo adventurers alike.

Sertoma Park is home to the Outdoor Campus, a unique public resource that combines education with outdoor recreation. Operated in partnership with South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, the campus includes trails, wetlands, and demonstration areas where visitors can learn about native plants, wildlife, and outdoor skills. Activities such as archery, fishing clinics, and snowshoeing lessons are available throughout the year, often at no cost.

Adjacent to the campus, Sertoma Park offers walking trails, a butterfly house, and tranquil picnic areas. These amenities make it an ideal place for learning and relaxation, and it’s especially popular with school groups and families looking for interactive nature experiences. For those exploring educational and family-friendly outdoor activities in Sioux Falls, SD, this park is a must-visit.

Located just west of downtown, Terrace Park surrounds the serene waters of Covell Lake and offers a peaceful space for walking, fishing, or enjoying a quiet afternoon. The park includes a formal rose garden, sculpture installations, and tree-shaded paths that make it one of the more scenic spots in the city.

Fishing is allowed in Covell Lake, and paddle boats or small non-motorized watercraft are often seen during the warmer months. The park’s central location and artistic design make it an attractive destination for those who want to mix nature with culture.

Sioux Falls is also a pet-friendly city with several dog parks designed for off-leash fun. Spencer Park and Lien Park are two of the most popular areas where dogs can run freely in secure environments. These parks feature shaded areas, water stations, and separate sections for small and large breeds.

Many of the city’s trails and green spaces are also open to leashed pets, making it easy for dog owners to enjoy long walks, runs, or riverfront outings with their furry companions. For pet owners seeking outdoor activities in Sioux Falls, SD that include the whole family, the options are both diverse and accessible.

Golfers will find no shortage of well-maintained courses in the Sioux Falls area. Elmwood Golf Course, Prairie Green, and Willow Run are public courses known for their challenging layouts and scenic fairways. Each offers unique features, including water hazards, tree-lined holes, and full-service clubhouses. Tee times are available throughout the season, and lessons or junior programs make the sport accessible to new players.

Disc golf also enjoys a growing following, with multiple courses located in local parks. Tuthill Park’s disc golf course is especially popular due to its varied terrain and established tree cover, which adds both challenge and shade to the course.

Sioux Falls leverages its outdoor spaces to host festivals and events that bring the community together. From summer’s Sioux Empire Fair to weekly concerts in Levitt at the Falls, the calendar is full of ways to experience the outdoors socially. Fall brings harvest festivals and Halloween hikes, while winter features parades and seasonal light displays in the parks.

Residents often find that these events not only enhance the city’s livability but also strengthen the sense of community. For new homeowners, attending local outdoor events is a great way to meet neighbors and engage with the broader Sioux Falls lifestyle.

The diversity and accessibility of outdoor activities in Sioux Falls, SD are major contributors to the city’s growing appeal. Whether you're kayaking the Big Sioux River, hiking through Great Bear, or enjoying a family afternoon at Sertoma Park, there’s no shortage of ways to stay active and connected to nature. Sioux Falls offers an unmatched combination of urban amenities and natural beauty, making it an ideal place to call home.

If you’re considering making Sioux Falls your home or are curious about real estate opportunities close to parks and trails, connect with Jake Huglen. His local expertise and personalized approach will help you find a property that fits your lifestyle—whether it includes early morning bike rides, scenic hikes, or summer afternoons by the water.