20 Amazing Things To Do In Sioux City Iowa

1. Explore Sioux City Public Museum

Sioux City Public Museums are useful for those who want to understand the history and culture of Sioux City and neighboring regions. It has various displays, innovative products, tangible and constructed displays, and computerized presentations that encourage learning even in children.

There are various historical themes that one can consider about the area, such as the Native Americans and their timeline from arrival, the pioneers, and the industrial development of the city.

It also includes an area specifically for children and can provide tours and presentations for children during the school year. A minimum of 2 hours should be allocated by the visitors to explore the museum.

2. Enjoy Live Performances And Shows At Orpheum Theatre

The Theater is one of the oldest and most majestic buildings that was opened mostly in 1927 as a vaudeville hall and movie theater. It has been returned to its former glory and is used today for concerts, Broadway performances, and general governmental participation.

The structure of the theater is also very picturesque. The gilded stucco and well-groomed collection of antique beauty and luxury in the theater make it an interesting attraction for fans of history and art.

Before coming, make sure to look up whether any events are happening to avoid disappointments. Neither should you miss an opportunity to photograph the grand lobby and marquee.

3. Learn About The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

This museum is focused on the famous explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. They also contain several touch features that explain the journey of the two throughout the western part of the USA.

Visitors would get to know the kind of obstacles that they came across or the kind of individuals that they interacted with, as well as the discoveries that they made. 

The center also has very inspiring sculptures outside and a garden as well. Visiting this place is possible only by prior arrangement and for about 2 hours to have time to study all the exhibits as well as the territory of the park.

4. Visit The Sergeant Floyd Monument

A rather less-known monument is the Sergeant Floyd Monument, which commemorates Sergeant Charles Floyd, who was the unfortunate soul to die during the Lewis and Clark expedition.

The site of Floyd’s burial has an obelisk with a height of 100 feet and is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Located on the picturesque Missouri River, the monument looks quite serene and provides a splendid view.

Tourists should kindly spend their time reading the history engraved on the plaques to understand the ventures of Floyd in the history of America.

5. Hike Stone State Park

Stone State Park is deliberately established for hiking and the defense of the natural environment of the area. This park has nature trails for hiking, and the paths pass through the woodlands and the prairies and even go around some ridges, affording excellent views.

The best for families, nature, and all lovers who seek the freedom of space and openness of forests. With a rich history, this park was opened in 1935. This site presents several uses, such as picnicking, bird watching, and camping.

There are also educational programs that one can participate in, making it an excellent place to learn about wildlife and its surroundings.

6. Pay Respects To War Eagle Monument

A monument named War Eagle is dedicated to the Yankton Sioux tribe. War Eagle was a Dakota leader regarded as one of the main advocates for promoting peace between Native American tribes and European people in the 1800s.

The place has a beautiful scenic view with the monument erected on the bluff, which is adjacent to the Missouri River, and the surroundings are rather quiet and calm.

Currently, some plaques and makers tell the story of Chief War Eagle and his life. One can even go there in the fall after the sweet addition of foliage to the environment, which is wonderful.

7. Tour The Palmer's Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe

Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, owned by Palmer, is the oldest sweet store in the town. Favored by visitors, this candy shop has offered hand-made chocolates, fudge, and candies in the traditional style for years.

The store has a nostalgic feeling as it has traditional candies placed in jars, and the store almost feels like it was constructed in the early 1900s. There is a bonus related to the nature of Palmer's, and that is that most of the sweets here are prepared on the spot.

The sweetness of the experience also increases since people can even observe the making of candies through the shop’s windows. 

8. See Religious Sculptures At Trinity Heights

The uniqueness of the spot is that here you can find a great number of sculptures with a religious theme. This sculpture is, however, best captured by the “Christ of the Ozarks,” a statue of Jesus that is over 30 feet tall.

It is beautiful to look at and has a meaning associated with hope and faith. Another feature is the sculpture of ‘The Holy Family, which depicts Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as a masterpiece.

Another site that is breathtaking to watch is the “Praying Hands’ sculpture, which displays how one needs to pray. Trinity Heights has not only sculptures but also gardens, and a reflection pool.

9. Take Your Kids To LaunchPAD Children's Museum

The primary concept that can be inferred from this museum is that learning is best done playfully. There is a touch-and-feel explicit practical section that allows the children to develop skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

LaunchPAD is diverse enough to comprise one of the most entertaining sections of the center, which is the various themed play areas. Children can play as astronauts in the space station area, engage in construction and creativity in the construction area, or learn about the environment in the mini-forest area.

These exhibits are unique and are meant to be fun and educational at the same time. It is a very child-appropriate place, with sections that are more likely to capture the interest of the young ones.

10. Enjoy Concerts And Events At Grandview Park

This beautiful park is popular for various performances like music festivals, shows, parties, or any other functions that are held in this park. Since most of these activities are held outdoors, the park’s huge grass field enables people to arrange the event comfortably with adequate space.

It is important to plan so that even if there are no performances, there are gardens and pathways to walk and beautiful scenery to view. People are friendly during events, and besides food and healthy product sellers, there can be crafts and games for families. This is one of the fun things to do in Sioux City.

11. Walk or Bike Along The Floyd River Trail

This trail loses its course along the Floyd River, and it gives an excellent view of the countryside. It is preferable for both exercise and recreation since one could take a walk or even ride a bicycle.

The path is wide and smoothly paved throughout its entire length, which could attract everyone, young and old, physically abled or disabled. Also on the way, there are places to sit down and rest on benches or for a picnic.

It is also linked to other parks and recreational areas, so if you want to explore more of the natural location within Sioux City, you can.

12. Watch Sioux City Explorers Baseball Game

The Sioux City Explorers, also known as the X's, are a professional baseball club that participates in the American Association of Professional Baseball. Their games are fun, affordable, and bring the whole family to America’s favorite pastime, baseball.

The setting of the stadium is calm and friendly to watch experienced athletes in action, have snacks, and support the local team. The stadium is worth a visit as it has comfortable seats and offers so many facilities to visitors. 

Everyone who is a fan of sports and everyone willing to have an excellent time must commit to this Sioux City things to do.

13. Discover Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation

It is one interesting Sioux City Iowa attractions to look into if you are a fan of the aviation and transportation industries. There are many segments at this museum, such as airplanes, automobiles, and even children's particular games that they can play.

There is everything there, starting from old fighter jets to passenger planes to a replica of the shuttle that used to ferry astronauts to and from space. Another aspect that visitors to the museum will relish is the opportunity to touch real aircraft and even discover more about their functioning.

It also has a transport gallery that features the history of transport used within that region.

14. Wander Around Fourth Street Historic District

This is a picturesque neighborhood in the downtown area characterized by several historic buildings constructed during the last of the XIX century and the early XX century.

Wandering through this area feels like going back in time, starting with the old buildings and gastronomic outlets of an earlier epoch. This area is marked by many old buildings that would have housed shops, offices, and residential apartments in the past.

And if food is your passion, then this will be the right place to sample the local culture and flavors. However, to get more information about these things to do Sioux City, consider going on a guided walking tour.

15. Go Ice Skating At IBP Ice Center

This is an indoor ice rink that is accredited to different classes of people, ranging from novices to professionals. From recreational ice skating to joining in a hockey game, the ‘Ice Brentwood Park’ or IBP Ice Center offers a solution.

The rink is kept clean, and in case you don’t own your skates, there are options for rentals. It is advised to know the timetable in advance because they occasionally organize hockey matches, figure skating performances, and free skating sessions.

If you are a beginner in ice skating, do not worry, as there are usually stability helpers that can be found that help people stand steady.

16. Paddle A Boat Through Bacon Creek Park

Boating, especially paddling through Bacon Creek Park, is an exciting recreational activity that can be done by people of all ages. Ride a boat on the serene creek that this park has to offer. It is quite a relaxing body of water, with the additional nature making it perfect for an afternoon stroll.

However, the opportunities for recreation and enjoyment extend beyond the waterways of Bacon Creek Park. It provides great views and an opportunity to interact with nature.

Because you will need to paddle for some time, there is a chance you will encounter some birds and other forms of wildlife, thus making it more appealing to nature enthusiasts.

17. Shop At Southern Hills Mall

The mall offers popular stores such as JCPenney, Kohl's, and numerous specialty stores. This provides a good place for shopping for ordinary necessities and gifts. It also has a food court that hosts several restaurants, so you can grab a bite as you continue shopping.

It has a section for children to play and seating areas placed at different points in the mall to ensure customers’ comfort during their shopping. The mall also has special programs and discounts, which might be beneficial and fun when visiting the place.

18. Visit The Sioux City Farmers Market

It is a great place to visit to buy fresh, quality food products and some other products. It is held every Saturday from May to October, which makes this platform appropriate for weekly visits as a family or as a tourist.

Generally, the market takes place in downtown Sioux City, more so at the 5th Street and Pearl Street junction. Fruits, vegetables, flowers, and baked goods are sold at the market, as well as arts and crafts accessories.

It is also just a fun time and more of a community time where you can listen to live music and enjoy your list of things to do in Sioux City Iowa.

19. Stop By Sioux City Public Library

The library is a special place where one can read, learn, and even participate in various activities with equal potential. It offers a large selection of books, both newly published works and timeless literature.

It also has programs and activities, including storytelling for children, reading circles for elders, and educational seminars and forums in several fields. Another great thing about the library is that it is very contemporary, which contributes to the comfortable environment.

This Sioux City IA thing to do provides the visitor with a wider perspective on the city.

20. See The Sioux City Art Center

Art in Sioux City can be viewed at the Sioux City Art Center, which is a must-do in Sioux City Iowa things to do. It has a rich display of artwork, which may include local as well as national artists.

You can see paintings, sculptures, and various other masterworks that change from time to time. On the inside, you could be presented with items ranging from a modern-day painting to a classical masterpiece.

Children and adults can attend art classes and workshops where they can build up new abilities and turn their thoughts into artwork.