Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Sioux City, Iowa. #Top Attractions

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Travel plans to Sioux City, Iowa being made? Here is our hand-picked list of the top activities and attractions in Sioux City, Iowa, so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in Sioux City, Iowa, and the best places to visit in Sioux City, Iowa. Wondrous Drifter, a Web 3.0 travel startup, hopes to have a significant impact on the world.

Anderson Dance Pavilion

Anderson Dance Pavilion, Sioux City, Iowa
Anderson Dance Pavilion is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

The Anderson Dance Pavilion, which opened in the early ’90s, is easily recognizable by its Neoclassical colonnade and offers a stunning view of the river.

They also plan private events, such as weddings, birthday parties, and other celebrations, such as concerts.

Wooden benches, circular walkways, grassed terraces, and others surround the Pavilion.

This location is so popular for wedding photos comes as no surprise.

In the summer, the Pavilion along the Missouri River plays host to a variety of special events and parades.

The Anderson Dance Pavilion is open all year round for the convenience of its guests.

Walking along the scenic path, you’ll come across an impeccably kept lawn with stunning annual plantings and a cutting-edge, fully accessible kids’ play area.

To take in the vibrant colors and delightful scents of the surrounding environment, pay a visit to Anderson Dance Pavilion.

Address: Sioux City, Iowa, 51101, Larsen Park Road on the Riverfront

Art Center

Art Center, Sioux City, Iowa
Art Center is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Do you enjoy art?

Visiting the Sioux City Art Center should be on your list of things to do in Sioux City if you answered yes.

The Sioux City Art Center is a three-story glass-finished structure with beautiful elevators and stairs.

The center houses approximately 1200 permanent paintings of various types of art.

They also encourage local artists and others to exhibit their work.

This art center is a beautiful three-story glass building with beautiful rooms inside.

It has more than 1200 permanent paintings in many different styles, and it also has classes.

You can see an exhibition here anytime, and the painted wood mural on the third floor is a must-see.

You can also check out the open spaces and sculptures here.

The museum has a sculpture walk on Fourth Street with more than a dozen different pieces that you must see!

Address: 225 Nebraska Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51101, USA

Bacon Creek Park

Bacon Creek Park, Sioux City, Iowa
Bacon Creek Park is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

The path is simple and clear. Lovely to look at.

Bacon Creek Park is an excellent choice for those looking for a place to enjoy Sioux City activities.

This Sioux City, Iowa, the attraction includes a lake and a large area for other fun activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and more.

There are also multiple off-road bike trails.

The park’s size and abundance of trees make it an excellent location for photography.

This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and road biking, but you can still find some peace and quiet during the day.

The trail is open all year and is a beautiful place to go.

You can’t bring your dog on this trail, so leave it home.

Bacon Creek Park is an excellent place to spend time with children, family members, or coworkers.

It should be on your list of things to do in Sioux City.

Address: 5015 Correctionville Rd, Sioux City, Iowa 51106, United States

Considering a trip to Iowa? Use our travel guides to see and do more on Cedar Rapids and Davenport! To get the most out of your vacation in Iowa, hop over to the best things to do in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and the best things to do in Davenport, Iowa.

Chief War Eagle Monument

Chief War Eagle Monument, Sioux City, Iowa
Chief War Eagle Monument is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Remember to visit the Last Missouri Trail monument along the way.

War Eagle is another name for Wambdi Okicize.

Around 1785, he was born in either Wisconsin or Minnesota.

While his Indian name means “Little Eagle,” whites always referred to him as War Eagle.

It is strange because War Eagle worked tirelessly to keep the peace throughout his life.

He is commemorated by the location of his burial.

It provides a breathtaking view of the Sioux River, merging with the Missouri River.

This is where he was buried. The location now provides a breathtaking view of the merging of the Sioux and Missouri rivers.

While working for the American Fur Corporation as a messenger and a riverboat operator on the upper Mississippi.

War Eagle also operated as a messenger for the Government of the United States during the War of 1812.

On a summer afternoon, the Chief War Eagle Monument is one of the most beautiful places to walk around in the sun.

It is truly one of the most beautiful places to walk around, especially at night.

Address: Sioux City, Iowa 51103, United States

Cone Park

Cone Park, Sioux City, Iowa
Cone Park is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Feel Free and Enjoy the Slide!

Both the splash pad and the trail pool are open in the summer.

Even the elderly can enjoy beverages and snacks in their lodging room while their grandchildren and children are engaged in activities outside.

Cone Park, situated alongside the Lewis & Clark ballpark, has an ice skating rink, an outdoor fire pit and a tubing hill.

Additional winter amenities include a day lodge that serves as a place to stay warm, borrow equipment, and purchase snacks.

This park in the city’s south offers plenty of winter activities.

The main attraction is a 700-foot tubing hill, but there’s also a smaller “Bunny Hill” for younger thrill-seekers.

Furthermore, you can enjoy its 2-mile track loop that connects to the eastern Sertoma Area.

If you want to have a good time, this is one of the top attractions in Sioux City, Iowa, that you should add to your list of things to do.

Address: 3800 Line Dr, Sioux City, Iowa 51106, USA

Considering a trip to Iowa? Check out our travel guides on Waterloo and Des Moines. Look over for more wonderful things to do in Waterloo, Iowa and the best things to do in Des Moines, Iowa.

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Sioux City, Iowa
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Visit the charming Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center in Sioux City if you’re a nature lover looking for something fun to do.

There are outdoor and indoor areas for visitors to observe wildlife at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.

The facility also includes an indoor classroom, an outdoor amphitheater, and gardens and oaks.

A beautiful butterfly garden awaits you.

Walking through the prairie grasslands is a great way to relax.

Observe 150-year-old creatures in bur oak woodlands.

There are fascinating exhibits showcasing the area’s rich natural history and culture.

You’ll be able to see a wide variety of live fish and reptiles in tanks and terrariums.

Visitors enjoy the state park’s wildflower and butterfly gardens in late spring and early summer.

Trails wind their way through the park’s woodlands and up to vistas of the prairie that are worth the trip from the center.

In addition to the children’s play area, this location is a great option for families.

Address: 4500 Sioux River Rd in Sioux City, Iowa.

Floyds Bluff

Floyds Bluff, Sioux City, Iowa
Floyds Bluff is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

The Floyds Bluff is one of the top attractions in Iowa.

Floyd’s Bluff, the final resting place of Sergeant Floyd, is another must-see in the city.

The Missouri River can be seen from a small hill south of Sioux City.

When you visit this hill, make sure to visit the Sergeant Floyd Monument, which serves as a memorial to Charles Floyd.

A commander of the Lewis and Clark Expedition named Floyd was the sole person to die while they were on their journey.

Floyds was laid to rest in Floyd’s Bluff.

When Floyd died in 1804, he was laid to rest atop the cliff, which is now a national monument.

In southern Sioux City, Iowa, there is a hill named Floyd’s Bluff after Sergeant Charles Floyd.

Floyd, the Corps of Discovery’s quartermaster on the Lewis and Clark Expedition, was the expedition’s lone fatality.

Floyd’s Bluff’s summit offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.

This location is ideal for a peaceful stroll because of its calming atmosphere.

Address: Seymour Lewis Blvd. in Sioux City 

Fourth Street Historic District

Fourth Street Historic District, Sioux City, Iowa
Fourth Street Historic District is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

The Fourth Street Historic District is one of the best places to visit in  Iowa.

A visit to the busy, ancient, and friendly Fourth Street Historic District is one of the best things to do in Sioux City.

This historic street is a treasure trove of fascinating sights and sounds in the city.

One of Sioux City’s most popular attractions is a collection of 1880s-era commercial buildings.

Fifteen late-nineteenth-century commercial buildings between Virginia and Iowa Streets date from 1889 to about 1915.

Due to its abundance of restaurants and boutiques, the area has become a popular destination for tourists worldwide in recent years.

Before heading to the Fourth Street Historic District, pick up a walking tour brochure from the Sioux City Museum.

In several of the buildings and in some monuments, Romanesque Revival architecture can be observed.

Restaurants, bars, and specialty shops have sprung up in the area, making it a popular hangout for locals.

Visit this Fourth Street Historic District that has become a hotspot of local eateries, pubs, and boutiques.

Address: United States, Sioux City, IA, 1002–1128 Fourth Street

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sioux City Iowa
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Sioux City, Iowa / Phillip Pessar / Flickr

This is a must-see for everyone looking for entertainment!

The casino also has three restaurants, an outdoor pool, and more than 50 rooms with a rock and roll theme.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is an award-winning gaming venue with over 630 slot machines and 19 table games.

Attractions such as Fuel American Grille, the estate’s AAA three-diamond certified cuisine, and Main + Abbey complete the resort and its culinary offerings.

There is a giant pile of Hard Rock artifacts on display throughout the premises, from SLASH to Johnny Cash.

The Hard Rock Hotel on the property is a AAA Four Diamond-rated hotel.

A distinction that only 5% of the more than 28,000 properties approved by AAA achieve.

Guests can immerse themselves in the legends by viewing the extensive Hard Rock memorabilia collection, including iconic pieces from SLASH to Johnny Cash.

The Hard Rock Hotel Sioux City will make you feel like rock royalty.

You can enjoy a unique rock ‘n’ roll-inspired vibe around every corner at the historic Battery Building in the heart of downtown Sioux City.

Address: 111 3rd St, Sioux City, Iowa 51101, USA

Jolly Time Museum and Koated Kernels Shop

Jolly Time Museum and Koated Kernels Shop, Sioux City, Iowa
Jolly Time Museum and Koated Kernels Shop is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Enjoy a fantastic day at the lovely Jolly Time Museum and Koated Kernels.

The shop is an excellent addition to your Sioux City itinerary.

It is a place where future business owners can be inspired by the excellent history of the homegrown family business.

It also shows how the business continues to survive and dominate the food industry.

The Koated Kernels Popcorn Shoppe is the proud home of the Jolly Time Museum, which showcases the beloved Jolly Time Pop Corn’s 100-year history.

Visitors will learn how Jolly Time rose from humble beginnings in a Sioux City home basement to become a national household name.

With one of the best environments in Sioux City, the Jolly Time Museum and Koated Kernels Shoppe allow visitors to host family outings, get-togethers, and business meetings.

Discover the proud history of this family-owned business and how it is still a thriving entity in the food industry today.

Address: 1717 Terminal Dr, Sioux City, IA 51105, USA

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Sioux City Iowa
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Sioux City, Iowa / Sioux City Lewis and Clark Center / Flickr

The center’s animating and interactive display of Lewis and Clark’s journey west means you’ll be able to engage in various entertainment while learning about the area’s history and more.

The summer of 1804 saw Lewis and Clark pass by what became Sioux City on their way to survey Louisiana Purchase territory.

As a result, the 20,000-square-foot cultural center was constructed in 2007 to honor this rich heritage.

You will travel through riverfront trails, sculptures, exhibits, and even wildlife to learn about the Lewis and Clark Expedition in a scenic and educational manner.

The Cultural Center was dedicated in 2002 to the bicentennial of Lewis and Clark’s expedition.

This center was opened in late 2007 to commemorate the legacy of contacts that took place throughout the journey by opening an accompanying Betty Strong Encounter Complex.

There’s also an outdoor garden and picnic area where you can spend time with your family.

It is a fun activity with children in Sioux City, IA, to teach them about the nation’s progress.

Address: 900 Larsen Park Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103, USA

Mercy Field

Mercy Field, Sioux City, Iowa
Mercy Field is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Sioux City is a great place to visit if you’re looking for an outdoor adventure and a chance to catch a glimpse of exciting sporting events.

Mercy Field at Lewis and Clark Park in Sioux City has served as the home of the Morningside baseball team for more than two decades.

There are 3800 seats available in the stadium.

Located in the city of Sioux City, this park was established in 1993 and is currently owned by the city of Sioux City.

NAIA Baseball World Series was held in Sioux City from 1995 to 1997, making it the city’s second time hosting this event

The Explorers, a professional baseball team, is also based in Sioux City.

The field is a popular tourist destination in Sioux City because it has hosted many sporting events, including baseball, hockey, and even mini-soccer. Bring your kids so that they can play around and have fun on the field.

Address: Sioux City, Iowa 51106-3400 Line Dr.

Orpheum Theater

Orpheum Theater, Sioux City, Iowa
Orpheum Theater is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Do you want something fun?

Go to the magnificent Orpheum Theater to see blockbuster movies, live shows, etc.!

This beautifully restored 1927 theater hosts various entertainment events such as the symphony, Broadway shows, movies, and concerts.

It has a three-story auditorium that can easily seat 2,650 people.

It also has many guest rooms, preparatory rooms, and other amenities.

Over the years, the Orpheum Theater has been one of the city’s top attractions, hosting ballet performances and symphony performances.

It also hosts the best entertainers around, including Katharine Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Tallulah Bankhead, and Tallulah Bankhead.

Furthermore, the Orpheum Theatre is a lovely place to spend some time in Sioux City.

From ballet to a symphony, this theater has played host to some of the most celebrated performers in show business history, including Fred Astaire and Katharine Hepburn.

You will love the excellent view of the stage from any seat of your choice and an awe-inspiring setting and screenplay.

Address: 528 Pierce St, Sioux City, Iowa 51101, USA

Palmer Candy

Palmer Candy, Sioux City, Iowa
Palmer Candy is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Sweet candies to make your day brighter!

Right in front of you, at Palmer Candy!

Products available in the shop include twin Bings and pretzels, bark, chocolates, and toffees.

You can also try free samples before making a purchase.

You will find many varieties that you have never heard of before in this shop.

The Palmer Candy Company, which began as a wholesale grocer, has had a long presence in Sioux City, dating back to 1878.

Palmer’s Old Tyme Candy Shoppe has information about this history and a large selection of treats.

The best part is that you can try their products for free before purchasing them.

They also have a lot of candy machines that will show you how candies were purchased in the past.

If you enjoy sweets, visiting Palmer Candy is one of the best things to do in Sioux City.

Address: Sioux City, IA 51105 2600 N US Highway 75, Ste 1

Public Museum

Public Museum, Sioux City, Iowa
Public Museum is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

The Public Museum is one of the best things to do in  Iowa.

Spending time at the Sioux City Public Museum, which houses many historical exhibits, is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Sioux City.

The Sioux City Public Museum was founded in 1938 to educate visitors about the city’s culture and history.

Virtual tours are available for college students, researchers, and educators at the museum.

The “corn palace theatre” entertains visitors with a free 12-minute orientation film.

Moreover, HQ is a cutting-edge attraction, with numerous interactive displays such as the Innovation I-Wall and Time Machine informing you about the city in novel ways.

The luxurious Corn Palace Theater, “Spirit of Sioux City” film, a 12-minute introduction to the town.

It is a good way to start learning more about this charming town.

Researchers, college students, and others can take a virtual tour of the museum and view a 12-minute orientation film on the ‘corn palace theater.’

Aside from that, the city’s public museum provides many fun activities for families, such as scavenger hunts and walking tours.

Address: 607 4th St, Sioux City, Iowa 51101, USA

Railroad Museum

Railroad Museum, Sioux City, Iowa
Railroad Museum is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Try out this fantastic Railroad Museum, which is located on the site of a working train yard that has been converted into a museum!

The museum houses both preserved rail lines and repair shops.

Eight railroads served Sioux City at its peak, making it the country’s tenth-largest railroad center in the 1920s and 1930s.

The massive engine terminal and repair facilities built for the Milwaukee Road in the 1910s now house the Sioux City Railroad Museum.

By WWII, the shops employed over 500 people, overhauling 35 steam locomotives and servicing 70 trains daily.

There are also volunteers to explain and guide you through the museum.

A short train ride through this museum is a fun thing to do in Sioux City, Iowa.

You can explore the caboose, a passenger car, a dining car with a kitchen, and a variety of steam engines while visiting the museum.

Address: 3400 Sioux River Rd, Sioux City, Iowa 51109, United States

Riverside Park

Riverside Park, Sioux City, Iowa
Riverside Park is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Visit this amazing Riverside Park, which includes various picnic areas with grills.

It’s almost like an amusement park where everyone can have fun.

The very first roller coaster, baseball fields, racing tracks, private clubs, recreation areas, and circuses are all located in Riverside Park.

Theophile Bruguier owned the property for over two decades before selling it around 1880.

The splash pad and playground that are located right next to it are also wonderful places for children to spend time.

The Riverside Park Land Company eventually purchased it in 1890.

James Booge, John Hornick, John Peirce, E. C. Peters, and James Peavey were among the owners.

This large park has numerous facilities such as tennis courts, volleyball courts, a soccer field, etc.

Additionally, there is a children’s playground and a pool and play area for the little ones.

This is a miniature amusement park where you can swim, play, eat, and enjoy yourself with your family and friends.

Address: 1301 Riverside Blvd, Sioux City, Iowa 51109, USA

Sergeant Floyd Monument

Sergeant Floyd Monument, Sioux City, Iowa
Sergeant Floyd Monument is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Enjoy your vacation this season by visiting the Sergeant Floyd Monument and viewing one of the city’s most remarkable structures. 

The Sergeant Floyd Monument is located on the Missouri River.

It serves as an honorarium for Charles Floyd, who died on the upstream voyage in 1804 and was buried there.

Moreover, a Lewis and Clark Expedition young participant, Charles Floyd, was buried in Sioux City.

He was the only member of the Corps of Discovery to perish during the expedition.

Sadly, he passed away from appendicitis while traveling north and was buried beneath the future site of Sioux City.

However, his grave was twice relocated east of the original burial site due to erosion.

Additionally, you should also check out the 100-foot-tall Kettle River sandstone monument was built in 1901.

This is an excellent option for a quiet stroll in the city at night.

Visiting the magnificent monument is a perfect addition to your list of the best fun things to do in Sioux City.

Address: IA 51103: 2601 S Lewis Blvd., Sioux City

The Sergeant Floyd River Museum

The Sergeant Floyd River Museum, Sioux City, Iowa
The Sergeant Floyd River Museum is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

Sergeant Floyd River Museum, one of the best museums globally, is a must-see while in Sioux City.

Museum exhibits on the Lewis and Clark expedition and Missouri River transport are currently free of charge to visitors.

Visitors can tour the restored third floor of M.V. Sergeant Floyd’s Motor Vessel.

The Sergeant Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center are located in Sioux City, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa.

Retired US Army Corps of Engineers vessel Sergeant Floyd serves as the museum’s home base.

Sergeant Charles Floyd, the lone member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to perish while trekking through the Pacific Northwest, was the inspiration for Sergeant Floyd’s name.

It served as a working vessel for inland waterway towing, surveying, and inspection.

Sergeant Floyd was a well-known member of the Lewis and Clark crew.

Visitors can shop for unique gifts in a small gift shop, which is open to the public.

You really must see the view from the top of this museum because it is breathtaking.

Address: 1000 Larsen Park Rd, Sioux City, IA 51103.

Trinity Heights

Trinity Heights, Sioux City, Iowa
Trinity Heights is one of the best places to go in Sioux City, Iowa

To get a peaceful break from the city, head to Trinity Heights, where you can relax and take in the beautiful scenery!

It houses a 30-foot sculpture of Jesus’ holy heart, The Last Supper, Carmel Mary, and numerous other stunning sculptures.

There is plenty of room to walk around and benches to sit and reflect on.

The area is in a lovely setting, surrounded by many plants, birds, and even gardens.

It is an excellent location for meditation, and you can even attend morning mass here.

The chapels are open for visitors all day.

You can also buy items from the shop and gift cards for your family members here.

Sculptures of key religious figures such as Moses, Saint Teresa of Calcutta, and Saints Peter and Paul.

Visiting Trinity Heights, located on the former college and high school campus, provides both a spiritual experience and a beautiful, peaceful stroll.

Address: 2509 33rd St, Sioux City, Iowa 51108, USA

Volunteer At Animal Shelters

Animal Shelters in Sioux City, Iowa
Animal Shelters in Sioux City, Iowa

Please volunteer at animal shelters in your community. Animals deserve more protection than they currently have. Becoming involved in this movement can make a huge difference in their lives.

Not only will you be helping others by volunteering with animals, but research has shown that spending time with pets has significant health benefits for people. Petting a cat or dog relieves stress and anxiety and has also been shown to lower blood pressure.

Volunteer opportunities include: walking dogs at a shelter, fostering kittens with a rescue group, doing clerical work like stuffing envelopes for a good cause, helping to raise money for or organizing events for local animal charities, and participating in local events aimed at raising awareness about animal welfare.

Check out the list of animal shelters in Sioux City, Iowa, where you can volunteer.

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