CELEBRATING SPRING IN SIOUX FALLS

I mean, we were still getting winter storm warnings just a few weeks ago. It seemed like the snow would never melt!

So, now that it seems those May flowers are actually slated to arrive and stay on the scene for a bit, (well into summer, I hope?) I thought I’d come on here and offer some tips for ways to celebrate the spring that we are all so happy is finally here. 

While I often share ideas for road trips, day trips, and sights to enjoy outside of Sioux Falls for the more adventurous at heart, this time, I want to highlight what is really great about our town. 

6 Ways to Get Out and Celebrate Spring in Sioux Falls 

Japanese Gardens

There is truly no better time than spring to wander the Japanese Gardens in the heart of our city. 

First planned and mapped out by Joseph Maddox in 1928, the Japanese Gardens were finally finished in Terrace Park, where Maddox was caretaker, in 1934, when they were also awarded Better Homes and Gardens Magazine’s More Beautiful America Award. 

After the Japanese attack on the US Naval base in Pearl Harbor, our Japanese Gardens were vandalized and all but destroyed, due to the heightened anti-Japanese sentiment in our country and in our city. 

In 1988, however, a collection of Sioux Falls citizens gathered together to restore the Japanese Gardens, forming the Shoto Teien Japanese Garden committee. 

Today, we residents get to benefit from the fruits of all of that labor. 

And now is the best time to reap those benefits. 

Japanese Gardens at Terrace Park

707 N. Grange Ave

Sioux Falls, SD

Spencer Park

Perfect for a day’s outing with the family, for a day date, or just a trip out with the dog, Spencer Park fills acres of public land with a fenced in dog park, a 9 hole disc golf course, soccer fields, sand volleyball, a playground, an open air shelter, and even a bike trail access point. 

There is no shortage of things to do and ways to enjoy the lovely spring weather here. 

Located on the banks of the Big Sioux River and butting up against Tuthill Park and Tomar Park on either side of it, if you’re looking for access to greenery and nature, look no further than this amazing city park. 

Spencer Park

3501 S. Cliff Ave

Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls Bike Trails

And you don’t have to be a bike enthusiast to enjoy the 19 mile loop of trails and 15 miles of spurs connecting neighborhoods throughout Sioux Falls. 

While we may hunker down in winter, we Sioux Falls residents love to get outdoors once the weather clears. 

You can walk, jog, bike, skate, or roller blade your way along with Big Sioux River and enjoy miles of nature waking up and blooming along the trails. 

There are several access points to the trails, so your best bet is to start with the Downtown Sioux Falls Bike Map. 

McKennan Park Garden

McKennan Park is the oldest park in Sioux Falls, and has been known as the Jewel of our park system since its founding in 1906. 

It is what is known as a sunken garden and sits among 20 acres of parkland with flowers surrounding it, perfect for a day in nature, or even an event or family get together. 

McKennan Park is a wonderful way to spend the day enjoying untapped nature, as the prairie land there is the same as it was over 150 years ago when the land was still inhabited and roamed by Native American nomadic tribes.  

The park is well known as a place welcoming to all, open to wanderers, mothers and babies, and those who love nature to come together. 

We honor Helen McKennan and her vision for this park every time we visit. 

McKennan Park

400 E 26th St

Sioux Falls SD

Downtown Sioux Falls

And of course, I cannot ever stop recommending taking a walk through Downtown Sioux Falls, especially in spring time, with blossoming trees and flowers on every corner. 

Stop for coffee at one of our local shops like La Luna or Josiah’s. 

Grab a smoothie at Agua Fresh. 

Enjoy lunch at Minerva’s or Phillips Avenue Diner. 

And don’t forget to grab ice cream at Sioux Falls Park and wander over the bridge, under the arch, and through the sculpture art, taking in so much local art that you’ll feel like you’re in an outdoor museum. 

There really is so much to love here, and Tyler Goff Group is so proud to be a part of this community. 

We hope to see you at some of these spots this spring!