Your Ultimate Guide to Fun Things to do in Sioux Falls with Dogs: Parks, Trails, & Pet-friendly Spots

Sioux Falls is one of those cities that will surprise you (in a good way), especially if you’re visiting with your pup. From scenic parks and outdoor sculptures to a wide selection of pet-friendly restaurants, there are plenty of fun things to do in Sioux Falls with dogs.

Perfectly located off of I-90 and one of South Dakota’s big cities, this is an easy stop when traveling out west. And with so many options available to you and your pup, you’ll definitely want to spend a few hours or even days in the area. 

To help you make the most of your visit, I’ve put together a list of the best dog-friendly things to do in Sioux Falls. Get ready for an adventure you and your furry travel buddy won’t forget!

Don’t forget to stop at the Corn Palace and Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village. Both are about an hour west of here.

Pet-Friendly Places to Stay in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is a surprisingly pet-friendly city, which means you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to places to stay with your pups. There are so many choices that it’s honestly impossible to list them all.

From Airbnb’s and campgrounds to dog-friendly hotels and motels, take your pick. Just be sure to double-check current pet policies or restrictions, then narrow it down by location, budget, and the amenities that matter most to you.

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Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Drinkeries in Sioux Falls

Many of Sioux Falls’ restaurants, wineries, and breweries have dog-friendly patios that allow well-behaved, leashed pets. Even the ones downtown! To get you started, here are several dog-friendly places around the city. Remember to double-check that their pet policy hasn’t changed.

• Josiah’s Coffeehouse -indoor seating available
• The Falls Overlook Cafe– indoor seating available
• WoodGrain Brewing Company–  allowed in both taprooms. WoodGrain East also has a small yard-type area.
• Severance Brewing Co.– allowed in the taproom
• Lupulin Brewing– allowed in the taproom
• Fernson Brewing Company– allowed in the taproom
• Wilde Prairie Winery

Dog-Friendly Stores in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls surprisingly has several dog-friendly stores, with most located either downtown or near Falls Park. These two areas seem to be more welcoming to canine companions than other parts of the city.

Honestly, it wasn’t always easy to tell which stores our furry friends would be allowed to go in. Some shops had small “Dogs Welcome” signs on their doors or windows, but we could rarely find them. We had the best luck simply asking if our dogs could go inside each store. If a sales associate wasn’t near the front, one of us would go in (with no dog) to ask.

Quick Tip: If you do go shopping with your four-legged friends, make sure to mind those happy tails, so you don’t end up having to purchase something your pup broke!

Fun Things to do in Sioux Falls with Dogs

Looking for something to do with your furry friends besides shopping and eating? Most of these activities will involve gorgeous walking and hiking trails around the city, so make sure to bring your most comfortable shoes.

• Ghost Tour by US Ghost Adventures (affiliate link)- spend an hour walking around downtown Sioux Falls and hear about the city’s most haunted places.
• Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum and East Sioux Falls Historic Site– walk through a garden and several nature trails while admiring the peaceful views with your dog.
• Sculpture Walk– the largest annual exhibit of public sculptures in the world, spread throughout the downtown area. A great opportunity to explore the heart of Sioux Falls while admiring amazing art pieces that change every year.
• Fawick Park– home to a full-sized reproduction of the “David” statue by Michelangelo and a sundial. There are several walking and biking trails around here. 
• Falls Park– a popular park with several trails that wind around and throughout the park, with a beautiful waterfall in the middle. You’ll find several sculptures and remnants of the Queen Bee Mill, along with a gift shop and cafe.
• Good Earth State Park– a great place for hiking and birdwatching. In the winter, you can even check out snowshoes. There is a $10 entrance fee per vehicle.
• Big Sioux State Recreation Area– go hiking, biking, fishing, snowshoeing, canoeing/kayaking, play disc golf, or use their archery lane. It also has a dog training area where you can work your dog off-leash. This park also has a $10 entrance fee per vehicle.

If you’re looking for a spot specifically for your pup, here are several dog parks around the city. Before you go, remember to check each park’s vaccination requirements and be aware of the potential risks that come with letting your dog play in dog parks.

• The Splash Bark by SDK– an indoor and privately owned dog park that also has an area with water features for your pup to play in.
• Family Park Dog Park– city-owned
• Lien Park Dog Park– city-owned
• Spencer Park Dog Park– city-owned
• Kirby Dog Park– city-owned
• Hayward Park Dog Park– city-owned
• Pawsible Dog Park– city-owned

And this last stop gets an honorable mention because Wild Water West Waterpark isn’t dog-friendly, but they will watch your dog for $10/hour while you are there if you call ahead. This stop has numerous pools and water activities (including a swim-up bar!), along with paintball, batting cages, and mini golf. Ticket prices depend on what areas of the park you plan on visiting.

Non-Dog-Friendly Sioux Falls Attractions

For those of you who are comfortable leaving your dogs alone for short periods of time while on vacation, here are some spots you may want to visit:

• Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History
• Butterfly House & Aquarium
• Siouxland Heritage Museums– this covers the Old Courthouse Museum, Irene Hall Museum Resource Center, and Pettigrew Home & Museum, and they’re all free.
• USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial– dedicated to the most decorated warship of World War 2. There is no fee for this stop.
• Great Bear Ski Valley– where you can ski, snowboard, or go tubing. Prices vary depending on your activities.
• Catfish Bay Greatest Show on H20. They put on a great Ski, stunt, and Stage Show during the summer, and the entrance fee is only $17 per adult if you buy your ticket ahead of time.
• Thunder Road of Sioux Falls provides a wide array of indoor and outdoor activities, from go-karts, axe-throwing, and bumper cars, to name a few. Prices vary based on the activities that you choose.

Tips for Visiting Sioux Falls with Your Dog

South Dakota, in general, is known for both hot, humid summers and freezing cold, snowy winters. Here are some tips so you and your furry friend can enjoy your visit no matter what time of year you go: 

• Always verify that the place you are going to is still dog-friendly. During our travels, we find that locations will change their pet policy and forget to update their website or social media pages.
• Make sure your schedule is flexible, and keep an eye on the weather. This way, you can switch to indoor outings when necessary to avoid tough weather.
• Always carry poop bags and clean up after your pup! Not only is it better for local wildlife, but it will also help keep Sioux Falls pet-friendly for other dog owners.
• Watch your animals closely and carry plenty of water. Dogs can get dehydrated year-round. In summer, you will have to watch for signs of overheating and sunburns, and in winter, signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
• Test the pavement and ground regularly to check that it’s not too cold or hot for your dog’s feet. Use a protective salve or footwear if necessary. In the winter, you will also want to clean the sidewalk salt off their feet so they don’t accidentally ingest it.

Have a Paws-itively Great Time in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a wonderful place to visit, especially if you have dogs. Whether you are just passing through or if this is your final destination, you will find plenty of fun things to do with your four-legged friends. Go for a walk in one of the many parks, admire the artwork, shop, eat, or even look for ghosts! The only thing you won’t want to miss is the chance to stop by if your pack is ever in the area.

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