Are you looking for epic things to do in Sioux City? If yes, then you have come to the right place! In this article, we will be covering some of the fun things to do in Sioux City Iowa.
Located in the northwestern part of Iowa, this town is a popular destination in Midwest. It is the fourth largest city in the state and offers several parks, art centers, museums, and more to explore.
Another great thing about this city is that since the Missouri River runs through it, there are many water activities to enjoy here.
From attending a large outdoor music show to playing in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Sioux City IA.
So, if you are wondering about what to do in Sioux City, then check out our list of the 18 best things to do in Sioux City IA that you shouldn’t miss!
18 Best Things To Do in Sioux City IA You Shouldn’t Miss
Sioux City Railroad Museum
Sioux City Railroad Museum is one of the top attractions in Sioux City Iowa that you must visit.
Located at the site of an earlier operational train yard, the museum features all the preserved rail lines and repair shops.
Inside the museum, the visitors can take a tour of the passenger car, caboose, a dining car with kitchen, and several types of steam engines.
That’s not all, you also learn how the rail workers lived here during that time. This museum offers you a glimpse into the 100 years of history of the railway.
Plus, there are volunteers to explain and guide you throughout the museum.
A fun thing to do in Sioux City IA is to take a short railway ride in this museum.
Fourth Street Historic District
If you are looking for free things to do in Sioux City IA, then exploring the Fourth Street History District is a good choice. Matter of fact, it’s one of the coolest things to do in Iowa!
This ancient street is filled with amazing activities and gorgeous things to notice in the city. Here, you will find large commercial buildings from the 1880s that are one of the top attractions in Sioux City.
The buildings found here were built using Richardsonian Romanesque style which was quite popular in the 1800s. Plus, there are many specialty shops and restaurants that you can enjoy here.
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
If you love nature, then one of the best things to do in Sioux City is visiting the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center.
It is located on an amazing site that features both indoor and outdoor spaces where tourists can watch the wildlife.
There are also gardens, indoor classes, an amphitheater with outdoor seating, etc. to be found here.
A popular activity in Sioux City Iowa is hiking and watching animals at Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. In fact, you can even watch the birds getting fed here, isn’t that cool?
With a children’s play area, this attraction is a perfect choice for your entire family.
Mid American Museum of Aviation and Transportation
Another top Sioux City attraction to explore is the Mid American Museum of Aviation and Transportation. It is a great place to check out a wide variety of old-fashioned automobiles in the city.
From a fire engine to bicycles, to full-size airplanes, you can find all kinds of automobiles in the display collection here.
If you want to learn about the history of the transportation system, then this is the best place to visit in this Midwestern city.
You can also click amazing photographs of vintage vehicles in the car show at this museum. There is also a garden in this museum that is dedicated to those who died in the Flight 232 accident.
Sioux City Orpheum
Are you in search of fun activities in Sioux City? If yes, then do visit the marvelous Orpheum Theatre to watch billboard movies, live programs, and so on.
Constructed in 1927, this theatre is one of the largest of its kind in the city. It features a three-story auditorium that can seat 2,650 people easily. Plus, it includes lots of guest rooms, preparatory rooms, and more.
From ballet shows to symphony performances, this theatre has hosted some of the best performances by talented entertainers such as Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn, etc.
So, if you are looking for fun things to do in Sioux City IA, and possibly a spectacular Midwest road trip, then nothing could be more fun than catching an entertaining performance at Orpheum Theatre.
Sioux City Public Museum
The Sioux City Public Museum is one of the best Sioux City attractions for culture and history enthusiasts.
It was established in 1938 and features many historical exhibits to focus on the cultural and historical aspects of the city.
Researchers, college students, etc. can enjoy a virtual tour of the museum and watch a 12-minute orientation movie on the ‘corn palace theatre’.
Apart from that, this public museum in the city also offers many fun activities to families such as scavenger hunts, walking tours, and so on.
Looking for free things to do in Sioux City IA? Then, Sioux City Public Museum is a great place to visit.
Stone State Park
Located near Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center, Stone State Park is a top attraction in Sioux City IA.
This popular state park in Iowa is situated near the Sioux River and offers many amazing things to do for visitors. Tourists can enjoy a picnic in the dedicated picnic area that features tables and grills.
This park also offers many amazing hiking trails for you to explore and has several good camping options. The presence of Oak trees in the park will make you feel as if you are walking in the middle of the forest.
If that wasn’t enough, there is also a chance to watch wildlife here. This includes red foxes, coyotes, deer, turkeys, and so on.
Spending a day at Stone State Park is one of the best things to do in Sioux City Iowa.
Chief War Eagle Monument
Another great attraction to visit in Sioux City IA is the famous Chief War Eagle Monument. Over the years, this place has evolved a lot.
From a hill to a cabin for a family to a burial site, the Chief War Eagle Monument has evolved a lot. It is currently a historical site to visit in the city.
It was also one of the first whites’ settlements in which War Eagle represented the tribe and worked with white Americans.
This place is where he was buried and the site now offers a stunning view of Sioux River merging with the Missouri River.
It is honestly one of the most beautiful places to walk around in the evening, especially in the evening.
Palmer Candy
A top IA Sioux City activity is visiting Palmer Candy to shop for some delicious chocolates and candies.
Twin bings, pretzels, chocolates, toffees, and a lot more delicious products can be found here. In this shop, you will find a wide variety of chocolates and candies that you have never heard of before.
The best part is that you can sample them for free before buying their products. Also, they have lots of candy machines which will give you a glimpse of how candies were bought in the earlier times.
If you love sweets too, then one of the best things to do in Sioux City is treating yourself to the Palmer Candy.
The Sergeant Floyd River Museum
Another top Sioux City attraction to explore is the Sergeant Floyd River Museum which is located on a ship.
The ship was used as a working house on the Missouri River and has been converted into a three-story museum now.
Here, you can find a lot of items from Lewis and Clark’s expedition that are related to the river.
Visitors can enjoy free entry to this museum and admire the stunning views from the deck of the ship. There is also a unique gift shop here to buy fun and interesting souvenirs for home.
If you love museums and ships, then visiting Sergeant Floyd River Museum is one of the top things to do in Sioux City Iowa.
Sergeant Floyd Monument and Floyds Bluff
Another great attraction to visit in the city, Floyds Bluff is the resting place for Sargeant Floyd. It is a small hill in the south of Sioux City and offers amazing views of the Missouri River.
When you visit this hill, make sure to stop at the Sergeant Floyd Monument which is serving as an honorarium for Charles Floyd.
Floyd died in 1804 during his upstream voyage and the monument was constructed in 1900 on his 96th death anniversary.
This monument is an Egyptian-style obelisk that towers at 100 feet with sandstone and is one of the most unique and expensive structures in the city.
It is a great place to enjoy a peaceful walk in the evening in the city.
Riverside Park
If you are looking for free things to do in Sioux City IA, then you can visit Riverside Park which is located on the banks of River Sioux.
This large park comes with a lot of facilities including tennis courts, volleyball courts, a soccer field, and so on. There is also a children’s playground along with pools and pads for the young kids.
One of the top activities in Sioux City is planning a picnic in this park. There are good picnic spots with grills available here for you to use.
This is a type of mini amusement park where you can swim, play, eat, and have fun with your family and friends.
Trinity Heights
For religious visitors, one of the best IA Sioux City attractions is Trinity Heights.
This huge church is home to many stunning sculptures including a 30-foot sculpture of the Heart of Jesus, The Last Supper, Carmel Mary, and more.
The church has plenty of space for visitors to walk around and watch the birds, plants, etc. in the gardens surrounding it.
It is a great place for meditation and you can even attend the morning mass here. The chapels are open throughout the day for visits.
You can also buy items from the shop here and can purchase gift cards for your family members.
Sioux City Art Center
Sioux City Art Center is one of the top attractions in Sioux City for art lovers.
This art center is a gorgeous glass-finished, three-story building with gorgeous interiors. It features over 1200 permanent paintings from different art styles and offers classes as well.
You can attend an exhibition here anytime and must see the painted wood mural that can be found on the 3rd floor. There are several open spaces and sculptures to check out here as well.
Visitors can enjoy entry into this art center for free and can admire the works of local artists here.
Visiting Bacon Creek Park Is One Of The Cool Things To Do In Sioux City IA
If you are looking for a place to indulge in Sioux City activities, then what could be a better choice than Bacon Creek Park.
This attraction in Sioux City Iowa features a lake and a large space for other fun activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and more.
The park is large with trees scattered throughout the area, making it a top photography spot as well.
Bacon Creek Park is one of the best spots for kayaking and has a special area for picnicking and for children to play.
If you want to enjoy a quiet time with your friends or family, then you should add this place to your list of the best things to do in Sioux City.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Located beside the Missouri River, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a top activity in Sioux City Iowa to visit.
Here, you can see an animated and interactive journey of Lewis and Clark’s trip to the west.
This means there will be lots of fun and engaging activities here to participate in while you learn more about the history of the place.
It is a fun thing to do in Sioux City IA with children and teach them about the progress of the nation.
There is also an outdoor garden here and an outdoor picnic area where you can spend some time with your family.
LaunchPAD Children’s Museum
If you are wondering about what to do in Sioux City with kids, then LaunchPAD Children’s Museum is a good place to visit.
This is an indoor museum where your children can play and learn something new. One of the top Sioux City activities for kids, the museum offers many fun and interactive zones such as build zone, air tunnels, infant-toddler zone, etc. where your kids can enjoy themselves.
Trust me, this is one of the best things to do in Sioux City and your kids are going to love it.
Explore the Amazing Restaurants Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Sioux City
One of the most fun things to do in Sioux City IA is trying out the delicious food here.
From comfort food to international cuisines, you can get it all in this Iowa city.
Whether you want a fine dining experience or a quick bite, the city offers you a wide range of family restaurants, coffee shops, steakhouses, microbreweries, and more to enjoy.
If you are big foodie too, then you should definitely check out the restaurants here. Trattoria Fresco, Texas Roadhouse, Bob Roe’s Pizza, etc. are a few delicious restaurants to check out in Sioux City Iowa.
Packing List When Discovering Things To Do In Sioux City
If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing for visiting Sioux City Iowa.
A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when exploring the best activities in Sioux City. It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.
This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.
If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.
If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.
My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking Insta-worthy selfies while discovering island getaways in the US.
I never much believed in using packing cubes when traveling. That is until I tried them. Now I am hooked. These are the exact cubes I use to stay organized when I pack for a trip!
You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for your adventures and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.
Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car. Then this set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all.
You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. while attending any of the events in Sioux City. No matter the time of day or evening.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. And it comes in many different colors.
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As you can see there is so much to do here. From attractions to outdoor events, this city has it all.
I do hope that this has given you some ideas and whatever you choose to do I know you will have an amazing time.
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