Aug 20, 2009 6:18 - By: Carol Cain, NYCity Mama
Often times in my travels, I have found that, sadly, most smaller towns don’t really maintain their Downtown areas. Sometimes it is due to the invasion of big shopping malls in the community that force smaller, historical shops and businesses to close, other times the towns just don’t have the funds to support a thriving downtown area.
This is not the case with Sioux Falls in South Dakota. We were making a stop along the way, but found as we as we made our way into our hotel that there seemed to be plenty going on.
We decided to take a stroll and came across a sign indicating that we were in fact walking along the Sculpturewalk. These few blocks that run down Philips Avenue feature a wonderful display of sculptures created with all sorts of materials, from heavy copper to iron to things sheets of metal. It gave the area a wonderful artistic vibe and sophisticated feel. My kids enjoyed stopping and admiring each piece and made sure we crossed the streets so that we could get a good look at the displays on the other side.


If you continue down Philips Ave., you will come right into Falls Park.
This is a quiet park, beautiful and lush in the Summer, with long paths and bridges for bikers and walkers, and picnic tables to spend afternoons at along the river.


Halfway down Sculpturewalk, if hungry, stop by Philips Avenue Diner. We had the most amazing burger there called “The Spread“. It gets it’s name because after the chili and other toppings are added onto this massive burger, it is exactly that, a spread of deliciousness.

The service was wonderful, and quick, and if you are lucky enough to get there on “Burger Day” you’ll get your second burger at half price. Totally worth the extra calories! But fear not, there’s plenty to see in the area, so you can always make up for it by finishing your afternoon with a stroll down to Falls Park.


If you walk deeper into the park you will come across the Sioux Falls Waterfalls. The rushing waters falling against the red rocks so prominent in the area are breathtakingly beautiful.


We went there very early in the morning when hardly anyone was around. There is a bridge suspended over the bottom of one of the smaller falls and I can honestly say it was one of the best, unexpected surprises of my day. And even better, there is no fee to enter the park.