Sioux Falls SD

Sioux Falls – A hidden gem of the Midwest, where big-city energy meets small-town charm. Known for its vibrant downtown, scenic landscapes, and friendly community, Sioux Falls offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're walking along the Big Sioux River, enjoying local art, or diving into a hearty farm-to-table meal, this South Dakota city invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

• Population: ~200,000
• Weather: Four-season climate (10-85°F); snowy winters, warm summers.
• Places To Visit: Falls Park, Washington Pavilion, SculptureWalk, Butterfly House & Aquarium, Great Plains Zoo.
• Top Activities: Biking the River Greenway, attending local festivals, exploring nature trails, shopping downtown, visiting historic sites.
• Famous Food: Bison burgers, chislic, walleye sandwiches, kolaches, and local craft brews.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a vibrant and growing city with a strong economy driven by healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and information technology. Thanks to a business-friendly environment and low cost of living, Sioux Falls offers many career opportunities across various industries. Below are some of the top jobs in the city.

Top 5 Jobs in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD, may not have the same fame as Los Angeles, but it offers plenty of hidden gems for students to unwind, mingle, and have a blast. Whether you're into nature, arts, or food, Sioux Falls has a spot for you.

Falls Park – With beautiful waterfalls and serene trails, this park is perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or just sitting and soaking up the natural beauty.

Phillips Avenue Diner – Step back in time at this retro diner, where you can enjoy a milkshake and burgers. It's the ideal spot for a casual meet-up with friends.

Great Bear Ski Valley – Whether it's skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, Great Bear offers fun outdoor activities that are perfect for a study break.

Washington Pavilion – Dive into the arts at this hub of creativity. It features music, theater, and an array of exhibits that can both inspire and entertain.

Monks Ale House – With a wide selection of craft beers and a cozy atmosphere, it's a great place for catching up with friends over drinks. Just make sure you're of age!

The Sandbar & Grill – Known for its live music and beachy vibe, it's perfect for unwinding after a long day of classes. You can enjoy some great food while listening to local bands.

Arrowhead Park – Escape city life with a visit to this peaceful park. It's ideal for hammocking, reading, or just enjoying the quiet surroundings.

Whether you're new to Sioux Falls or a long-time resident, these spots provide a great mix of relaxation and fun, offering a perfect balance to any student's routine.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a growing hub for higher education. The city boasts a range of respected colleges and universities that offer quality academic programs, strong faculty support, and great opportunities for career development. Whether public or private, these institutions serve students seeking degrees in healthcare, business, technology, and the liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Sioux Falls

Southeast Technical College – This top-ranked community college provides hands-on learning with a focus on practical skills in areas like nursing, construction, and IT. Its career-ready programs make it a popular choice for students entering the workforce quickly.

University of South Dakota – Sioux Falls – A satellite campus of the main USD located in Vermillion, this center offers graduate programs and flexible learning for working professionals. Known for its nursing, business, and healthcare administration degrees, it adds academic depth to the city’s public offerings.

South Dakota State University – College of Nursing (Sioux Falls Campus) – Focusing on nursing and healthcare training, this campus plays a key role in addressing regional healthcare needs. It supports undergraduate and graduate-level nursing education backed by SDSU's highly respected curriculum.

Western Dakota Technical College at Sioux Falls (extension site) – Known for trades, public safety, and IT training, this technical school offers career-focused programs to students looking for quick entry into high-demand job markets.

USD Community College for Sioux Falls (formerly University Center-Sioux Falls) – This unique collaboration between public universities in the state offers degree programs from multiple institutions. It provides flexible schedules and transfer pathways, ideal for adult learners and part-time students.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Sioux Falls

Augustana University – The largest private university in the city, Augustana is nationally recognized for its liberal arts programs, nursing school, and graduate programs in education and business. With strong faculty engagement and a vibrant campus life, it is a top choice for well-rounded education.

University of Sioux Falls – A Christian liberal arts university offering strong programs in education, business, and healthcare. Known for its values-based education, it prepares students for leadership roles in a variety of career paths.

Kilian Community College (closed in 2016) – Though no longer active, Kilian played a historic role in offering access to higher education for non-traditional and adult students in Sioux Falls.

Globe University – Sioux Falls (closed in 2016) – Previously a private career college, Globe University focused on business and health sciences, helping develop skills needed in South Dakota’s workforce before ceasing operations.

National American University – Sioux Falls Campus – Although its local campus has reduced physical presence, NAU continues to serve students online with programs in business, healthcare, and criminal justice. The university is known for catering to adult learners and military veterans.

Sioux Falls, SD is home to some of the best high schools in the region. With a focus on both academics and personal growth, these schools prepare students for success in college and beyond.

Top Public High Schools in Sioux Falls

• Lincoln High School – Known for strong academics and exceptional extracurricular programs, Lincoln consistently ranks among the best in the state.
• Washington High School – Offers a variety of AP courses and career pathway programs to help students plan for the future.
• Roosevelt High School – With a large student population, Roosevelt provides diverse course offerings and competitive athletic programs.
• Jefferson High School – One of the newest high schools in Sioux Falls, Jefferson features modern facilities and a student-focused learning environment.
• New Technology High School – A smaller public high school that emphasizes project-based learning and modern technology integration.

Top Private High Schools in Sioux Falls

• O'Gorman High School – A well-respected Catholic school, O'Gorman is known for its academic rigor and values-based education.
• Sioux Falls Christian Schools – Offers a faith-centered curriculum with strong performance in academics, athletics, and fine arts.
• Lutheran High School of Sioux Falls – A small school that focuses on individual student growth and strong Christian values.
• James Valley Christian School – Although located just outside Sioux Falls, it attracts students from the area with personalized learning in a faith-based setting.
• Cornerstone School – A private Christian school that emphasizes traditional values and a nurturing academic experience for high school students.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota may not have teams in the major professional sports leagues like the NFL or NBA, but it proudly supports several successful minor league and semi-professional teams. These teams have built loyal fanbases and play vital roles in the sports culture of the city and region.

🏀 Basketball – Sioux Falls Skyforce (NBA G League)

• Sioux Falls Skyforce – The Skyforce is one of the most respected teams in the NBA G League. Affiliated with the Miami Heat since 2013, the team won the G League championship in 2016. The Skyforce hold the distinction of being the oldest continuous minor-league basketball team in the U.S., having been founded in 1989.

🏈 Football – Sioux Falls Storm (Indoor Football League)

• Sioux Falls Storm – As one of the most successful indoor football teams in history, the Storm have won 11 championships in various indoor leagues. They played in the now-defunct United Indoor Football (UIF) and are currently part of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The team is well-known for its long winning streaks and dynamic offense.

⚾ Baseball – Sioux Falls Canaries (American Association of Professional Baseball)

• Sioux Falls Canaries – Playing at Sioux Falls Stadium (often called "The Birdcage"), the Canaries are part of the American Association of Professional Baseball, an independent league not affiliated with MLB. The team won its league championship in 2008 and provides family-friendly summer entertainment for local fans.

⚽ Soccer – Sioux Falls City FC (USL W League)

• Sioux Falls City FC – This women’s soccer team competes in the USL W League, which is a pre-professional league showcasing top-level collegiate athletes and aspiring pros. The team was founded in 2021 and plays its home matches at O’Gorman Football Field. Sioux Falls City FC promotes the growth of women’s soccer in the region.

🥅 Hockey – Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL)

• Sioux Falls Stampede – Competing in the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation’s top junior sanctioning body, the Stampede is a powerhouse in developing young hockey talent. They have won the Clark Cup three times (2007, 2015, and 2019) and have several alumni who went on to play in the NHL. They play at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, one of the top arenas in the league.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota is a vibrant city with rich history, natural beauty, and a friendly community spirit. Whether you're strolling through downtown or exploring its parks, there's plenty to discover. Here are 10 fun facts about this growing Midwestern city:

1. Named After the Falls – The city gets its name from the stunning waterfalls on the Big Sioux River that run through the heart of town.
2. South Dakota’s Largest City – With over 200,000 people, Sioux Falls is the biggest city in the state and still growing fast.
3. Historic Downtown – The city’s downtown area is full of restored 19th-century buildings, unique shops, and public art displays.
4. Falls Park Wonders – More than 100 permanent sculptures and scenic views make Falls Park one of the city’s most visited attractions.
5. Underground Tunnels – Sioux Falls has a hidden network of underground tunnels, believed to have been used during Prohibition.
6. Healthcare Hub – It’s known as a regional medical center, with top hospitals and a booming healthcare industry.
7. Money Town – Many national financial companies operate out of Sioux Falls due to its business-friendly laws.
8. Art Scene on the Rise – The SculptureWalk program features dozens of rotating public artworks, making art accessible every day.
9. Friendly Economy – Sioux Falls has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, often under 3%.
10. Four Seasons of Fun – Sioux Falls experiences all four distinct seasons, offering everything from snowy winters to sunny summers full of outdoor festivals.