For tourists headed west on Interstate 90 to a Black Hills vacation, Sioux Falls is the last major population center they encounter until Rapid City.
There’s an awful lot of driving between those two places — about 350 miles, which is enough to engender fears of boredom and whining kids. But the drive across South Dakota need not be boring. In fact, there are so many things to do along I-90 between Sioux Falls and Rapid City that you could easily spend a day of your vacation just exploring the places along the way.
Following is a rundown, from east to west, of some of my favorite spots between Sioux Falls and the Missouri River. If you enjoy these, also learn about my favorite stops favorites stops between the Chamberlain and Rapid City.
Falls Park
Yes, there are actually falls in Sioux Falls. Falls Park, located near the city’s downtown area, is a great place to stop and stretch your legs. The kids can roam around the park looking at the falls from various angles, and the whole family can climb the stairs of the lookout tower for a better view. With the roaring falls as a backdrop, Falls Parks is also a great place to take a family picture.
Porter Sculpture Park
Located about a half-hour west of Sioux Falls in a rural setting, Porter Sculpture Park is a place for families to stop and laugh and roam. Wayne Porter has erected some of the more interesting iron sculptures you’ll ever see in a pasture along the roadside. If you don’t stop, you’ll probably find yourself thinking that you should have.
Corn Palace
There’s only one place in the world where you can see a large building covered in artworks made out of corn and various grains: The World’s Only Corn Palace, located about an hour west of Sioux Falls in Mitchell. This is another one of the places that’s worth stopping just for the sheer novelty of it. While you’re in Mitchell, you might also consider visiting the Prehistoric Indian Village, the Dakota Discovery Museum and the McGovern Legacy Museum.
South Dakota Tractor Museum
Experience a slice of agricultural history at the South Dakota Tractor Museum in Kimball. This charming museum celebrates the ingenuity and innovation of farming equipment throughout the decades, showcasing a diverse collection of tractors, implements, and machinery.
Discover the evolution of agricultural technology as you browse through exhibits featuring vintage tractors, antique farming tools, and interactive displays. Whether you’re a farming enthusiast or history buff, the South Dakota Tractor Museum offers a captivating glimpse into the region’s rural heritage.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
is really a glorified rest stop located just outside of Chamberlain between exits 263 and 265, about two hours west of Sioux Falls. But you won’t find many rest stops with a view like this one. It’s perched high atop the bluffs on the east side of the Missouri River, with a sweeping view of the river both upstream and downstream.
Explore interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that chronicle the expedition’s adventures, encounters with Native American tribes, and scientific discoveries. Take in panoramic views of the Missouri River from the center’s observation deck and gain a deeper understanding of this pivotal chapter in American history.
Al’s Oasis
On the other side of the river from the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is Al’s Oasis, one of the best places to eat in the state.
A beloved roadside attraction since 1947, Al’s Oasis welcomes weary travelers with its warm hospitality, delicious food, and unique shopping experiences. Indulge in hearty Midwestern cuisine at the Oasis Restaurant, where you can savor mouthwatering dishes like buffalo burgers, prime rib, and homemade pies. Browse through the expansive gift shop for souvenirs, western apparel, and Native American crafts.
With its welcoming atmosphere and scenic views of the Missouri River, Al’s Oasis provides the perfect pit stop to refuel and relax before continuing your adventure.
