Celebrate the holidays at Falls Park where thousands of holiday lights and decorations fill the park through Jan 8, 2023. There is no cost to visit Falls Park, even during Winter Wonderland. For more information, visit https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/winter-wonderlan
Ice fishing at Catfish Bay
In the summer, you’ll catch water skiers performing jaw-dropping water stunts at Catfish Bay, but winter brings a whole new kind of fun. Every year, this privately stocked lake hosts a family friendly ice fishing tournament, with a top prize of $1,000. By participating, you’ll also help raise funds for the ski team. Mark your calendar for this year’s Ice Fish Fest on Saturday, January 27, 2018.
Snowshoeing at Outdoor Campus East
Once the snowfall provides decent ground accumulation, pack your snowshoes! The Outdoor Campus East in Sioux Falls has a beautiful, easy snowshoe trail along the Big Sioux River. If you’re new to snowshoeing or wish to learn how to embrace the outdoors in the winter, check their calendar for classes and try-it days. Then, if you decide to make snowshoeing a permanent hobby, you can buy your own pair at Scheels just down the street!
Cross-country skiing at all three city nordic ski trails
With a variety of difficulty levels, in both wooded and prairie areas, the Sioux Falls Nordic ski trails won’t disappoint. You’ll find trails at Spencer Park, Sertoma Park, and Great Bear Recreation Park. Check out the trail system map and mark your starting point!
Ice skating at all six outdoor rinks
Picture ice skating in a light snowfall with a cup of hot cocoa on a crisp evening. Whimsical, right? Create an experience to remember at any one of our six outdoor ice skating rinks. Each has a warming house with options for snacks. If you don’t have skates, you can also rent some on-site at a reasonable price.
Downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Great Bear
Once the snow flies, hill seekers make their way to Great Bear Recreation Park. The iconic red lift presents skiers and snowboarders with several downhill trail options. The entire hill boasts 14 runs as well as a snow tubing hill across the parking lot. If you’re competitive, or a fan of watching winter sports, save the date for the Media One FunSki January 20-21, 2017. This two-day event benefits Children’s Inn and puts competitive skiing and snowboarding in the spotlight. Unique events like team snow tubing, frozen leg kickball, snow sculpture, Zipfy sled racing, and cross-country skiing will be going down, too.