Dec. 18, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

The holiday season combined with time away from work and school makes it an ideal time to check out what’s new just outside the city limits – and there’s a lot of it.

Within a short drive from Sioux Falls – often less than the time it takes to get across town – you’ll find new places to shop, destination dining and plenty of fun ways to spend a winter day.

Here’s a look at what’s waiting!

Taco time

A road trip for a taco? Just trust us on this one.

The Taco Vault opened in Worthing this fall and quickly has become a dining destination. Find it at 108 S. Main St., where you’ll discover what the owners call “an artistic approach to a taco pub.”

The menu is filled with artisan tacos – including breakfast tacos – plus outstanding chislic, salads, appetizers and dessert.

As a bonus, the business features artists on a rotating basis and donates 10 percent of sales from the artwork to local schools’ fine arts departments.

Click here to begin craving your taco.

Bonus: While you’re in Worthing, take in a show at the Olde Towne Dinner Theatre. The show “Seasonal Allergies” runs through early January. Click here for show times.

Fun-filled center

Cure cabin fever over school break with an easy trip to Harrisburg, where you’ll find Union Social waiting with food, drink and fun for all ages.

Located with Air Madness at 310 Industrial Road, you can spend hours here between cutting-edge bowling, a huge arcade with redemption games, axe throwing, pool, plus a full menu and bar.

Friends in town for the holiday? Looking for family-friendly New Year’s fun? You’ll find it here. Click here to learn more.

Historic Main Street

Make a day of it in Dell Rapids, where you’ll find some new additions in the community’s historic downtown.

The Local opened earlier this year offering one-of-a-kind merchandise from artists and makers throughout the Sioux Metro region.

The Meeting Nook is a cozy place to grab a coffee or waffle and play games.

Or pick up some new accessories at The Jewelry Box, which also opened this year.

While you’re in Dell Rapids, don’t miss the Dells Theatre, a restored 1930s Art Deco space that’s the perfect spot for a holiday movie.

Click here for shows and times. 

Take in the trees

An easy road trip southeast of Sioux Falls will lead you to a wintery wonderland of decorated trees.

Find them inside the interpretive center at Good Earth State Park until Jan. 4.

Plus, each day a golden bison is hidden among the display. Be the first to find it and win a prize!

Click here to connect with the park.

Shop local, eat waffles

In need of a last-minute gift? Guarantee you’ll find it at Makers Exchange, the massive new marketplace of local businesses in Tea.

It’s located at 102 Venture Place, right off the Interstate 29-Tea interchange, and it’s filled with dozens of small shops offering everything from apparel and accessories to home decor, kids gifts and pet gear.

Plus, the latest addition brings gourmet waffles and coffee to the marketplace. In a hurry? There’s even a new drive-thru.

Booths continually are restocked, so even if you’ve shopped already this season, it’s worth a repeat trip. Click here for details. 

Brunch and bowling

Eat and be entertained with a trip to Pinz in Dell Rapids.

Located at 320 E. Fourth St., a classic bowling alley also becomes a favorite brunch spot every Sunday.

The popular buffet is served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rest of the week, you can find a family-friendly menu plus arcades games, pinball and a throwback jukebox.

A Monte Carlo-themed holiday party is scheduled for Dec. 28 with lots ways to win prizes.

Click here for the latest happenings. 

Take a staycation

If you’re around kids this holiday break, they’ll let off plenty of steam with a quick trip to Brandon.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites at 1103 N. Splitrock Blvd. now has a large playground inside the indoor pool area.

You’ll find slides, a climbing wall and plenty of tunnels and other fun features to explore.

Guests are free to use it, along with the pool, but there’s also a great space for parties and other gatherings. Bring your event, and take advantage of hours of indoor fun.

Click here to learn more. 

While you’re there, take the kids to Brandon’s newest spot to score popular trading cards. Locally owned Tata’s Trading Card Co. just opened in a retail center at 517 N. Splitrock Blvd.

Get outdoors

The state parks of Minnehaha and Lincoln counties are filled with ways to have fun outdoors in the winter.

Bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis to nearly any park, and enjoy a scenic escape from the city.

Plus, there’s still time to search for Santa as he moves around Palisades State Park near Garretson. Spot him for your chance to win prizes. Find details here.

And, mark your calendar for a Jan. 1 First Day Hike starting at 1 p.m. at Good Earth State Park.