The Artsy Attraction Proving There's More To Sioux Falls, South Dakota Than Its Boring Reputation

South Dakota's largest city might not have a noteworthy reputation for nightlife or things to do. It might not even be on your radar at all. In fact, in a recent FinanceBuzz article, Sioux Falls ranked as No. 4 on the list of the most boring cities in the country. Ouch. While Sioux Falls might pale in comparison to other Midwestern cities based on criteria like attractions, event venues, and top-billed sporting teams, it would be unfair to count it out entirely. There's a lot of reasons to love this small, laidback city, which has been recognized by authorities like Forbes and Reader's Digest over the years as an attractive choice for young professionals and those looking to relocate to smaller, more affordable cities across the U.S. One reason that might surprise you is that Sioux Falls is home to the largest exhibit of public sculptures in the world.

Sioux Falls is in fact one of the Midwest's artsiest cities, with an impressive local arts scene and several prominent museums showcasing everything from Northern Plains history to modern art. Perhaps the most unique attraction is the city's SculptureWalk, an annual showcase of installations from artists all over the country. This exhibit, which changes each year in the springtime, features approximately 80 works of art placed throughout the city's Downtown. It's a walkable showcase that's entirely free to the public, and it has been bringing art to South Dakotans and visitors alike for decades. Now in its 23rd year, here's what you need to know about Sioux Falls' most artsy attraction.

Hosting a sculpture garden takes up a lot of space, and as a result, some of the best in the country are found in the outskirts, hidden away in landscapes far from civilization. Take Nevada's underrated sculpture park outside of Death Valley, or New England's largest outdoor sculpture park at the southern end of New Hampshire, for example. Seamless integration into a busy downtown area is rare for such a sprawling art exhibit, but that's exactly what makes Sioux Falls' SculptureWalk stand out. 

In addition to its easy access, SculptureWalk is unique in that it's always evolving, with new artists loaning their sculptures to the city each year. While the exhibits change every spring, one sculpture per year gets to stay. Professionals vote annually on which sculpture will receive the Best in Show distinction, and the city buys the winning sculpture to show off permanently. There is also a People's Choice Award that comes with a cash prize. You can cast your vote directly on the Sculpture Sioux Falls website or by visiting the ballot boxes as you stroll along Phillips Avenue.

In SculptureWalk's 23rd year, you'll find works from roughly 60 artists across 20 states. The installation normally showcases established sculptors, but the 2026 exhibit features its youngest-ever artist, a 21-year-old art student from Northern State University by the name of Daria Poor. Wander through the exhibit on your own (here's a handy map to find all 80 pieces) or contact the SculptureWalk team directly to schedule a guided tour. While you're at it, check out Sioux Falls' parks, trails, and waterfalls next!