The changing color of the foliage and the slight chill in the air herald fall in South Dakota, the perfect time of year to plan a weekend getaway in picturesque Sioux Falls. You can start your weekend by exploring Falls Park, a 123-acre green space surrounding the waterfalls on the Big Sioux River. There are around 19 miles of hiking and biking paths surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, which should be particularly spectacular in the fall. Another good outdoor area for walking, biking and ball games is Terrace Park, and you can also get plenty of exercise on the hiking trails in Great Bear Recreational Park (which is a very popular ski area in winter).

Art enthusiasts can visit the Washington Pavilion of Arts which contains an art gallery, theater and concert hall and features performances by the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and the Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society, among others. If you enjoy learning about history you can visit the Old Courthouse Museum, the Pettigrew Home and Museum, the USS South Dakota Battleship Museum and the Veterans Memorial Park, which is dedicated to local war veterans. Families can tour the Butterfly House & Marine Cove, or make their way to the Great Plains Zoo