WELCOME TO SOUTH DAKOTA!
Home state of the Bride, residence of the only palace made of corn, original grave of Sue- the Dinosaurs that now lives at the Chicago Museum of Natural History, former stomping grounds of one of the Wild West's greatest heroes, Wild Bill Hickock, and location of the Andry/Kennedy Wedding of 2015!
When you first heard that the wedding was going to be in South Dakota, I'm sure your first thought was oh great! There's hardly even any civilization in South Dakota much less cool stuff to do! Well, I (Erin), being formerly of the Rushmore state, am here to provide some insider information on how incredible this state actually is and all it has to offer. The goal is to make this not just a trip for a wedding, but an unforgettable adventure that you'll treasure in your memory for years to come.
In the next few scrolls, I'm going to provide you with some helpful local favorites of both Sioux Falls and Beresford, in addition to overall state attractions that are must see's if you're taking a few extra days to make the trip worthwhile. Thanks for making the trip and here's to hoping you have an excellent adventure on your way to our wedding!
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Welcome to Sioux Falls!
Sioux Falls is basically a larger home town for Erin. Located just 28 miles north of Beresford, it is the location of the nearest Target, Walmart, Costco, Chili's, and almost every other typical convience that we might take for granted in the Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. It might feel to visitors like an Arlington Heights or Elmherst- cute little downtown with great local shops, bars and restaurants, with lots of dining and shopping scattered throughout the city. It's also pretty easy to navigate. Check below to find out more about the family friendly activities, great ways to pass time for adults, and local shopping haunts for the shopaholics!
Welcome to the Black Hills!
Let me let you in on a little secret- one of the most beautiful sights in the United States is only 5 hours from Sioux Falls. The Black Hills are not only full of beauty and peace, but also rich in history and fun things to do! Erin's parents (tried) to take a honeymoon there, her family's taken many vacations there and she's attended multiple leadership camps & seminars in "The Hills". If you've got a few extra days of time off and want to enjoy national monuments, breath taking beauty, and crisp fall landscape, seriously consider this as an awesome option to make additional family memories while venturing out for the wedding!
General Travel Info
Downtown Sioux Falls
Visit Sioux Falls!
Trip Advisor
DINING
The Diner
This is a family favorite of the Kennedy's. Take a trip back to the 50's with this local gem, hamburgers, sandwiches and some of the best milkshakes EVER can be found here!
T.C.'s Referee
This is a Devine (Erin's mom's side) tradition- they know my aunts and uncles by first name, and we've all grown up with this sports bar as a staple. It's one of those "Erin's home from Chicago- we have to go to the Referee!
Minerva's
If you're looking for some place classy with excellent food and a great wine selection, check out Minerva's. This is where my Aunt & Uncle who live in Wheaton had THEIR wedding reception in 1996- And it's still a time-tested, great spot in Downtown Sioux Falls.
Old Chicago
Ok. Erin understands that this is a chain. And it's not REAL Chicago Style Pizza. But before she moved to the city with the best pizza on earth, this was the closest thing she had to the real deal. And it's pretty damn good.
Chevy's
While we're on a roll with chain restaurants, we may as well highlight Erin's favorite Mexican restaurant (probably of all time). It's important for everyone to note that the big city of Sioux Falls has one, while little old Chicago does not. Lisa & Eder, please don't judge.
Cupcake Shops
Anyone who knows Erin will know that there is a deep love of Cupcakes. Although she's never been to these shops (the cupcake frenzy fad happened after she moved to Chicago) rumor has it Oh My Cupcakes and Queen City Bakery are both excellent spots to check out.
Taphouse 41
Burgers, Bourbon and Beer. Sounds like a pretty good choice to me. They've got 4.5/5 stars on yelp. I've never actually been here, but the menu online looks AWESOME!
Crawford's
Crawford's is a restaurant that appeared on the downtown Sioux Falls scene after I left for the Windy City. However, my extended Devine-side of the family have dined here on a few different occasions and always say it's great. They've got a really cool vibe going on (from the pics online) and I can't wait to try it out the next time we're in town!
ADULT RELAXATION
The Icon Lounge
This bar may sound familiar to you because it's the same location where our reception is being held! The actual lounge/bar area of this place is AMAZING! It seriously would fit right in downtown Chicago. A must check out for a cool vibe and good drinks.
Prairie Berry East Bank
Check out the Sioux Falls location of one of South Dakota's largest and most successful wineries. This location in new to the city, but a great spot for a relaxing glass of something tasty like the Red-Ass Rhubarb Wine!
JL Beers
We've never actually been here, but it seems like a cool place for a good craft beer drink. Not far from downtown with a great selection.
Monk's House of Ale Repute
This spot also looks like it's got a boatload of great craft beers. It also looks like they've got yummy food-- worth a try I'd say! And Erin has seen friends check in here on facebook, so I think it's a good pick for the 20/30-somethings!
Strawbale Winery
Located about 15 minutes north of Sioux Falls, this winery is a new attraction to me. Their website makes it look like the perfect way to spend a little time in the country :) If I had a few hours to spare in November in South Dakota, I think I'd venture slightly North and check it out!
FAMILY FUN!
The Washington Pavillion
This is a great discovery center for the wee-ones. Once one of the 4 High Schools in Sioux Falls (Erin's grandmother attended school here in the late 40's/50's) it is now home to a great concert venue & Children's museum!
FREE ON THE FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH!!!!
Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History
This is exactly what it sounds like: A Zoo. It's a pretty good one though-- they've got lots to see and it's not so big that you have to pick and choose what to see! The museum here is really cool too. I definitely recommend it!
The Old Courthouse Museum
This is a great spot to catch up on your South Dakota history! Once the courthouse of Sioux Falls (Erin's grandmother (the same one that went to Washington High School, worked here as a secretary in the mid-50's before marrying her grandfather) it is now home to some really neat exhibits on South Dakota History. They've left the courtroom fairly in tact too, which is pretty neat!
Museum of Visual Materials
OK, so Rob & Erin can't speak personally to this museum as neither have ever been there. However, it seems pretty cool and hands on for kids.
General Travel Info
Travel South Dakota
Visit Rapid City
Black Hills & Badlands Visitor Info
South Dakota Trip Advisor
FAVORITE PLACES FOR ALL TO SEE
Mount Rushmore
A trip to the Hills isn't complete without a stop at this national monument featuring 4 of our great presidents: George Washington, Aberham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson and Theadore Roosevelt!
Deadwood
Wanna check out where Wild Bill Hickcock was killed? Care to walk down the streets of a wild west town? How about an old-west photo, saloon girl & cowboy hats included!? Interested in a little recreational gaming? This is a must stop on your trip out west!
Needles Highway
A GREAT way to see the sprawling pine trees and landscape of the mountains. This scenic drive is exactly as it sounds- very steep, narrow roads with breathtaking views.
Spearfish Canyon
This is another great scenic drive, but less intense in elevation and more intense in natural tress (hello fall colors!) and natural waterfalls too! Really a spectacular sight.
Wall Drug
Two words: Tourist Trap. But, if you've never been it's sorta fun. They have a giant mechanical dino that used to scare the crap out of Erin growing up, some neat souvineer stores and of course, the free ice water.
The Badlands
It's a bit like a mini-grand canyon or dessert without the sand. It's unlike anything you've probably ever seen. And it's absolutely BEAUTIFUL and full of Native American legand and history.
Bluebell Lodge
This isn't so much a place to see, as it is a place to eat and piece of family history from the Kennedy side. This is the lodge where Erin's parents used to go horse riding with family and friends back in their 20's. A neat little spot tucked into the woods with fond memories for many of the Kennedy's.
Custer State Park
Head here for a sceneic drive and your best chance at seeing buffalo and other wildlife in their natural environment.
Caves
If you've never toured a cave before, I highly recommend it! It's sorta creepy, but really cool! It's also fun to discover entire other worlds that lie right in our path that we may not have otherwise discovered had it not been for the earths natural decray and rebirth. Really something neat if you're into this sort of thing!
Winerys
There's a bunch of winery's in western South Dakota. I can't think of a better way to enjoy an afternoon than in the middle of the mountains, surrounded by God's natural beauty with a lovely glass of wine to keep you company on a fall day (have I sold you yet? ;) )
The 1880 Train
This is a cool experience to take a train across the hilly landscape as they did in the olden days. It's a classic locomotive with neat cars that make you feel like you've stepped back into the 1880's!
There are many more sites & scenes that I could have included in this brief travel recommendation spot. There's too many! Seriously, if it's your first time out West, you could probably spend 2 weeks with all the activities! I've highlighted a few that my family has espeically enjoyed as I grew up. If you find more, please explore further and enjoy all that the "wild" west has to offer!
FAVORITE PLACES FOR ALL THE KIDDOS
Flinstone National Park
This is one of Erin's favorite places from childhood! Take a walk through Bedrock with Fred, Wilma, Betty, Barney, and Bam Bam & Pebbles too!
Storybook Island
Ever wanted to see your favorite Disney and classic fairtales come to life? Check out this cute little park in the middle of Rapid City, SD (second largest city in South Dakota). It's super fun to walk through the different exhibits and stand between your favorite story book characters or play in Cinderella's pumpkin carriage!
SHOPPING
Sioux Empire Mall
This is THE mall (pretty much in South Dakota). There's everything you could need in a mall- Macy's, Younkers (Carson's), JCPenney, plus all your smaller stores- Banana Republic, Hallmark Store, Gap, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Express-- it's a great one for all day shopping!
Phillips Ave & Downtown Sioux Falls Local Shops
If you're looking for a quaint, picturesque day of leisurely shopping through local clothing, antique, craft and specialty shops, this is the place to come! Close to great pubs, wine stores and restaurants, it's a great spot to spend a more local, unique day in Sioux Falls.
General Fun for All!
"The Falls"
You MUST check out the falls- even if you just drie through the park, it's a really neat site to see natural waterfalls/rapids flowing in the middle of the city. Come at night and you're in for a funky light show that's pretty neat too!
Catch a Movie
There are 3 options- the West Side Century Theater, the East Side Century Theater and the "Cheap" 3-dollar theaters that play movies that have been out for a few weeks. All are great options and both Centuries are good sized with lots of theaters.
