10 things to try in (and around) Sioux Falls this winter

Leave it to winter to make the shortest days of the year feel like some of the longest. But Sioux Falls winters don’t mean you’re stuck inside.

Even if winter sports aren’t your jam, there are plenty of ways to get out of the house this season, no matter what you’re feeling.

Here are some ideas:

If you’re feeling cozy: Soak up some history with a trip to the newly renovated and reopened State Theatre downtown. New movies are announced every Thursday, with selections ranging from classics such as “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” to new releases.

If you’re pining for patio season: A handful of Sioux Falls bars and restaurants have extended their patio season year-round during the pandemic with the use of heaters, tarps to block the wind and, in one case, igloos. Check out Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen, Fernson Downtown, Granite City or JJ’s Wine, Spirits & Cigars to channel summer patio vibes in a winter setting.

If you’re feeling sporty: Go skiing or snowboarding at Great Bear Ski Valley. There are a couple of deals going this winter, including half-price rentals on Mondays and $6 tubing on Tuesdays. If you’re quick about it, you can snag tickets to one of four lazer tubing events, but they sell out quickly — and often weeks in advance.

If you’re feeling sporty but not quite slide-down-a-mountain sporty: Try snowshoeing instead. The Outdoor Campus, Good Earth State Park and Newton Hills State Park all have trails available, and if you want to test the sport before investing in the gear, you can rent snowshoes at the Great Outdoor Store downtown. Want to bring your kids? Check out the Elementary Snowshoe Stroll at Sherman Park on Feb. 16. Register here.

If you need a fun day out with the kids: Go to the Washington Pavilion. The new Prehistoric Adventure Climber exhibit is now open on the fourth floor, and kids can pretend they’re explorers digging up dinosaur bones, imagine with talk tubes how the prehistoric creatures roared and crawl through crates, caves and corridors.

If you still haven’t finished your quarantine home renovations: Channel your inner Chip and Joanna Gaines and truck it to the Sioux Empire Home Show Feb. 26-28, where you’ll find the latest home trends and, likely, someone who can help make your vision a reality.

If you want to feel like you’re in a rom-com: Grab your skates or rent a pair and head to one of Sioux Falls’ outdoor ice skating rinks with your plus-one for a date night out. Bonus points if you time your date with sunset and light snowfall. Extra bonus points if you can get the snow to fall in slow motion while soft music plays and you kiss in the middle of the rink.

If your snowman always tops the neighbor’s snowman: Sign up to participate in the Sioux Falls Winter Carnival’s snowman building contest Feb. 6 in Spellerberg Park.

While you’re at it, check out other Winter Carnival activities like fat tire bike racing, “snowga” (yes, that’s yoga in the snow) or the Wine & Whiskey Punch Pass (because, charity).

If you’re feeling crafty: Head to the old VFW building on South Minnesota Avenue. Liberty Hall hosts a  craft and vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. If you’d rather do the crafting yourself (i.e. with your kids), you can check out an upcoming city Valentine’s Day craft event. Registration details here.

If your social self looks stale: #TreatYoSelf to a new profile pic at Selfie WRLD in the Empire Mall.

The recently opened business describes itself as “one of the most instagrammable places in the Midwest,” so this selfie haven is an ideal winter outing for when you hit that perfect hair/makeup day but have no other plans.