No visit to Sioux City is complete without a stop at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Lewis and Clark’s first explored the area around Sioux City in 1804 as part of their landmark expedition. Located by the Missouri River, the center has a number of interactive displays including a movie, animations, maps and a number of stories that provide an overview of their historic journey through the area. Continue your trip with a visit to the educational and entertaining Sioux City Public Museum. At this free museum, visitors can interact with a series of exhibits covering people and events ranging from the days of Lewis and Clark to the present. History buffs should be sure to check out the museum’s research center, where visitors can browse through a number of primary sources and archival documents about Sioux City.
If aviation or automotive history is your thing, make sure to stop by the Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation. Located in a hangar on airport property, this museum celebrates the transportation heritage of the Sioux City area with more than 30,000 square feet dedicated to displays and exhibits. Visitors can see a wide range of full-sized vehicles and aircraft at the museum, including vintage cars, a Vietnam-era helicopter and a Boeing 727. The museum also includes a video and other artifacts commemorating the crash of Flight 232 in the area.
Art lovers will not want to miss out on the Sioux City Art Center. This free gallery space exhibits pieces by artists from all over the world, and has a permanent collection featuring both local and national artists. The center also offers tours, programs and hands-on classes for any visitors feeling artistically inspired. If you are looking for a peaceful place to spend some time, make sure to visit Trinity Heights. Located on a hillside with breathtaking views of the Floyd River Valley, visitors can relax in the flower or prayer gardens among a series of religious themed statues. Finally, head over to Stone State Park to take full advantage of the area’s natural splendor. This park feels remote, but is just minutes outside of Sioux City. The park overlooks the Loess valley and the Missouri River, making it an excellent place for hiking and sightseeing. Bring a picnic and take in some of the best scenery in the Midwest.
These attractions should serve as a good starting point if you are looking to plan a trip to Sioux City. When it comes time to choose a Sioux City hotel, make sure to book with Choice Hotels for a relaxing stay in this vibrant Midwestern community.