Attractions
Sioux City Farmers Market
What: Featuring Siouxland vendors selling locally produced fruits and vegetables, meats, baked goods, wine, flowers, arts and crafts and handmade housewares. Live music and food vendors each Saturday.
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday, May 8-Oct. 26
Where: At Tri View Avenue and Pearl Street, west of Tyson Events Center
More info: 712-224-3350 or farmersmarketsiouxcity.com
South Sioux City Farmers Market
What:Â Featuring multiple area vendors selling locally produced homegrown, homemade foods and agricultural products.Â
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When:Â 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 22
Where:Â Dakota Avenue between 15th and 16th streetsÂ
More info: 402-494-7540 or southsiouxfarmersmarket.com
Arnolds Park Amusement Park
What: See many popular features, including the historic wooden roller coaster, the seventh-oldest wooden roller coaster in the world and rated among the top 10 wooden roller coasters in the country, a 65-foot Ferris wheel, expanded go-kart track, Log Flume, Maritime Museum, Queen II excursion boat, and many other rides and games of chance. Entertainment is planned through the summer.
When: Open 11 a.m. daily May 24 to Sept. 1 and Labor Day weekend
Where: 37 Lake St., Arnolds Park, Iowa
More info: No cost to enter park and walk around. Ticket packages and season passes available, costs vary. 800-599-6995 or arnoldspark.com
Queen II Excursion Boat
What: The original Queen was part of a fleet that carried vacationers to all parts of the lakes before good roads were built. It became the lakes' sole excursion boat in the mid-1920s. Today, the Queen II plies West Lake Okoboji carrying daily excursions during the summer.
When: Memorial Day to Labor Day. Limited cruises during May, September and October
Where: Arnolds Park Amusement Park, 37 Lake St., Arnolds Park, Iowa
More info: 712-332-2183 or arnoldspark.com
Swedish Heritage Center
What: Exhibits of Swedish crystal, linens, needlework and items brought to this country by Swedish immigrants are featured in this center housed in the former Swedish Mission Covenant Church building. The center is nationally recognized and hosts numerous programs and year-round activities.
When: Tuesday through Sunday, May through September, closed Monday; and weekends October-April.
Where: 301 N. Charde, Oakland, Neb.
More info: 402-685-6161 or ci.oakland.ne.us/interest.asp
The Troll Stroll
What: This one-of-a-kind nature walk, established in 1987, has become one of Nebraska's most unique and charming tourism attractions. The walk features a scenic 3/4-mile woodchip trail through a beautiful forest, several man-made bridges crossing a scenic stream and the main attraction -- about two dozen hand-made trolls, designed by students at Oakland-Craig Schools.
When: All year
Where: The stroll begins at 700 E. First St. in Oakland
More info: Free. ci.oakland.ne.us/interest.asp
Spirit of Siouxland Sculpture
What: The sculpture depicts Lt. Col. Dennis Nielson, of the Sioux City Air National Guard, carrying 3-year-old Spencer Bailey, a survivor of the United Airlines Flight 232 crash at Sioux Gateway Airport on July 19, 1989. The sculpture is based on a photograph taken by former Sioux City Journal photographer Gary Anderson. The image, published the day after the crash in newspapers and magazines around the world, came to symbolize the compassionate response to the crash.
When: Year-round
Where: Chris Larsen Park on Sioux City's waterfront, west of Anderson Dance Pavilion
Ashfall Fossil Beds State Historical Park
What: This park offers a fascinating and educational experience for the whole family and gives tourists a taste of animal life 10 million years ago, when Nebraska was covered with subtropic grasses and jungle patches. Visitors can watch the ongoing excavation of the site, where a 2,000-square-foot Rhino Barn' protects part of the deposit. Skeletons are uncovered and displayed exactly where they are found. Paleontologists and interpretive staff are from the University of Nebraska State Museum.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday, Sept. 2 through Oct. 12.
Where: Six miles north of U.S. Highway 20, between Royal and Orchard, Neb.
More info: Entrance fee and valid Nebraska Park Entry Permit required; $5 age 3 and older; park permit $5 daily or $26 annual. Handicapped accessible. 402-893-2000 or ashfall.unl.edu
Trinity Heights
What: A 30-foot statue of the "Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Peace" and a 33-foot statue of the "Sacred Heart of Jesus" are the centerpieces of the Trinity Heights development, a 53-acre site located in a wooded setting on the site of the former Trinity High School. Visitors may stroll the courtyard's circular walkways which feature individual prayer stations for each of the 15 decades of the rosary. Making up the area surrounding the statue are the seven sorrows of Mary. A life-size carving of the Last Supper is in the St. Joseph Center.
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Where: West of 33rd Street and Floyd Boulevard
More info: 712-239-8670 or trinityheights.com
Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center
What: The 10-acre site, in Stone State Park in the Loess Hills, features an interpretive area that houses a variety of exhibits, including a "walk under" prairie, a 400-gallon aquarium of native fish, and natural history dioramas. A discovery area provides an opportunity to handle furs, antlers, fossils and other artifacts. Classes, public programs and meetings are held in two 80-seat classrooms.
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed Mondays, New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Where: 4500 Sioux River Road, Sioux City
More info: 712-258-0838 or woodburyparks.com/naturecenter.html
Long Lines Family Rec Center
What: Long Lines Family Rec Center has one of the nation's premier climbing walls, offering 5,900 feet of climbing space. The main wall is 52 feet tall. The competitive section is 42 feet tall and features a 12-foot overhang. Ropes and harnesses, as well as climbing shoes, are available. Other amenities include meeting rooms, sport courts, a batting cage, and a tiny tot indoor gym with toys, activities and games for children ages 1-7.Â
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. Sunday; tiny tot gym open 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Open some holidays. Open gym and climbing wall times are available and vary day to day. Call for scheduling.
Where: 401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City
More info: Children ages 4-12 $3, adults $4, seniors 55 and older $3; 712-279-6126 days, 712-224-5124 evenings, or sioux-city.org/llfrc
Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium
What: The hatchery raises and stocks rainbow trout on all federally owned areas such as Indian reservations, military bases and national wildlife refuges. Trout are released in the spring and fall when they reach a length of 8 inches. Walleye, striped bass hybrids, largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, saugeye, crappie, bluegill, shovelnose sturgeon and paddlefish are also raised at the hatchery.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays April through September
Where: 31227 436th Ave., Yankton, S.D.
More info: Guided tours available. 605-665-3352 or fws.gov/gavinspoint
King's Pointe Waterpark Resort
What: King's Pointe is a family water park with indoor and outdoor waterparks. There are multiple water slides, water playgrounds and water channels to explore.
When: Year-round
Where: 1520 E. Lakeshore Drive, Storm Lake, Iowa
More info: 866-552-5960 or kingspointeresort.com
IBP Ice Center
What: The IBP Ice Center is a 38,000-square-foot-facility featuring an 85-by-200-foot ice rink and a 900-person seating capacity. It is open year-round for youth hockey programs, public ice skating, tournaments, figure skating, off-season inline skating and indoor soccer.
When: Public skating 7 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call for other schedules.
Where: 3808 Stadium Drive, Sioux City
More info: Adults $5, children $2, skate rental $2. 712-279-4880.
Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor & Museum
What: Dubbed "The Ice Cream Capital of the World," Le Mars, Iowa, has been home to Wells, makers of Blue Bunny Ice Cream, since 1913. More ice cream is produced in Le Mars than in any other city in the world. Travelers can enjoy a sweet treat while learning about the history of ice cream and Wells through various exhibits, packaging and Blue Bunny memorabilia displays and videos.
When: April 1 through Sept. 30, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday; Oct. 1 through March 31, noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday
Where: 115 Central Ave. NE, Le Mars, Iowa, exit 118 off U.S. Highway 75 to downtown Le Mars
More info: 712-546-4522 or wellsenterprisesinc.com/Parlor-Museum
Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA
What: This 60,000-square-foot facility opened in 2008 on the riverfront in Scenic Park overlooking the Missouri River and downtown Sioux City. The YMCA features a double gym, fitness rooms and two swimming pools.
When: Year-round
Where: 601 Riverview Drive, South Sioux City
More info: 402-404-8439 or nwsymca.org
Southern Hills Mall
What: With more than 110 specialty stores anchored by Sears, Younkers, JCPenney and a 70,000-square-foot Scheels All Sports store, the mall is the top tourist destination within 90 miles.
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday; open extended hours for walkers
Where: 4400 Sergeant Road, Sioux City
More info: southernhillsmall.com
Lakeport Commons
What: More than a dozen specialty stores and restaurants, including large retailers Best Buy, Kohl's, Old Navy, Gordman's and Michael's. Restaurants include Olive Garden, Red Robin, Texas Roadhouse, Golden Corral and Buffalo Wild Wings, among others.
When: Stores maintain independent hours.
Where: 5101 Sergeant Road, Sioux City
More info: shoplakeportcommons.com
Birdsong Vineyards
What: A boutique winery with vineyard near Union Grove State Park in South Dakota. Wine tastings and vineyard tours available. Enjoy a bottle of wine on the tasting room patio.
When: Open noon to 5 p.m. most Saturdays, Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, or by appointment. Call ahead.
Where: 30820 472nd Ave., Beresford, S.D.
More info: 605-253-2132 or birdsongvineyards.com
Calico Skies Vineyard & Winery
What:Â Calico Skies Vineyard and Winery is a sprawling five-acre vineyard established in April 2010 by native Iowans with backgrounds in horticulture from Iowa State University. Silhouetting Northwest Iowa sunsets, the winery overlooks the Big Sioux River.
When: Tasting room open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The menu has a selection of fresh, fruity whites to dry, oak-aged reds, all produced and bottled in the winery with cold hardy grapes. Call ahead for groups of more than 10.
Where: 2368 Able Blvd., Inwood, Iowa
More info: 712-753-2110 or calicoskieswine.com
Cuthills Vineyards
What: Ed Swanson, who has been making wines for more than 27 years, remodeled the 1920 weathered barn and made it into a winery, which opened in 1994. Wines have been made from grapes grown on the vineyard's seven acres since 1990. Wines include traditional white and red varietals, as well as mead, nouveau, apple, plum and other fruit wines when available.
When: Free tastings 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May through December; 1 to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, February to April.
Where: 54663 853rd Road, Pierce, Neb.
More info: 402-329-6774 or cuthills.com
Hannel Cellars Winery
What: Hannel Cellars Winery, established in December 2009, makes semisweet to sweet seasonal fruit wines with varieties rotating throughout the year. Mead, a honey wine, is made for the Renaissance fair in the fall and uses locally produced Sue Bee Honey.
When: Tastings by appointment, and at special events around the community.
Where:Â 2504 W. 15th St. Place, Sioux City
More info:Â 712-301-1016. New wines are posted on the Hannel Cellars Facebook page.Â
Little Swan Lake Winery
What: Little Swan Lake Winery is a family-owned and operated business 1.5 miles north of the small town of Superior in Northwest Iowa. The winery opened in May 2002. The tasting room, a remodeled 1920s barn, features 25 different wines produced on site, a selection of gourmet cheeses, and buffalo meat from a herd that roams nearby. A bed-and-breakfast inn opened in September 2011. This renovated grain elevator is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty that is Little Swan Lake.
When: Bed and breakfast open year-round. Winery is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and until 8 p.m. Thursday in April and May and Labor Day through December; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily June through Labor Day, and until 8 p.m. Thursday. Appointments available January through March.
Where: 1350 320th Ave., Estherville, Iowa
More info: lslwinery.com or 712-858-4592
Nissen Wine
What: Tucked into the rolling hills of northern Cedar County, Neb., Nissen Wine is a family-owned and family-operated winery, with grapes planted in 12 acres of the 400-acre farm. The Nissen family selected vines to complement the calcium-rich rocky soils, climate and terrain of the region. The first vines were planted in spring 2003. Vines have been added every year since. The first harvest and fermentation occurred in 2006 and is now ready to be enjoyed.
When: Call for hours.
Where: 88973 Highway 57, Hartington, Neb.
More info: 402-254-3426 or nissenwines.com
Timber Ridge Ranch & Winery
What: Timber Ridge is a recreational ranch founded in 1969 by Richard and LaDonna Bumann in rural Castana, Iowa, east of Mapleton. Some camping is available on site.
When: Open to public May to October. Breakfast served at the Lodge on Saturdays and Sundays. Outdoor nondenominational church services are held at the band stand behind the winery.Â
Where:Â 33453 153rd St., Castana, Iowa
More info: 712-353-6600 or timberridgeiowa.com
Tucker Hill Vineyards
What: The vineyard offers a place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine while taking in a panoramic view of the Floyd River Valley.
When: Call for appointment.
Where: 26001 Titan, Hinton, Iowa
More info: 712-251-9819 or tuckerhillwine.com
Valiant Vineyards
What: Taste the wines, meander through the tasting room and meet the staff, then settle in at a picnic table or hammock to absorb the exceptional scenery, enjoy the wine and sample gourmet cheeses and bread.
When: Tasting room open May through August, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; in winter, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday; other times by appointment.
Where: 1500 W. Main St., Vermillion, S.D.
More info: 605-624-4500 or buffalorunwinery.com
White Headed Robin Winery
What: White Headed Robin Winery specializes in providing a variety of creative, refreshing fruit wines sure to keep the taste buds guessing. From sweet to semidry, there is something for every wine drinker.
When: 1 to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May through November
Where:Â 29123 458th Ave., Viborg, S.D.
More info:Â 605-326-4700
