While I was preparing my two-month tour of Sioux Falls, one of the top attractions in the city was the Washington Pavilion. We have an outdoor pavilion here in Sioux City, and like the Washington
While I was preparing my two-month tour of Sioux Falls, one of the top attractions in the city was the Washington Pavilion. We have an outdoor pavilion here in Sioux City, and like the Washington Pavilion, it too is used for events and family photos. Down by the riverfront, our pavilion here in town will soon also host a beautiful Ferris wheel, but more on that next year when it’s complete. Back to the Washington Pavilion.
Not knowing what to expect, my friend Taylor and I decided to drive up to Sioux Falls one morning, and after eating at the Falls Overlook Café, we drove downtown, easily found and parking spot, fed the meter, and embarked on an eventful afternoon.
From a school to a pavilion: Still educating
Built in 1908 as the original Washington High School, we are able to recognize the all-too-familiar pink Sioux quartzite used in many other historic buildings, such as the Old Courthouse Museum we just visited last week, along with the Peirce Mansion on Jackson Street in Sioux City. And just like these historic buildings, the old school was eventually given a facelift and new purpose. In 1992 a new Washington High School was built not far from downtown after it became clear that the growing enrollment of students was quickly surpassing the nearly century-old structure.
Renamed the Washington Pavilion, it has since hosted concerts, choir recitals, seasonal craft fairs, and even theater plays put on by local and nearby colleges. In fact, there are events happening all Summer long, just head over to their website (https://www.washingtonpavilion.org/) to find out more information on how to host an event, and check out their current schedule. And don’t forget to visit their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/washpav/) where you’ll find giveaways, chances to win prizes, and even get invited to a members-only movie night.
Dinosaurs and art!
Starting off, we knew this was going to be a wild ride when we were greeted by two life-size dinosaurs directly outside the pavilion’s front door. This alone makes for an epic photo bomb! Walking in we were pleasantly surprised by the welcoming design, and impressed that they even have their own restaurant, Leonardo’s Café. We will definitely have to come up here again, and enjoy some brunch while exploring more of downtown Sioux Falls.
Walking up the grand staircase, we started off with the Visual Arts Center. There were old posters from all around the world, an interactive shadow gallery, scrap metal art, and amazing colorful paintings expressing Native American heritage.
Science and outer space!
Further walking up to the third floor, we came upon the Kirby Science Discovery Center. Whoa! This place is cool! We were immediately transported back to our childlike selves as we interacted with exhibits and read about space, science and even the importance of agriculture. We even found more dinosaurs, and a paleontology dig with dino bones and prehistoric artifacts. In fact, we didn’t plan on sharing the pavilion with fifty, or so, rambunctious kids, but it turns out that there were two bus loads of first and third graders out on a field trip, and the sound of screaming children was like music to our ears.
It was obvious these kids were truly enjoying themselves, and my friend, who has four kids of her own commented that she couldn’t believe there was no admission fee. Unbelievably, the pavilion is free to the public, and encourages parents to spend an afternoon allowing their energetic heathens to exhaust their energy and learn all they can while playing in and on these amazing hands-on exhibits. Similarly, we have the LaunchPad here in Sioux City, but there is a yearly fee required if parents want to bring their children here throughout the year. So, for Sioux Falls to make this impressively large playground free to everyone of all ages, is truly inspiring and heartwarming.
Plan your visit, and maybe your event
The three floors of art and exhibits is just one aspect of the Washington Pavilion, in fact this building is much bigger than it appears. Capable of hosting large scale weddings with a 300-guest count, the grand Orpheum theater is just one venue location on premise available for rent. From simple board rooms for corporate events to entertaining parties at the CineDome, the options are endless.
So, the next time you’re in Sioux Falls with or without your kids, and are looking for an inexpensive activity to do, consider the Washington Pavilion. In addition, there are surprisingly many free things to do in the Queen City. Between the Old Courthouse Museum, the Falls Park and even the Sculpture walk, you could easily fill your day with so many budget-friendly things to do. We have one more stop on our Sioux Falls tour, and I saved the beset for last! I’ll give you two hints…I hope you’re hungry, because we’ll be following the footsteps of an internationally recognized celebrity!
For further reading material check out these articles:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Pavilion_of_Arts_and_Science
- https://www.siouxfalls.business/washington-pavilion-announces-new-projects-corporate-partners/
- https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/washington-pavilion-sioux-falls/1a3f9e4f1d4bcc31.html
- https://kelo.com/2021/04/01/148861/
- https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/listing/washington-pavilion
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Sat: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 12pm to 5pm
*Note: For the most part these are their operating hours, but they do change seasonally, so visit here (https://www.washingtonpavilion.org/plan-your-visit/hours) to help answer your questions.
605-367-6000
301 S Main Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
