Top Things To Do in Sioux City, IA
Located along the banks of the mighty Missouri River, Sioux City is one of the Midwest's most unique places to call home. With a population of over 85,000, this growing city serves as a tri-state hub for Iowans, Nebraskans, and South Dakotans alike. Our team at Country Estates of Morningside has put together a list of our favorite local restaurants and activities so you have plenty of options to choose from when planning your next outing in Sioux City.
Top 5 Restaurants in Sioux City
Marto Brewing Co.
Marto Brewing Co. is one of Sioux City’s most popular eateries and brewpubs with an open taproom that’s centered by a wood-fired oven. Since opening in 2019, it's become the go-to spot for craft beer lovers, brewing everything from hazy IPAs to barrel-aged stouts on-site, and featuring a rotating cast of taps. Don’t sleep on the Marto Brewing Co. food menu with its Neapolitan-style pizzas, house-made pretzels, lamb pops, short rib enchiladas, and a ‘Sweet Dynamite’ burger topped with jalapeño bacon. Marto Brewing Co. successfully delivers a lively, modern brewpub experience to downtown Sioux City.
Diamond Thai
La Juanita
Taqueria La Juanita is best known for its tacos packed with various meats like carne asada, al pastor, chorizo, and lengua, then piled with fresh onion and cilantro. The menu also features hearty burritos, chimichangas, and sizzling fajitas served on cast iron skillets. Service moves fast even when the line looks long, and the atmosphere is that of a classic & well-established taqueria. La Juanita is one of the tri-state area’s most beloved Mexican restaurants and continues to build upon its decade's long reputation.
Trattoria Fresco
As far as international cuisines go, there may be none more popular than Italian. At Trattoria Fresco, this family-owned and operated restaurant brings the best of Italian cuisine to Sioux City. The menu features classic comfort dishes like lasagna, chicken alfredo, rigatoni, veal chops, and a varied list of seafood and pasta specials, all served up in generous portions. The atmosphere is intimate and the friendly staff help to create a warm atmosphere for everyone. Trattoria Fresco is also known for its Sunday brunch buffet and lunch specials throughout the week.
Sneaky's Chicken
Sneaky's Chicken is a real legend in Sioux City and has been a local fixture since 1979, when brothers Dave and Rick Ferris first opened with the simple goal of providing a great meal at a fair price. Nearly five decades later, the formula hasn't changed with their famous hand-breaded, broasted fried chicken at the heart of the menu, along with pork tenderloin sandwiches, gizzards, and more. Mains come with no-nonsense sides like coleslaw, macaroni salad, and baked beans. Sneaky’s Chicken is a must-try for locals and visitors alike.
Top 5 Places To Go In Sioux City
Step into the lore of America’s most famous expedition at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, a captivating museum perched along the Missouri River. The center tells the story of the Corps of Discovery's historic journey westward, with a special focus on Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the expedition to die during the voyage, and who is buried nearby. Visitors can explore life-size dioramas, a replica keelboat, and interactive exhibits detailing the flora, fauna, and Native American tribes the explorers encountered along the way. The center also offers stunning river views and easy access to nearby trails. This is a one-of-a-kind educational experience that you don’t want to miss.
The Orpheum Theatre is the premier performing arts center in the tri-state area and symbolizes the strength of the Sioux City arts scene. This beautifully restored theater from 1927 has a way of transporting guests to another era from the moment they step inside. Originally designed to resemble a Spanish courtyard under a starlit sky, this architectural rarity now hosts touring Broadway productions, concerts, comedy shows, and community events throughout the year. The venue's ornate details and rich history make every performance feel special, with musicians and performers often commenting on the beauty of the space. For anyone seeking top-tier entertainment in an unforgettable setting, The Orpheum Theatre is the place to go.
Located within Stone State Park, the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center provides Sioux City with a peek into Iowa’s natural treasures. It features miles of scenic walking trails that wind through wooded hillsides, expansive prairies, and scenic overlooks with epic views of the Missouri River Valley. Inside the center, an array of interactive exhibits showcase local wildlife, geology, and ecosystems, adding an exciting educational element to the experience. The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center often has live animal displays with reptiles and birds of prey. The nature center will bring you closer to the natural beauty of the American Midwest.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino brings internationally-renowned, high-energy entertainment to the heart of Iowa, offering a full-scale destination for gaming, music, and more. The casino floor features hundreds of slot machines and table games for every level of player, while the hotel provides comfortable accommodations for an extended stay. Guests can enjoy live music performances from touring artists, lively bars, and a variety of restaurants ranging from casual to upscale. This is undoubtedly one of Sioux City’s most well-known destinations and the perfect place to go for a fun time.
Chris Larsen City Park makes good use of Sioux City’s most recognizable landmark: the river banks of the mighty Missouri River. The riverfront park is a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, featuring paved trails perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, along with open green spaces perfect for picnics, frisbee, or simply relaxing by the water. The riverside location provides stunning sunset views and a peaceful atmosphere, unlike anything else in the city. On top of this, the park often hosts community events, festivals, and outdoor concerts throughout the warmer months. Chris Larsen City Park is a big part of what makes the Sioux City's riverfront so special.