Grab a bike<\/strong><\/h2>\nSioux Falls is a wonderfully bikeable city, and with big blue skies and clean country air, this is a great place to ride. Just about my first stop in Sioux Falls was to Spoke-N-Sport<\/a> (2019 South Minnesota Ave.; Sioux Falls, SD 57105; 605.275.2453), a very complete bike shop with a nice rental fleet<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Giant](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4239-600x358.jpg?resize=600%2C358\")
<\/a><\/p>\nYou could choose from comfort bikes, tandem bikes or road bikes.\u00a0 I opted for a nice lightweight Giant bike, that came with helmet and lock. It was my ticket to anywhere I wanted to go in Sioux Falls.<\/p>\n
Lunch favorite<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Phillips](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-8215-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIf you bike into town, there\u2019s a downtown favorite you won\u2019t want to miss called Phillip\u2019s Avenue Diner<\/a> (121 South Phillips Avenue; Sioux Falls, SD 57104; 605.335.4977).\u00a0 As the name suggests, this is a 50\u2019s style diner, complete with malt shop vibe.<\/p>\nThey serve breakfast, lunch and dinner; in fact, you can also get breakfast for lunch or dinner. I went with the Strawberry Spinach Salad with chicken breast, candied pecans and gorgonzola cheese crumbles that was wonderful.<\/p>\n
Sertoma Butterfly House<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"Sertoma](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4231-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\")
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
If you are looking for someplace to de-stress after a hectic travel schedule, Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove<\/a> (4320 Oxbow Avenue; Sioux Falls, SD 57106; 605.334.9466) could be the place. There\u2019s just something relaxing about watching 800 live butterflies flitting from plant to plant in search of nectar. In all, you\u2019ll have a chance to see 60 to 80 different species from around the world.<\/p>\n![\"SiouxFalls-4067\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4067.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-4062\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4062.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-3988\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3988.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-3849\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-3749\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3749.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-3772\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3772.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-3814\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3814.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-3990\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3990.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-4041\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4041.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-3821\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3821.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-3865\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3865.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-3871\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3871.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nExecutive Director Audrey Willard says they receive 250 to 500 new chrysalises each week from across the globe.\u00a0 Each is hung in the \u201cemergence window\u201d where visitors can watch as the new butterflies emerge.<\/p>\n
The butterflies share their 3,600 square-feet of space with 10 cute little Button Quail which run around at will and love to play in the dirt.\u00a0 You\u2019ll also find some turtles sunning themselves in the pond. Multiple benches throughout are there for you to relax and the butterflies are happy to provide the entertainment.<\/p>\n
![\"SiouxFalls-3750\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3750-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\")
<\/a><\/p>\nOutside the butterfly enclosure is a wonderful aquarium called Marine Cove. With 10,000 gallons of aquariums, you\u2019re going to see a lot of fish and coral and anemone and so much more.<\/p>\n
![\"SiouxFalls-4179\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4179.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-4193\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4193.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-4121\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4121.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-4181\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4181.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-4192\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4192.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-4166\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-41661.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"SiouxFalls-4115\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4115.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nThe colors were the thing that struck me initially, so vibrant and intense. Willard explained that they have actually been pioneering the use of LED illumination for their aquariums, which makes a big difference in how you perceive the hues of the various species.<\/p>\n
Kids will love the \u201chands on\u201d experience in the Shark and Stingray Tank. Down at a child\u2019s level, they can reach in and touch both the Horn & Bamboo sharks and the three curious and friendly Southern stingrays.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\nStep up to the tide pool and touch a star fish or sea urchin. Marvel at the beauty of the green anemone and the fish eating anemone. Even parents can help but touch these unusual but intriguing characters.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\nSertoma Park<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Butterfly House is just one of number of attractions at Sertoma Park, which itself is just one of many dozens of city parks in Sioux Falls<\/a>. Each has its own personality and amenities. At Sertoma, you also find the Outdoor Campus \u2013 a wonderful resource manned by the South Dakota Dept. of Game Fish and Parks & the City of Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Department.<\/p>\nWhisper Dishes \u2013 let you project your voice across a field with giant parabolic reflectors. If the kids still have energy to spare, send them off to climb the giant geodesic dome climbing gym.<\/p>\n
Bike Trail<\/strong><\/h2>\nEncircling the entire city is an easy to ride bike trail.\u00a0 Paralleling the Big Sioux River, the bike path is actually the top of the levee built on either side of the river for a good portion of the trail. Multiple access points are available at major cross streets, but you\u2019ll either ride your bike down under the streets, so you never have to stop for traffic. Multiple abandoned train bridges cross the river and have now been lined with wooden roadways for bikes to be able to cross from side to side.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\nPortions of the bike path are shaded, but most is open to the sky, so put some sunscreen on under that helmet. You\u2019ll pass through multiple city parks and go through a couple golf courses if you ride the 19-mile loop around town.\u00a0 With side trails to explore as well, there\u2019s a total of 26 miles of bike path to enjoy.<\/p>\n
![\"SiouxFalls-8233\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-8233-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\")
<\/a><\/p>\nI exited the path at the Sanford Sports Complex<\/a>, a huge recreation area with multiple fields for football, soccer, and baseball, as well as courts for basketball, tennis and volleyball.\u00a0 It had been a long day and I was headed for my hotel. First it was a quick stop though at Beef \u2018O\u2019Brady\u2019s<\/a>, located immediately across from the hotel. Time to unwind from the bike trip with a fish and chips and a tall cold one. Coming from a rather cold Cleveland, it was great to be able to sit on their patio and actually enjoy spring weather.<\/p>\nFairfield Inn and Suites<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe highly rated Fairfield Inn & Suites Sioux Falls Airport<\/a> is relatively new, but has already won many of Marriott\u2019s top awards<\/a>. \u00a0The staff is super friendly, and on a first name basis with many of the hotel\u2019s regular guests. From the front desk to the housekeepers, they were all wonderful to deal with.<\/p>\n![\"Fairfield](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-8235-600x429.jpg?resize=600%2C429\")
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
There were no bike racks on property, but they happily opened a locked storage room for me each night to park my bike and helmet. Heading back to my room, I got a chance to peak into the workout room and the very inviting pool area.<\/p>\n
I stayed on the fourth floor in room 421. Super quiet and comfortable, this room was set up with a king bed and a well-lit desk\/dresser\/TV area with a half-dozen outlets for recharging all my batteries and electronics.\u00a0 It\u2019s the first hotel I\u2019ve stayed in recently where I didn\u2019t have to get out my little traveling power strip for all my gadgets.<\/p>\n
The shower was my first priority after biking most of the day, and the one here was quite large with full height glass wall and door. Four giant plush towels awaited on the rack and I was a new person in nothing flat.<\/p>\n
Free Wi-Fi completed the package as far as I was concerned and I was able to upload, download and keep caught up on all my social media. I\u2019ve noticed a number of hotels dialing down the flow of broadband in their rooms recently, but I had no such problem here at the Fairfield.![\"SiouxFalls-4282\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4282-400x600.jpg?resize=400%2C600\")
<\/p>\n
Each room comes with a very usable mini-refrigerator, coffee pot and a microwave oven. I had picked up a pack of microwave popcorn and some pop from their lobby convenience store, so I enjoyed a late night snack before falling quickly asleep on their pillow-top mattress.<\/p>\n
![\"SiouxFalls-4281\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-4281-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\")
<\/a><\/p>\nTomorrow I\u2019m off to explore more of the bike trail system and visit the zoo. Join me as we continue to explore all Sioux Falls<\/a> has to offer.<\/p>\nDAY TWO<\/h1>\n
Day two in Sioux Falls started with a nice (also free) breakfast at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Sioux Falls Airport<\/a>. <\/span>Their dining area had a couple entr\u00e9e items that changed daily, and offered a decent selection of all the breakfast basics. Having a good breakfast is something I really enjoy when traveling as it can keep me going through lunch if need be. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nGrabbing my bike from their lock-up room, I was off to meet Kylee at the Great Plains Zoo.<\/span><\/p>\nGreat Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n![\"Amur](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-0350.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"Brown](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-0367.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"Sioux-Falls-4466\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-4466.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"Fennec](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-0709.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"Black](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-0472.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"Zebra\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-0458.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"Black](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-0395.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div>![\"Giraffe\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-0443.jpg?resize=582%2C400&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nSioux Falls has the distinction of having a combined zoo and natural history museum.\u00a0 Called the Great Plains Zoo<\/a> and the Delbridge Museum of Natural History<\/a> (805 S. Kiwanis Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104; 605-367-7003), one trip is perfect to take in both.<\/p>\n![\"Zoo\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-8239-600x297.jpg?resize=600%2C297\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIf you have older kids, you already probably know the disappointment of arriving at your child\u2019s favorite animal\u2019s display, only to find out that they are sleeping or hiding in their enclosure. No longer a problem. With the fabulous display at the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, chances are you\u2019ll find a finely mounted specimen of the same animal.\u00a0 They may not be moving, but they are most cooperative for taking selfies.<\/p>\n
![\"Delbridge](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-4491-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\")
<\/a><\/p>\nKylee Breems, Director of Marketing Communications, explained that the entire group of 150 mounted animals were originally collected by Mr. Delbridge, years ago, when hunting and collecting wild animals was legal. Through his generous donation, everyone can now enjoy them year-round. Each is placed in a geographically correct diorama of sorts, along with other animals found in similar environments. Having them side-by-side, it becomes much easier to tell the difference between a Kudo and a Bongo.<\/p>\n
The zoo offers a special children\u2019s petting area as well as displaying traditional \u201cdon\u2019t even think about petting\u201d animals. Divided into environmentally diverse sections, the 1,000 live animals include a featured Snow Monkey exhibit \u2013 one of only 13 in the country, and a special Rare Rhinos of Africa exhibit.<\/p>\n
![\"Kids](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-4481-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\")
<\/a><\/p>\nPlans to spend some time at the \u00a0Snow Monkey exhibit.\u00a0 \u201cThey tend to be quite naughty\u00a0and fun to watch\u201d explained Kylee. She was right. They were quite the crowd pleasers as kids could get face-to-face with them through a heavy plastic, shaded enclosure.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\nThe zoo is open year round but many animals are off display during winter hours. Despite following signs to the cheetah enclosure\u2026.<\/p>\n
![\"cheetah](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-4306-600x366.jpg?resize=600%2C366\")
<\/a>Cheetah<\/p><\/div>\n
all I found outside at the end of April was the Leopard Tortoise. Despite the name, they are nowhere near as quick.<\/p>\n
![\"Tortoise\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-0411-600x399.jpg?resize=600%2C399\")
<\/a>Leopard Tortoise<\/p><\/div>\n
Arriving at the bison enclosure, the animals were all at the back of the fenced in area, close to the bike trail which passes just outside the zoo.<\/p>\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-4356-600x287.jpg?resize=600%2C287\")
<\/a>American Bison<\/p><\/div>\n
Grab a bench like I did, and give them 15 minutes, and they eventually wandered right up front for a great close-up view.<\/p>\n
![\"Bison\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-0689-600x399.jpg?resize=600%2C399\")
<\/a>American Bison<\/p><\/div>\n
Photographers tip:\u00a0 Take a manual focus camera with the fastest lens available (preferably f2.8) as you\u2019ll be shooting through numerous single and double fences for many of the potentially dangerous mammals. With a simple point and shoot camera, you are going to get a lot more fence than Black Bear.<\/p>\n
![\"Black](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-4296-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\")
<\/a>Black Bear behind double fence<\/p><\/div>\n
After shooting 750 shots of live and once-live animals, it was time for a late lunch or early dinner. Someone recommended a Sioux Falls tradition, so I was off in search of Bob\u2019s Cafe.<\/p>\n
Bob\u2019s Carry Out and Delivery<\/strong><\/h2>\nBob\u2019s building has been around since the dawn of time (at least since 1944 when it was the Pickle Palace) and I\u2019m guessing the exterior looked just the same back then. It was actually built from lumber from a destroyed building in downtown Sioux Falls.<\/p>\n
![\"Bob's](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-8246-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/p>\nBut what\u2019s inside is what\u2019s important, and Bob\u2019s Carry Out & Delivery<\/span> (1312 W 12th<\/sup> St.; Sioux Falls, SD 57104; 605-336-7260) is a neighborhood favorite.<\/p>\n![\"Bob's](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-8247-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAfter perusing the menu, I decided on the Chicken and Ribs combo, with fries and coleslaw. Not unique, but it was mouthwatering good.\u00a0 The juicy, broasted chicken had that classic crunch and the rib meat was off the bone. Very enjoyable and filling.<\/p>\n
![\"Bob's](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-8252-600x450.jpg?resize=600%2C450\")
<\/a><\/p>\nIt seems to be \u201cthe\u201d carryout spot in town, as no less than a dozen people came in for large carryout orders while I was there.<\/p>\n
Falls Park<\/strong><\/h2>\nNourished and full, I needed to work off some calories, so it was off to Falls Park<\/a>, the signature natural attraction in downtown Sioux Falls.\u00a0 Ever since the city was founded in 1856, the series of cascading falls is a magnet for young and old alike.<\/p>\n![\"Sioux](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-4257-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400\")
<\/a><\/p>\nUnique to many waterfall locations, you can actually climb around and get close to these falls.\u00a0 Walkways for the less adventurous are available, but kids and the young-at-heart can be seen bounding from rock to rock for a better view. Photographers must fall in that later category, as I found myself climbing for a better perch from which to photograph the falls.<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\nSoak up some city history by visiting and reading about the historic Queen Bee Mill, one of the city\u2019s first big enterprises. Then head over to the Light and Power Company Building which now houses the Falls Overlook Caf\u00e9<\/a> and don\u2019t miss the Visitor Information Center<\/a> with its 50\u2019-tall viewing tower which offers the best panoramic view of the falls.<\/p>\n![\"Sioux](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Sioux-Falls-4273-540x600.jpg?resize=540%2C600\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFalls Park Farmers Market<\/a> is open here on Saturday mornings during the summer\/fall months and is worth a trip if your schedule permits.<\/p>\nDisclosure:\u00a0 Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau assisted me with this trip, but all opinions and descriptions are strictly my own.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Traveling east? Traveling west? If so, chances are you may be following Interstate 90. And if you are, you owe it to yourself to plan a couple days in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I\u2019m in Sioux Falls right now and I\u2019d love to share some recommendations for a great two days. DAY ONE Grab a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13820,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","cos_headline_score":0,"cos_seo_score":0,"cos_headline_text":"","cos_headline_has_been_analyzed":false,"cos_last_analyzed_headline":[],"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[526,1527,2171,500,741,3528,3526,3880,1431,3527,3525,1381],"class_list":["post-13814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-accommodations","tag-aquarium","tag-bike-trails","tag-biking","tag-butterflies","tag-coral","tag-fairfield-inn-suites","tag-medium","tag-sd","tag-sea-life","tag-sioux-falls","tag-south-dakota"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=150%2C100&ssl=1",150,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=768%2C512&ssl=1",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1",600,400,true],"rpg_gallery_admin_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"rpg_gallery_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,true],"gb-block-post-grid-landscape":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1",600,400,true],"gb-block-post-grid-square":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1",600,600,true],"et-pb-post-main-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1",400,250,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1",1080,675,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=400%2C284&ssl=1",400,284,true],"et-pb-portfolio-module-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=510%2C382&ssl=1",510,382,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1080%2C720&ssl=1",1080,720,true],"et-pb-gallery-module-image-portrait":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=400%2C516&ssl=1",400,516,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth-large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--desktop":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1",1200,720,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--tablet":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=980%2C551&ssl=1",980,551,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--phone":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=480%2C270&ssl=1",480,270,true]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"
Traveling east? Traveling west? If so, chances are you may be following Interstate 90. And if you are, you owe it to yourself to plan a couple days in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I\u2019m in Sioux Falls right now and I\u2019d love to share some recommendations for a great two days. DAY ONE Grab a bike Sioux Falls is a wonderfully bikeable city, and with big blue skies and clean country air, this is a great place to ride. Just about my first stop in Sioux Falls was to Spoke-N-Sport (2019 South Minnesota Ave.; Sioux Falls, SD 57105; 605.275.2453), a…<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"Travel<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Doug","url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"comments_num_v2":"3 comments","author_meta":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["Travel<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Travel<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["accommodations<\/a>","aquarium<\/a>","Bike trails<\/a>","biking<\/a>","butterflies<\/a>","coral<\/a>","Fairfield Inn & Suites<\/a>","Medium<\/a>","SD<\/a>","sea life<\/a>","Sioux Falls<\/a>","South Dakota<\/a>"],"unlinked":["accommodations<\/span>","aquarium<\/span>","Bike trails<\/span>","biking<\/span>","butterflies<\/span>","coral<\/span>","Fairfield Inn & Suites<\/span>","Medium<\/span>","SD<\/span>","sea life<\/span>","Sioux Falls<\/span>","South Dakota<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":3,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 11 years ago","modified":"Updated 8 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on May 1, 2015","modified":"Updated on November 19, 2017"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on May 1, 2015 9:45 am","modified":"Updated on November 19, 2017 10:00 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p21Ejy-3AO","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3578,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/outdoor-adventures-in-sioux-falls-sd\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":0},"title":"Outdoor adventures in Sioux Falls, SD","author":"Doug","date":"November 7, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"While many people equate South Dakota with Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, there\u2019s a whole lot more there if you saunter over to the southeast side of the state.\u00a0 Sioux Falls is the state\u2019s largest city and just a one-day drive from Chicago, St. Louis, Winnepeg or Denver. \u00a0 Central\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Sioux Falls","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/SiouxFalls-.jpg?fit=600%2C398&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/SiouxFalls-.jpg?fit=600%2C398&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/SiouxFalls-.jpg?fit=600%2C398&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3712,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/would-you-do-what-jesse-james-did-in-garretson-sd\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":1},"title":"Would you do what Jesse James did in Garretson, SD?","author":"Doug","date":"November 20, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Tucked away in the southeast corner of South Dakota, not far from Sioux Falls, \u00a0there\u2019s a little town that\u2019s big on bank robber folklore. Garretson, SD is where Jessie James made his getaway from the sheriff\u2019s posse after sticking up the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota. Considering that Northfield\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Bridge over Devils Gulch","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Garretson-.jpg?fit=800%2C531&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Garretson-.jpg?fit=800%2C531&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Garretson-.jpg?fit=800%2C531&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Garretson-.jpg?fit=800%2C531&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3354,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/the-worlds-only-corn-palace-in-mitchell-south-dakota\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":2},"title":"The world’s only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota","author":"Doug","date":"October 17, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"For a real piece of Americana, a road trip to Mitchell, South Dakota is sure to be memorable.\u00a0 Located in southeastern South Dakota, Mitchell is about one-hour, due west of Sioux Falls along I-90. You need to get off the highway to see its main attraction at the corner of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Corn_Palace-6912.jpg?fit=600%2C399&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Corn_Palace-6912.jpg?fit=600%2C399&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Corn_Palace-6912.jpg?fit=600%2C399&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13867,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/bird-watching-south-dakota-style\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":3},"title":"Bird watching – South Dakota style","author":"Doug","date":"May 4, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Southeast South Dakota was the destination for many birders this weekend. Attendees from surrounding states attended the fifth annual South Dakota Birding Festival at Fort Randall in Pickstown, SD. From the tiniest wren to the Great Egret, there were birds of all shapes and sizes to enjoy. If nature and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Travel"","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Yellow Warbler being banded","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1945,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/the-great-ontario-to-quebec-via-rail-2012-biking-adventure-day-four\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":4},"title":"The great Ontario to Quebec VIA Rail 2012 biking adventure \u2013 Day Four","author":"Doug","date":"June 5, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"[If you missed any of the previous or subsequent articles in this series, there\u2019s a list of all the articles with hyperlinks here at the end of Day Ten.] With my fluorescent yellow rain jacket and all my gear in plastic bags, the rain isn\u2019t going to hold me down\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Rideau Falls","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Rideau-Falls.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Rideau-Falls.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Rideau-Falls.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Rideau-Falls.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7166,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/victoria-falls-great-hotel-choices-choose\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":5},"title":"Victoria Falls has great hotel choices \u2013 how to choose?","author":"Doug","date":"October 23, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"In addition to all the activities available at Victoria Falls, you\u2019ve got another big decision to make. Where will you spend the night? Depending on your preferences, there are a number of choices that all carry the \u201chighly recommended\u201d rating by DougBardwell.com \u00a0 CLOSE TO TOWN IN CLASSIC STYLE Originally\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Travel"","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Victoria Falls Safari Lodge","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Victoria-Falls-Safari-Lodge-9992.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Victoria-Falls-Safari-Lodge-9992.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Victoria-Falls-Safari-Lodge-9992.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13814","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13814"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13814\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13820"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13814"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13814"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
You could choose from comfort bikes, tandem bikes or road bikes.\u00a0 I opted for a nice lightweight Giant bike, that came with helmet and lock. It was my ticket to anywhere I wanted to go in Sioux Falls.<\/p>\n If you bike into town, there\u2019s a downtown favorite you won\u2019t want to miss called Phillip\u2019s Avenue Diner<\/a> (121 South Phillips Avenue; Sioux Falls, SD 57104; 605.335.4977).\u00a0 As the name suggests, this is a 50\u2019s style diner, complete with malt shop vibe.<\/p>\n They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner; in fact, you can also get breakfast for lunch or dinner. I went with the Strawberry Spinach Salad with chicken breast, candied pecans and gorgonzola cheese crumbles that was wonderful.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you are looking for someplace to de-stress after a hectic travel schedule, Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove<\/a> (4320 Oxbow Avenue; Sioux Falls, SD 57106; 605.334.9466) could be the place. There\u2019s just something relaxing about watching 800 live butterflies flitting from plant to plant in search of nectar. In all, you\u2019ll have a chance to see 60 to 80 different species from around the world.<\/p>\n Executive Director Audrey Willard says they receive 250 to 500 new chrysalises each week from across the globe.\u00a0 Each is hung in the \u201cemergence window\u201d where visitors can watch as the new butterflies emerge.<\/p>\n The butterflies share their 3,600 square-feet of space with 10 cute little Button Quail which run around at will and love to play in the dirt.\u00a0 You\u2019ll also find some turtles sunning themselves in the pond. Multiple benches throughout are there for you to relax and the butterflies are happy to provide the entertainment.<\/p>\n Outside the butterfly enclosure is a wonderful aquarium called Marine Cove. With 10,000 gallons of aquariums, you\u2019re going to see a lot of fish and coral and anemone and so much more.<\/p>\n The colors were the thing that struck me initially, so vibrant and intense. Willard explained that they have actually been pioneering the use of LED illumination for their aquariums, which makes a big difference in how you perceive the hues of the various species.<\/p>\n Kids will love the \u201chands on\u201d experience in the Shark and Stingray Tank. Down at a child\u2019s level, they can reach in and touch both the Horn & Bamboo sharks and the three curious and friendly Southern stingrays.<\/p>\n Step up to the tide pool and touch a star fish or sea urchin. Marvel at the beauty of the green anemone and the fish eating anemone. Even parents can help but touch these unusual but intriguing characters.<\/p>\n The Butterfly House is just one of number of attractions at Sertoma Park, which itself is just one of many dozens of city parks in Sioux Falls<\/a>. Each has its own personality and amenities. At Sertoma, you also find the Outdoor Campus \u2013 a wonderful resource manned by the South Dakota Dept. of Game Fish and Parks & the City of Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation Department.<\/p>\n Whisper Dishes \u2013 let you project your voice across a field with giant parabolic reflectors. If the kids still have energy to spare, send them off to climb the giant geodesic dome climbing gym.<\/p>\n Encircling the entire city is an easy to ride bike trail.\u00a0 Paralleling the Big Sioux River, the bike path is actually the top of the levee built on either side of the river for a good portion of the trail. Multiple access points are available at major cross streets, but you\u2019ll either ride your bike down under the streets, so you never have to stop for traffic. Multiple abandoned train bridges cross the river and have now been lined with wooden roadways for bikes to be able to cross from side to side.<\/p>\n Portions of the bike path are shaded, but most is open to the sky, so put some sunscreen on under that helmet. You\u2019ll pass through multiple city parks and go through a couple golf courses if you ride the 19-mile loop around town.\u00a0 With side trails to explore as well, there\u2019s a total of 26 miles of bike path to enjoy.<\/p>\n I exited the path at the Sanford Sports Complex<\/a>, a huge recreation area with multiple fields for football, soccer, and baseball, as well as courts for basketball, tennis and volleyball.\u00a0 It had been a long day and I was headed for my hotel. First it was a quick stop though at Beef \u2018O\u2019Brady\u2019s<\/a>, located immediately across from the hotel. Time to unwind from the bike trip with a fish and chips and a tall cold one. Coming from a rather cold Cleveland, it was great to be able to sit on their patio and actually enjoy spring weather.<\/p>\n The highly rated Fairfield Inn & Suites Sioux Falls Airport<\/a> is relatively new, but has already won many of Marriott\u2019s top awards<\/a>. \u00a0The staff is super friendly, and on a first name basis with many of the hotel\u2019s regular guests. From the front desk to the housekeepers, they were all wonderful to deal with.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There were no bike racks on property, but they happily opened a locked storage room for me each night to park my bike and helmet. Heading back to my room, I got a chance to peak into the workout room and the very inviting pool area.<\/p>\n I stayed on the fourth floor in room 421. Super quiet and comfortable, this room was set up with a king bed and a well-lit desk\/dresser\/TV area with a half-dozen outlets for recharging all my batteries and electronics.\u00a0 It\u2019s the first hotel I\u2019ve stayed in recently where I didn\u2019t have to get out my little traveling power strip for all my gadgets.<\/p>\n The shower was my first priority after biking most of the day, and the one here was quite large with full height glass wall and door. Four giant plush towels awaited on the rack and I was a new person in nothing flat.<\/p>\n Free Wi-Fi completed the package as far as I was concerned and I was able to upload, download and keep caught up on all my social media. I\u2019ve noticed a number of hotels dialing down the flow of broadband in their rooms recently, but I had no such problem here at the Fairfield. Each room comes with a very usable mini-refrigerator, coffee pot and a microwave oven. I had picked up a pack of microwave popcorn and some pop from their lobby convenience store, so I enjoyed a late night snack before falling quickly asleep on their pillow-top mattress.<\/p>\n Tomorrow I\u2019m off to explore more of the bike trail system and visit the zoo. Join me as we continue to explore all Sioux Falls<\/a> has to offer.<\/p>\n Day two in Sioux Falls started with a nice (also free) breakfast at the Fairfield Inn & Suites Sioux Falls Airport<\/a>. <\/span>Their dining area had a couple entr\u00e9e items that changed daily, and offered a decent selection of all the breakfast basics. Having a good breakfast is something I really enjoy when traveling as it can keep me going through lunch if need be. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Grabbing my bike from their lock-up room, I was off to meet Kylee at the Great Plains Zoo.<\/span><\/p>\n Sioux Falls has the distinction of having a combined zoo and natural history museum.\u00a0 Called the Great Plains Zoo<\/a> and the Delbridge Museum of Natural History<\/a> (805 S. Kiwanis Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104; 605-367-7003), one trip is perfect to take in both.<\/p>\n If you have older kids, you already probably know the disappointment of arriving at your child\u2019s favorite animal\u2019s display, only to find out that they are sleeping or hiding in their enclosure. No longer a problem. With the fabulous display at the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, chances are you\u2019ll find a finely mounted specimen of the same animal.\u00a0 They may not be moving, but they are most cooperative for taking selfies.<\/p>\n Kylee Breems, Director of Marketing Communications, explained that the entire group of 150 mounted animals were originally collected by Mr. Delbridge, years ago, when hunting and collecting wild animals was legal. Through his generous donation, everyone can now enjoy them year-round. Each is placed in a geographically correct diorama of sorts, along with other animals found in similar environments. Having them side-by-side, it becomes much easier to tell the difference between a Kudo and a Bongo.<\/p>\n The zoo offers a special children\u2019s petting area as well as displaying traditional \u201cdon\u2019t even think about petting\u201d animals. Divided into environmentally diverse sections, the 1,000 live animals include a featured Snow Monkey exhibit \u2013 one of only 13 in the country, and a special Rare Rhinos of Africa exhibit.<\/p>\n Plans to spend some time at the \u00a0Snow Monkey exhibit.\u00a0 \u201cThey tend to be quite naughty\u00a0and fun to watch\u201d explained Kylee. She was right. They were quite the crowd pleasers as kids could get face-to-face with them through a heavy plastic, shaded enclosure.<\/p>\n The zoo is open year round but many animals are off display during winter hours. Despite following signs to the cheetah enclosure\u2026.<\/p>\n Cheetah<\/p><\/div>\n all I found outside at the end of April was the Leopard Tortoise. Despite the name, they are nowhere near as quick.<\/p>\n Leopard Tortoise<\/p><\/div>\n Arriving at the bison enclosure, the animals were all at the back of the fenced in area, close to the bike trail which passes just outside the zoo.<\/p>\n American Bison<\/p><\/div>\n Grab a bench like I did, and give them 15 minutes, and they eventually wandered right up front for a great close-up view.<\/p>\n American Bison<\/p><\/div>\n Photographers tip:\u00a0 Take a manual focus camera with the fastest lens available (preferably f2.8) as you\u2019ll be shooting through numerous single and double fences for many of the potentially dangerous mammals. With a simple point and shoot camera, you are going to get a lot more fence than Black Bear.<\/p>\n Black Bear behind double fence<\/p><\/div>\n After shooting 750 shots of live and once-live animals, it was time for a late lunch or early dinner. Someone recommended a Sioux Falls tradition, so I was off in search of Bob\u2019s Cafe.<\/p>\n Bob\u2019s building has been around since the dawn of time (at least since 1944 when it was the Pickle Palace) and I\u2019m guessing the exterior looked just the same back then. It was actually built from lumber from a destroyed building in downtown Sioux Falls.<\/p>\n But what\u2019s inside is what\u2019s important, and Bob\u2019s Carry Out & Delivery<\/span> (1312 W 12th<\/sup> St.; Sioux Falls, SD 57104; 605-336-7260) is a neighborhood favorite.<\/p>\n After perusing the menu, I decided on the Chicken and Ribs combo, with fries and coleslaw. Not unique, but it was mouthwatering good.\u00a0 The juicy, broasted chicken had that classic crunch and the rib meat was off the bone. Very enjoyable and filling.<\/p>\n It seems to be \u201cthe\u201d carryout spot in town, as no less than a dozen people came in for large carryout orders while I was there.<\/p>\n Nourished and full, I needed to work off some calories, so it was off to Falls Park<\/a>, the signature natural attraction in downtown Sioux Falls.\u00a0 Ever since the city was founded in 1856, the series of cascading falls is a magnet for young and old alike.<\/p>\n Unique to many waterfall locations, you can actually climb around and get close to these falls.\u00a0 Walkways for the less adventurous are available, but kids and the young-at-heart can be seen bounding from rock to rock for a better view. Photographers must fall in that later category, as I found myself climbing for a better perch from which to photograph the falls.<\/p>\n Soak up some city history by visiting and reading about the historic Queen Bee Mill, one of the city\u2019s first big enterprises. Then head over to the Light and Power Company Building which now houses the Falls Overlook Caf\u00e9<\/a> and don\u2019t miss the Visitor Information Center<\/a> with its 50\u2019-tall viewing tower which offers the best panoramic view of the falls.<\/p>\n Falls Park Farmers Market<\/a> is open here on Saturday mornings during the summer\/fall months and is worth a trip if your schedule permits.<\/p>\n Disclosure:\u00a0 Sioux Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau assisted me with this trip, but all opinions and descriptions are strictly my own.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Traveling east? Traveling west? If so, chances are you may be following Interstate 90. And if you are, you owe it to yourself to plan a couple days in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I\u2019m in Sioux Falls right now and I\u2019d love to share some recommendations for a great two days. DAY ONE Grab a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13820,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","cos_headline_score":0,"cos_seo_score":0,"cos_headline_text":"","cos_headline_has_been_analyzed":false,"cos_last_analyzed_headline":[],"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":[],"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","advgb_blocks_editor_width":"","advgb_blocks_columns_visual_guide":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":true,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[526,1527,2171,500,741,3528,3526,3880,1431,3527,3525,1381],"class_list":["post-13814","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-accommodations","tag-aquarium","tag-bike-trails","tag-biking","tag-butterflies","tag-coral","tag-fairfield-inn-suites","tag-medium","tag-sd","tag-sea-life","tag-sioux-falls","tag-south-dakota"],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=150%2C100&ssl=1",150,100,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=768%2C512&ssl=1",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=600%2C400&ssl=1",600,400,true],"rpg_gallery_admin_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"rpg_gallery_thumb":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1",150,150,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,true],"gb-block-post-grid-landscape":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1",600,400,true],"gb-block-post-grid-square":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1",600,600,true],"et-pb-post-main-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=400%2C250&ssl=1",400,250,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=1080%2C675&ssl=1",1080,675,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=400%2C284&ssl=1",400,284,true],"et-pb-portfolio-module-image":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=510%2C382&ssl=1",510,382,true],"et-pb-portfolio-image-single":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1080%2C720&ssl=1",1080,720,true],"et-pb-gallery-module-image-portrait":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=400%2C516&ssl=1",400,516,true],"et-pb-post-main-image-fullwidth-large":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1",1200,800,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--desktop":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=1200%2C720&ssl=1",1200,720,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--tablet":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=980%2C551&ssl=1",980,551,true],"et-pb-image--responsive--phone":["https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=480%2C270&ssl=1",480,270,true]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":" Traveling east? Traveling west? If so, chances are you may be following Interstate 90. And if you are, you owe it to yourself to plan a couple days in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I\u2019m in Sioux Falls right now and I\u2019d love to share some recommendations for a great two days. DAY ONE Grab a bike Sioux Falls is a wonderfully bikeable city, and with big blue skies and clean country air, this is a great place to ride. Just about my first stop in Sioux Falls was to Spoke-N-Sport (2019 South Minnesota Ave.; Sioux Falls, SD 57105; 605.275.2453), a…<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"Travel<\/a>","author_info_v2":{"name":"Doug","url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"comments_num_v2":"3 comments","author_meta":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"featured_img":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=300%2C200&ssl=1","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=600%2C400&ssl=1","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?resize=600%2C600&ssl=1","author_info":{"display_name":"Doug","author_link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/author\/admindoug\/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/SiouxFalls-3849.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1","coauthors":[],"tax_additional":{"categories":{"linked":["Travel<\/a>"],"unlinked":["Travel<\/span>"]},"tags":{"linked":["accommodations<\/a>","aquarium<\/a>","Bike trails<\/a>","biking<\/a>","butterflies<\/a>","coral<\/a>","Fairfield Inn & Suites<\/a>","Medium<\/a>","SD<\/a>","sea life<\/a>","Sioux Falls<\/a>","South Dakota<\/a>"],"unlinked":["accommodations<\/span>","aquarium<\/span>","Bike trails<\/span>","biking<\/span>","butterflies<\/span>","coral<\/span>","Fairfield Inn & Suites<\/span>","Medium<\/span>","SD<\/span>","sea life<\/span>","Sioux Falls<\/span>","South Dakota<\/span>"]}},"comment_count":3,"relative_dates":{"created":"Posted 11 years ago","modified":"Updated 8 years ago"},"absolute_dates":{"created":"Posted on May 1, 2015","modified":"Updated on November 19, 2017"},"absolute_dates_time":{"created":"Posted on May 1, 2015 9:45 am","modified":"Updated on November 19, 2017 10:00 am"},"featured_img_caption":"","series_order":"","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p21Ejy-3AO","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":3578,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/outdoor-adventures-in-sioux-falls-sd\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":0},"title":"Outdoor adventures in Sioux Falls, SD","author":"Doug","date":"November 7, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"While many people equate South Dakota with Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, there\u2019s a whole lot more there if you saunter over to the southeast side of the state.\u00a0 Sioux Falls is the state\u2019s largest city and just a one-day drive from Chicago, St. Louis, Winnepeg or Denver. \u00a0 Central\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Sioux Falls","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/SiouxFalls-.jpg?fit=600%2C398&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/SiouxFalls-.jpg?fit=600%2C398&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/SiouxFalls-.jpg?fit=600%2C398&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3712,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/would-you-do-what-jesse-james-did-in-garretson-sd\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":1},"title":"Would you do what Jesse James did in Garretson, SD?","author":"Doug","date":"November 20, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"Tucked away in the southeast corner of South Dakota, not far from Sioux Falls, \u00a0there\u2019s a little town that\u2019s big on bank robber folklore. Garretson, SD is where Jessie James made his getaway from the sheriff\u2019s posse after sticking up the First National Bank in Northfield, Minnesota. Considering that Northfield\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Bridge over Devils Gulch","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Garretson-.jpg?fit=800%2C531&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Garretson-.jpg?fit=800%2C531&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Garretson-.jpg?fit=800%2C531&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/11\/Garretson-.jpg?fit=800%2C531&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3354,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/the-worlds-only-corn-palace-in-mitchell-south-dakota\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":2},"title":"The world’s only Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota","author":"Doug","date":"October 17, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"For a real piece of Americana, a road trip to Mitchell, South Dakota is sure to be memorable.\u00a0 Located in southeastern South Dakota, Mitchell is about one-hour, due west of Sioux Falls along I-90. You need to get off the highway to see its main attraction at the corner of\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Corn_Palace-6912.jpg?fit=600%2C399&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Corn_Palace-6912.jpg?fit=600%2C399&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/10\/Corn_Palace-6912.jpg?fit=600%2C399&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13867,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/bird-watching-south-dakota-style\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":3},"title":"Bird watching – South Dakota style","author":"Doug","date":"May 4, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Southeast South Dakota was the destination for many birders this weekend. Attendees from surrounding states attended the fifth annual South Dakota Birding Festival at Fort Randall in Pickstown, SD. From the tiniest wren to the Great Egret, there were birds of all shapes and sizes to enjoy. If nature and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Travel"","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Yellow Warbler being banded","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/Birding-4769.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1945,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/the-great-ontario-to-quebec-via-rail-2012-biking-adventure-day-four\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":4},"title":"The great Ontario to Quebec VIA Rail 2012 biking adventure \u2013 Day Four","author":"Doug","date":"June 5, 2012","format":false,"excerpt":"[If you missed any of the previous or subsequent articles in this series, there\u2019s a list of all the articles with hyperlinks here at the end of Day Ten.] With my fluorescent yellow rain jacket and all my gear in plastic bags, the rain isn\u2019t going to hold me down\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Blog"","block_context":{"text":"Blog","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/latest-news-blog\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Rideau Falls","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Rideau-Falls.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Rideau-Falls.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Rideau-Falls.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Rideau-Falls.jpg?fit=1024%2C680&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7166,"url":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/victoria-falls-great-hotel-choices-choose\/","url_meta":{"origin":13814,"position":5},"title":"Victoria Falls has great hotel choices \u2013 how to choose?","author":"Doug","date":"October 23, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"In addition to all the activities available at Victoria Falls, you\u2019ve got another big decision to make. Where will you spend the night? Depending on your preferences, there are a number of choices that all carry the \u201chighly recommended\u201d rating by DougBardwell.com \u00a0 CLOSE TO TOWN IN CLASSIC STYLE Originally\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Travel"","block_context":{"text":"Travel","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/category\/travel\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Victoria Falls Safari Lodge","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Victoria-Falls-Safari-Lodge-9992.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Victoria-Falls-Safari-Lodge-9992.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Victoria-Falls-Safari-Lodge-9992.jpg?fit=600%2C450&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13814","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13814"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13814\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13820"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13814"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13814"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13814"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/a><\/p>\nLunch favorite<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nSertoma Butterfly House<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>Sertoma Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Bike Trail<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nFairfield Inn and Suites<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nDAY TWO<\/h1>\n
Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>Bob\u2019s Carry Out and Delivery<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nFalls Park<\/strong><\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n