This Walkable River City In Iowa Is Made for Exploring on Foot

Tucked into the far northwest corner of the state, Sioux City is famed for its colorful past and its historic connections to organized crime. But did you know it’s also a contender for the title of most walkable city in Iowa? It’s come a long way since the Prohibition era and its lawless past, becoming an enviable pedestrian city with a walkable, historic downtown, impressive public parks, and over 80 miles of walking trails, many of them along the scenic Missouri River. 

Why This City In Iowa Is So Walkable

The key factors that make Sioux City one of the best walkable cities in Iowa are trail access and connectedness. Different parts of the city are linked through a series of 22 urban and nature trails that loop between Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. You can quite literally walk anywhere and everywhere, between the historic downtown and an astounding 59 public parks, plus five splash pads, three swimming pools, two dog parks, and an ice center.

The Best Areas To Explore Walking 

It’s not surprising that many of the best things to do in Sioux City, Iowa, revolve around walking and getting outdoors. My favorite areas are the Riverfront Area, riddled with museums and playgrounds along the Missouri River, and Historic Fourth Street. Also known as the Lower Fourth, it features several dozen historic storefronts filled with boutique shops, local eateries,  and art galleries, plus the nearby Orpheum Theatre and Sioux City Arts Center. But the attractions I love the most in Sioux City are the Sergeant Floyd River Museum, Larsen Park, and the Lewis and Clark Trail. It’s all part of the Sioux City Riverfront, which intersects with the 10-mile Riverfront Trail, helping to establish it as one of the best outdoorsy towns in Iowa.

Where To Eat, Shop, and Relax In This Walkable City In Iowa

Most of the scenic cities in Iowa are characterized by their proximity to the water, and Sioux City is no different. Its entire western border is formed by the Missouri River, a 10-mile stretch that offers the best views, parks, trails, and outdoor recreation. But something unique about Sioux City is that the historic downtown is not on the water but within walking distance of it. This means Sioux City has two walking zones, each with a unique experience, connected by incredible pedestrian infrastructure.  Most of the shopping and eating are in the historic district, while the outdoor recreation experiences are on the waterfront, but both are followed by an abundance of arts and museum attractions. If there’s one thing you must eat while in Sioux City, it’s a hot dog. This city loves its hot dogs, and one of the best places to get one is at the Milwaukee Weiner House, which has been selling Sioux City Dogs since 1918. They also serve classic root beer floats and homemade pies. It’s one of the few local eateries perfectly sandwiched between Fourth Street and the Riverfront. 

Sioux City has an intriguing past and a beguiling present, offering the perfect blend of history and modernity. And its obsession with exploring on foot and savoring the waterfront makes it a surprisingly walkable city in Iowa worth adding to your summer road trip bucket list.