How To Avoid Parking Fees In Downtown Sioux Falls

So there I was on New Year’s Day, downtown Sioux Falls, stomach growling like I hadn’t eaten since last year (because technically, I hadn’t), and that's when it hit me: I need to pay for parking downtown, even on a major holiday. Cue the dramatic “DOOH!”

As if that weren’t enough, I also committed the ultimate rookie metered parking mistake: I forgot to raid my glorious cup of loose change before leaving the house. You know the one. The sacred container filled with dimes, quarters, and mysterious coins from other countries you’ve never visited. With no pocket change to feed the meter, I was forced to swipe my debit card for like $4.00 worth of parking fees. I know, first-world problem, right?

Let this be your friendly reminder: the City of Sioux Falls updated its downtown metered parking policy early last summer. Translation? You now have to pay to park downtown six days a week, Monday through Saturday, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Holidays apparently do not get a free pass.

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Note to self, and maybe you, too, always keep a cup of coins stashed somewhere in a cubbyhole of your car.

Now, if you’re notoriously cheap like me, the good news is there are ways to park downtown without sacrificing your lunch budget. After 5:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends, several downtown parking options are completely free.

Downtown Sioux Falls has multiple parking ramps that make life easier.

The First Avenue Ramp at 110 East 11th Street, for instance, offers 630 spots and puts you just steps away from Phillips Avenue shopping and dining. The Mall Avenue Ramp at 110 South Mall Avenue holds up to 525 vehicles, while the Block 11 Ramp at 112 South Main Avenue adds another 353 spots.

According to Pigeon 605, one of downtown’s best-kept parking secrets is the Washington Pavilion Ramp at 121 West 12th Street, perfect for Pavilion events or a night out on Main or Phillips Avenue.

Not a fan of ramps? No worries.

The Main Avenue Lot at 201 South Main Avenue offers 65 spots and gets you close to several downtown hotspots.

Bottom line: There are plenty of parking options downtown, outside of metered parking spots. If you choose a metered spot, remember to keep a few coins in your car, as the meters don’t care about your holiday plans.

The Ultimate Sioux Falls Visitor's Guide: A to Z

Sioux Falls has lots to explore; fun stuff for the whole family, food of every kind, educational opportunities, and more! If you have out-of-town guests visiting, you're new to Sioux Falls, or you're thinking about moving here, this is a must-see guide.

Take some great photos to post on social media (and don't forget the hashtag #HiFromSiouxFalls).

Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We call it the 'Sioux Empire.' It's the biggest city in the state with a population of over 206,000. We’re known for our namesake, Falls Park, along the Big Sioux River. Sioux Falls has received numerous accolades for its quality of life. We have been named the number one best place to rent in America. We’ve topped the list of Best States to Find a Job. Sioux Falls is the Best City in America for Young Professionals. We've appeared on lists such as Most Charming Small Cities, Top 10 Place to Raise Kids, and even ranked 10th in the 2020 Top 100 Best Places to Live. We have an abundance of achievements, and you can see them on the Sioux Falls Development Foundation's website.

It's a pretty awesome city and that's why we think you should come and visit. If you're coming for business or pleasure, we've put together a list of places to go and things to see.

We know you want to explore the attractions the city is known for like Falls Park, the Arc of Dreams, and the Sculpture Walk, but there's a lot more to see and do than just the touristy (that's really a word) stuff. The best places to go are where the locals go and we have a not your average, ordinary visitor's guide.

Here's a list of over 100 things to do and places to go in Sioux Falls.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown - KKRC