Like most everything else these days, the price of parking in downtown Sioux Falls has also increased.

The city recently hiked up the meter rates by 25 cents per hour. It now costs motorists $1.50 an hour to park in metered parking spots throughout downtown Sioux Falls.

What's even more frustrating than the recent bump in parking prices, is trying to find a parking spot itself most days. Especially during certain times throughout the day, like the noon hour for instance. Maybe it's just me, but there are times when it feels like you almost need to park all the way down in Canton and walk in. I guess that speaks volumes about the popularity of the downtown Sioux Falls area, but it can also be extremely frustrating if you happen to be operating on a tight schedule.

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When it comes to metered parking spaces, have you ever wondered where all the parking meter money is going?

Dakota News Now reports the money you place in those downtown parking meters is used to support services in the parking division.

Matt Nelson, the Public Parking and Utility Manager for Sioux Falls told Dakota News Now, “All the money that is in our fund, stays in our fund. We’re an enterprise fund. So it’s all supported by the fines and fees. That pays for a system to make it easier to park downtown. And we have to have it because this isn’t a Walmart here where there are 1,000 free parking spots.”

According to the city of Sioux Falls website, the city claims to offer over 1,000 on-street and over 2500 off-street parking spaces for public use.

The parking meters downtown are enforced from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. However, residents are able to park for free in the downtown Sioux Falls area after 5 PM every weekday. There is also no charge to park on the weekends and on holidays.

Source: Dakota News Now/City of Sioux Falls

Worst Parking Lots in Sioux Falls Metro

Let's face it, some of the parking lots in the Sioux Falls metro are pretty hard to navigate. Sometimes it feels as though you're taking a risk driving through them on a busy day.

We made a list of some of the worst parking lots in the Sioux Falls Metro. Be extra careful while guiding your vehicle in these tricky lots.

Is the parking lot you dread driving in the most on this list? Take a look and find out.

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.