Dive into South Dakota's Premier Water Park Starting This Weekend

What's one of the best ways to keep cool on a hot summer day? Take your body to a large body of water.

Residents of the Sioux Empire will be able to start doing that again this Memorial Day weekend.

The best day of summer is almost here, Wild Water West Waterpark and Campground just 10 miles west of Sioux Falls is set to open for another summer season weather permitting on Saturday, (May 25).

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For over 30 years, South Dakota's largest waterpark has been helping the Sioux Empire beat the heat with thrilling waterpark attractions, go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, a lazy river, a swim-up bar, and multiple concession stands and tons of refreshing fun!

The summer of 2024 will be no different.

The folks inside the Dakota News Now Weather Center are predicting an abnormally hot summer for the Sioux Falls area, and the gang at Wild Water West has been busy prepping the waterpark for weeks in anticipation of that.

According to Dakota News Now, over 100 lifeguards have already been hired, and almost 7000 season passes have already been sold.

This year Wild Water West is under new ownership, and along with the change in owners, comes a few new cosmetic changes to the waterpark itself.

Colter Quinn, aquatic director at Wild Water West told Dakota News Now, "This year, we’re adding a brand new bar. We don’t have a name for it yet, but we are adding a new bar. We're reopening up our Cowabunga Concession Stands again. That’s super exciting because those have been down for the last couple of years."

Wild Water West has created a partnership with Stensland for the 2024 season. Guests can expect to see Stensland products available in most of their concession buildings.

There will also be a 149-spot campground available again this season, which has been a big hit for out-of-state travelers in years past.

Wild Water West Waterpark and Campground will be open to the public weather permitting from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. Get ticket information, along with complete details on the region's premier waterpark here.

Source: Dakota News Now

15 Free Things to Do with Kids in Sioux Falls

"What are we gonna do with these kids?" A question every parent askes, especially in the summer. And it's always better if what you do with the kids is free.

Sioux Falls is a small city full of big fun for all ages, and a lot of it is free. We have world-class parks, museums, live music and so much more. Here's a handy list of 15 free things for you and the kids to do in Sioux Falls.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

Seven Mind-Blowing Wonders' of South Dakota

I think most of us have at least heard of the "Seven Wonders of the Modern World." We might not be able to rattle them off as easily as McDonald's value menu items, but chances are you've heard of at least some of them, right?

There's the Great Wall of China. Chichén Itzá, a Mayan City on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The ancient city of Petra, in Jordan. Machu Picchu in Peru. Christ the Redeemer Statue in Rio de Janeiro. The Colosseum in Rome, and finally, the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Every state in the nation is known for having a series of natural wonders and signature landmarks. So, I thought I would come up with my own list of the "Seven Wonders of South Dakota."

The following is what I consider to be the signature landmarks, monuments, and natural wonders that are synonymous with the great state of South Dakota. I tried to give both sides of the state a little love while comprising this list.

You might have a few additions...

Let's get started. The Seven Wonders of South Dakota: