Sponsored by Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation
This feature was originally printed in the January/February 2026 Issue of ‘hood. Check out the full digital issue at the link!
From a magical skate ribbon to a cozy lodge and holiday lights, Sioux Falls’ newest destination is the perfect place to embrace the season. Here’s what you can do at Jacobson Plaza to make the most of Winter!
Skate the Ribbon
This 14,000-square-foot outdoor skating facility is South Dakota’s first-ever winter ice ribbon, offering a family-friendly ice skating experience all season long. Unlike a traditional rink, The Ribbon is a meandering, 20-foot-wide loop nearly two football fields long, allowing skaters to glide along a refrigerated path under ambient lighting and music and stop at fire pits along the way.
Each 45-minute skating session is $5 per person, with skates available to rent for $3 in both youth and adult sizes – or bring your own and make it a family tradition.
Note: There are skate assistants available to use!
Supervised skating hours vary. Check out explorethefalls.org for the most current schedule, skate sizes, and hours.
Warm up at The Lodge
Step inside The Lodge and be enveloped by a warm, welcoming atmosphere. For a quick refuel, enjoy a hot bite or an artisan scoop of Parlour ice cream. You can also grab a cup of hot cocoa, which is the perfect way to thaw out fingers and toes after a spin on the ice. They also offer a full bar with adult beverages to further enhance your cozy evening.
The Lodge is available to rent for private parties in its cozy party room, best suited for groups of up to 20–25 guests. We recommend setups of 16 seats for the most comfortable experience. When booking the party room, guests also receive access to discounted skate time, perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or casual celebrations. Outdoor fire pits nearby help round out the festive atmosphere.
Visit thelodgeplaza.com for hours, the menu, and party reservations.
Enjoy Festive Activities
Be sure to check the Parks & Recreation calendar for seasonal events at the Falls, which often coordinate with the lights:
- The Annual Winter Wonderland: The entire Falls Area transforms into a spectacular holiday light display from late November through early January each year.
- Cocoa Strolls: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the lights while sipping hot cocoa from The Lodge.
- Themed Skates: Look for special skate events like “Mascot Monday,” “Family Fun Skate,” and “Prince and Princess Skate Party.”
Go to recreation.siouxfalls.gov for more.
Plan Your Visit by checking out explorethefalls.org
810 N Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (Near Falls Park)
Phone: 605-367-8222
Email: [email protected]
