Spare Time: What to do between games in Sioux City...
(Note: 15-star/15-stripe US Flag)
Restaurants
Around the ballpark, below the bluff, there are many fast food restaurants and other food options. Going up the river bluff off Singing Hills Drive are several more including chains like Outback Steakhouse. Still more can be found in or around Southern Hills Mall. James Murray (who does live there) says there's lots of good restaurants up the hill like Applebee's or Sizzler. But he recommends Garfields in the Southern Hills Mall, which I did try and enjoyed.
For a more local flavor make the trip downtown to the Historic 4th St. District. Here in a space of only a few blocks are an interesting selection of local bars and restaurants. I enjoyed Sweet Fanny's Pub & Dining (1024 4th St., 712.258.3434). It's named after a WWII bomber and has a great selection of bottled beers and a fairly broad selection of food. Luciano's (1019 4th St., 712.258.5174) has some good Italian food. Also downtown is Famous Dave's (201 Pierce Street, 712.277.8800) if you want the full menu not found at the ballpark.
Sites & Attractions
Lewis & Clark ...and the Story of Sgt. Floyd
If there's one thing that's been heartily embraced by the people of Sioux City it's the history of the Lewis & Clark expedition. It's the origin of the Explorer's team name. The reason is that Sioux City is just up river from where the first member of the expedition died. This interest in that piece of American history been ongoing for over one hundred years and a lot of it can be learned at the various locations.
One excellent place to start is the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center (Free Admission, 900 Larsen Park Road, just east of the Sergeant Floyd Welcome Center, 712.224.5242). It's located on the Missouri River just upstream from downtown. It has a lot of hands on exhibits describing the hardships, science, culture and history of the entire expedition. It's great for the entire family. Outside they have planted a "Garden of Discovery" where they've reconstructed much of the original prairie species and plants first discovered by the explorers.
On your way to the ballpark you can visit the Sgt. Floyd Memorial. The memorial is the 100' obelisk and the surrounding 23 acre park with some excellent views of the river valley below and even downtown Sioux City. The obelisk, unlike the Washington Monument, is solid without any stairs to climb or viewing deck.
At both of these locations be sure to notice the unique 15-star, 15-stripe U.S. Flags. These are replicas of the flags carried by "The Corps of Discovery" from 1803-1806 during the expedition. There are another unique way Sioux City
Another (free) stop is the Sioux City Art Center. This attractive post-modern building contains a collection of modern art in a building worth visiting in its own right. The center has served as a cultural focus for western Iowa and the surrounding area for over 60 years.
Riverboat Gambling
Another big attraction here is gambling. The Argosy Casino is paddlewheeler, permanently docked on the muddy Missouri during the morning (open 24/7.; 100 Larson Park Rd., 712.294.5600). During the rest of the day she's docked for (Keno) gamblers.
Other activities may be crossing the river into Nebraska (just to say you've been there) or up the road into South Dakota (or just look at its southeastern most tip between the rivers).