A New Hub for Families and Locals in Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls has seen a surge of activity since the opening of the new Jacobson Plaza at the end of June. The downtown attraction is now drawing an average of 2,800 visitors per day, making it a popular destination for families and locals alike. Beyond the playground and splash pad, many visitors are exploring nearby shops and restaurants, creating a vibrant atmosphere that benefits the entire area.
Darla Utley, a resident of Sioux Falls, recently brought her three grandchildren to the plaza for their first visit. “They loved it. The kids had a blast with all the activities available,” she said. The fun often leads to hunger, and the Utleys made a quick trip across the street to Mary’s Mountain Cookies for some treats.
The Lodge Bar and Grill, which opened this spring with limited hours, has expanded its schedule to operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. This change allows more people to enjoy meals and snacks while they spend time at the plaza. Utley noted that the availability of options like The Lodge helps keep the kids entertained and energized for more playtime.
Mary’s Mountain Cookies owner Becky McElroy has seen a significant increase in business since the plaza opened. She reported a 25-percent jump in sales, with ice cream sales also rising due to the hot summer months. “It was a little tough at times, but we managed with extra hours from my family and staff,” McElroy said. She chose the location on North Phillips Avenue in 2021 because of the potential of the plaza project, even though the park looked different back then.
The Lodge Bar & Grill opened in late April, two months before the rest of Jacobson Plaza. Washington Pavilion President & CEO Darrin Smith described the experience as “crazy-busy” every day, with customers coming from all over downtown and beyond. He mentioned that the audience varies throughout the day, with young kids during the summer and older crowds later in the evening.
Smith expects the success of The Lodge to continue into the winter months when the ice ribbon opens. “There will be ice skating rentals and roller blades in the future, so the ice ribbon will be active in the summer going forward,” he said. This expansion offers more activities for visitors year-round.
McElroy highlighted that one challenge her customers have faced is parking. “We’ve heard from our customers about the parking issues in downtown. There’s definitely been more traffic and parking concerns,” she said. However, Smith views these challenges as part of the growing pains of a thriving city. “People use the parking lot and the streets. It’s just part of being a growing city,” he added.
For Smith, Jacobson Plaza has attracted a new type of crowd to a part of downtown that was previously dominated by commuters and renters. This shift brings more customers who are willing to spend money on food, drinks, and other services. “Every day, this place is filled with young families and kids, and all the businesses around here benefit from that activity. It’s been a home run,” he said.
The Lodge Bar and Grill has continued to expand its hours, offering a full range of services to meet the demand. With the ongoing success of the plaza and the surrounding businesses, Sioux Falls is proving to be a dynamic and growing community.
