A Budget-Friendly Memorial Day Getaway to Sioux Falls, SD

About a month before Memorial Day 2026, I realized Winnie and I would both have Monday off from the bank. Her side job at John Hardy was still open, but my bar shift at the Tavern was closed that night—an unexpected opportunity for a quick getaway.

Around the same time, I had racked up some rewards through my Bilt card: a $200 hotel credit plus another $100 in Bilt Cash. In practical terms, that gave us $300 to put toward a trip. On a whim, I chose Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Winnie had never been, and it felt like the perfect place for a spontaneous adventure—plenty of outdoor walking if the weather was nice, and enough indoor options if Memorial Day weekend brought rain.

I booked the Clubhouse Hotel & Suites for $155 per night through the Bilt portal. Winnie wasn’t thrilled—she would have preferred a nearby Hyatt Place—but canceling would have meant forfeiting the $100 Bilt Cash. So we stuck with my choice… and I received a friendly but firm reminder: don’t book hotels without consulting your wife—especially when she’s a former hotel employee.

The Plan: Maximize Time, Minimize Cost

I worked the bar late Saturday night and didn’t want to give up the shift, so we planned to leave early Sunday morning. We booked two nights because we’re early risers anyway—usually up at 5 a.m.—so heading back early Tuesday morning still got us home in time for work.

Thanks to our credits, the hotel cost us just $11.23 total for two nights.

We took the minivan for comfort (captain’s chairs and Bluetooth beat our basic Chevy Cruze), even though it wasn’t as fuel-efficient. Gas ended up being our biggest expense at $103.60—a reminder that sometimes comfort wins on a road trip.

First Stop: Falls Park

We arrived Sunday morning and headed straight to Falls Park—the crown jewel of Sioux Falls. The waterfalls were stunning, and the surrounding park was clean, scenic, and peaceful. After taking photos and reading a bit of history, we locked the car and set off on foot.

A 17-Mile Walk (Yes, Really)

One thing about Winnie and me—we love walking and talking. It’s where we reconnect, reflect, plan, and just enjoy being present together. So we followed the Sioux Falls bike trail, linking together multiple parks:

• Cherry Rock Park

• Norlin Greenway Park

• Tuthill Park

• Yankton Trail Park

What started as a casual walk turned into a 17-mile, 6-hour adventure.

Along the way, we had one of the most memorable moments of the trip: spotting a bald eagle in the river, followed shortly by an encounter with a killdeer bird fiercely protecting her eggs. At first, we thought the bird might be injured—it stayed on the ground, chirping aggressively—but then we saw the small eggs nestled right in the grass. A reminder of how much life is happening around us when we slow down and look.

Lunch: A Hidden Gem

By noon, we were hungry, sun-soaked, and starting to feel the miles. We cut back toward downtown and found a Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Quynh.

It was exactly what we needed—cool air, warm broth, and incredible flavor. Winnie called it the best Asian food she’s had in the Midwest. While I wouldn’t go quite that far, it was undeniably excellent.

Cost: $33.77

Hotel Check-In (The Winnie Test)

After finishing our loop, we drove to the hotel and checked in. True to form, Winnie did a full inspection—pulling back the sheets immediately. Sure enough: hair on the bed.

We politely asked for fresh sheets, but due to short staffing, the front desk offered a new room instead. The second room passed inspection.

After a 6-hour walk and minimal sleep, we collapsed for a quick, much-needed nap.

Dinner: Sickies Garage

That evening, I lobbied for burgers and beer, and we landed at Sickies Garage. The vibe was awesome—classic garage theme, motorcycles hanging from the ceiling, and a fun, casual atmosphere.

We shared:

• A burger and fries

• Fried green beans

• Local drinks (I had a 3-berry cider)

One of the best meals of the trip.

Cost: $54.80

We also grabbed some snacks and ice cream afterward:

• Snacks: $14.96

• Ice cream: $9.47

Day Two: Relaxed and Indoors

With my sunburn setting in, we opted for a slower Monday and headed to the Empire Mall. Air conditioning never felt so good.

We did what we always do—walked the entire mall, bought nothing, and somehow still enjoyed it.

Lunch: Food Court

At China Pantry, we shared a plate of orange chicken, spicy stir-fry, and a crab rangoon.

Cost: $11.01

Dinner: Back to Pho Quynh

Winnie requested a repeat visit, and I wasn’t about to argue.

Cost: $40.69

That night, we watched Project Hail Mary on Winnie’s phone and took a peaceful evening walk around a nearby lake. We also stopped at a memorial park to reflect and honor those who gave their lives in service.

The Final Cost Breakdown

Here’s the full spending for our two-day trip:

Fixed + Travel

• Hotel (after credits): $11.23

• Gas: $103.60

Food & Drinks

• Pho Quynh (Day 1): $33.77

• Sickies Garage: $54.80

• Snacks: $14.96

• Ice Cream: $9.47

• Mall Food Court: $11.01

• Pho Quynh (Day 2): $40.69

• Coffee: $7.32

Total Trip Cost

$286.81 for two people (2 days / 2 nights)

Final Thoughts

For under $300, this trip delivered everything we could’ve asked for:

• A beautiful, walkable city

• Unique wildlife encounters

• Great food

• Meaningful conversations

• And time to unplug from the daily grind

Sioux Falls might not be the first place people think of for a getaway, but for us, it was the perfect reminder that you don’t have to go far—or spend a lot—to create something memorable.

And next time… I’ll let Winnie help pick the hotel.

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