5 things to do in Dell Rapids this summer

Megan Raposa -

This is a paid piece from the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Simplified: From downtown shopping to community events to a new restaurant, there's a lot going on in Dell Rapids this summer. Here are five reasons to take a short trip north of Sioux Falls.

Why it matters

  • Dell Rapids is known as the "little city with big attractions," and if you ask local officials, they'll tell you it lives up to its name.
"There's something for everyone in Dell Rapids," said Jesse Fonkert, president and CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Here's a breakdown of five things to do this summer:

1. Quarry Days

The annual summertime weekend of events celebrates its 34th year the weekend of June 25-27.

Don't miss:

  • The Quarry Days golf tournament Friday, June 25
  • The Main Street Parade at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 26
  • Saturday night's street dance
  • Food and vendors in the park Saturday and Sunday
  • Fireworks to end the weekend at 10 p.m. Sunday.

The Quarry Days weekend is also a big event for local Dell Rapids businesses, said Dan Ahlers, president of the town's chamber of commerce.

"It brings people downtown that might not normally be downtown on a regular Saturday, as well as people who travel from out of town," he said.

2. Eat at the new El Mezcal restaurant

Located in the former Grand Opera House in downtown Dell Rapids, El Mezcal offers a wide variety of Mexican food and beverages.

While you're downtown, you can also pop in to one of the boutiques like Corduroy & Pixie Dust or Tattered Runway.

3. Wine & Wander

Another downtown event worth checking out is the Wine & Wander event scheduled for July 31.

You can enjoy live music and wine from South Dakota farm wineries while you browse local shops.

This year's event is unique, Ahlers said, because it's happening on the same day as the 20th anniversary celebration of local bar and grill Norbys.

4. Get a taste of history

Dell Rapids' museum is "one of the nicest museums in the state," Ahlers said.

The museum is open afternoons Tuesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

If you want to experience a historic building while enjoying modern technology, the Dells Theatre downtown is located in a restored 1938 art deco building.

Showtimes can be found here.

5. Get outside

Grab a bike, or just take a walk and enjoy Dell Rapids' Sioux River Red Rock Trail that runs along the Big Sioux River.