This fascinating sculpture spans the width of the Big Sioux River in the heart of downtown Sioux Falls.

I had never been to Sioux Falls (that I recall) prior to this trip, so I honestly didn't know what to expect. One thing I found was a surprising amount of sophistication and culture, right in the heartland. I'll admit, I was surprised by how modern Sioux Falls is. I was also surprised at just how much there is there to explore. One of the things that impressed me immediately about this Midwestern town was the modern art all around town. This is a place that cares about promoting the arts, and promoting a high quality of life for residents and visitors, and I couldn't help but be impressed by this. One of the really cool art installations we discoverd was the Arc of Dreams.

The Arc is constructed of stainless steel and arches to a height of 85 feet above the river. Created by South Dakota sculptor Dale Claude Lamphere, The Arc is an ode to dreamers of the past, present, and future. It's nearly as wide as a football field and features a 15-foot gap in the middle, representing the leap of faith all dreamers must possess. Yes, it's a bit symbolic for younger kiddos, but I think it's also important to introduce your kiddos to different ideas while they are still young. Plus, it lights up really beautifully at night. Unfortunately, we weren't able to see it at night this trip, as hiking during the day really tired out our kiddos, but there's always next time. For kids who are able to conceptualize some of what this sculpture represents, it's a great way to start a dialog about culture and privilege. The Arc of Dreams was completed in the summer of 2019 and is now the main focal point of downtown Sioux Falls. After you catch a view of the beautiful Arc of Dreams, head over to The Source Coffee Roastery for a little pick-me-up.