Here's your mid-summer bucket list

The 4th of July generally marks the midway point of summer. While it’s sad to think summer is half over, there’s still plenty of outdoor time to be had to enjoy the warm weather! Here’s 10 things to explore at Lake Lorraine this month and check off your mid-summer bucket list:

  1. Summer in Sioux Falls means patios — and Lake Lorraine has you covered. Hit up Railbirds Sports Bar on the west end (which sometimes includes live music!) and on the north end there’s the Hyatt Place, Big Lost Meadery & Brewery and The Blu on Lorraine. You don’t need to be a guest at the Hyatt to enjoy the patio with a beverage of your choice. And while The Blu is a residence, it’s also the best place to pick up a coffee or a pastry from Baking Up A Storm to enjoy on site or take with you on a walk.

  2. Everyone loves a selfie and our giant frame on the south end is the perfect spot. Frame yourself or your friends and be sure to get the lake in the background, too.!

  3. There’s regular yoga… and then there’s yoga on the water. Flow and Paddle know how to capture calming breaths as you move through poses in your vinyasa flow, all while balancing on a paddleboard. Instructor Cassandra also has classes on land, too.

  4. Lake Lorraine is privately owned, which means you can’t drop your line in the lake to fish. However, a partnership with South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks allows people to practice catch and release fishing, as well as other classes. The next pop-up fishing event is Thursday, July 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. along the west shore. You don’t need to register in advance or bring anything — just show up! You can also bring your own fishing gear if you’re inclined.

  5. Every Thursday you can find local vendors and fresh produce and baked goods (and more!) at the Lake Lorraine Farmers Market. Join us in the parking lot between Hobby Lobby and Dave & Buster’s each week from 4-7 p.m. Follow our market Facebook page to see what vendors will be at the market each week.

  6. The Farmers Market welcomes the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile on Thursday, July 24, from 4-7 p.m. Get some cool stickers and take a photo with the Wienermobile.

  7. Our one-mile Lake Walk is an easy way to get some exercise and enjoy the lake views. There’s several spots along the walk to sit and enjoy those views, including large Adirondack chairs and swings.

  8. It’s raining? No problem! Lake Lorraine features shops offering big-name brands only found in Sioux Falls, as well as specialty shops for kids, fashion, the home, pampering and more! Plus, easy and FREE parking. 

  9. Need more incentive to shop? Check out Summer Crazy Days at Lake Lorraine July 18-19! Even more great deals can be found from participating businesses.

  10. Live music, comedy shoes, bingo, trivia and sporting events — Lake Lorraine has them all! Check out the event schedule for this month, which includes weekly bingo and trivia at Big Lost Meadery & Brewery, weekly trivia at Railbirds Sports Bar and special music and comedy events, and both Railbirds and Dave & Buster’s have lots of screens to catch sporting events.

Amy Smolik