--- title: Life at Dordt date: 2026-07-24T15:39:00-05:00 author: Connor Van Hulzen canonical_url: "https://www.dordt.edu/life-at-dordt" section: Landing Pages --- # Life at Dordt Dordt University is located in Sioux Center, Iowa. A town of just under 9,000 people, Sioux Center is located 45 miles north of Sioux City, Iowa and 55 miles south of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. It also has been named the [safest city in Iowa by SafeWise](https://www.safewise.com/research/safest-cities/iowa/) for two years in a row! Even though it's a small town, Sioux Center still has a lot going on. ![Four smiling young adults pose together outdoors, wearing yellow shirts. They hold a large frame reading “Dordt University” and “#BLOCKPARTY.” Other people and gray buildings are visible in the background.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/communityandcampus.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=43&f=webp&c=bf0ab056&v=ec4e053fcda349a3c693ce5f0ef0000e593a99d5dd81aacc77b731f36a5f6696) ![]() ## Sioux Center - Our Home ![A group of violinists, dressed in black, play their instruments in an orchestra. Music stands are in front of them, and a conductor is visible at the bottom of the image.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/DSC6537.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=1a4023e7&v=8501833f74c2c5a57a5fe80eab80141713a4434477b1205bc61db85407df6b9a) NISO The Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra is comprised of talented musicians from campus and the wider community. ![Aerial view of a busy outdoor water park with pools, water slides, a lazy river, and people swimming, lounging, and playing. Some areas have shade structures and seating, with grass and landscaped spaces throughout.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/siouxnami.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=08c03702&v=4bce332bfee5033c4d398e2110cfde3a8642a1b668183dd85468ed471965e775) Siouxnami Waterpark Siouxnami Waterpark, handily located just across the street from campus, boasts multiple waterslides, a lazy river, a zipline, climbing wall, and more! ![A barista with long hair tied back prepares drinks behind the counter in a cozy, warmly lit coffee shop filled with plants, art, and flyers.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/DSC_3600.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=01f14fe7&v=6ba3454e1f228e822ce253ad9d36c027c9cb3ceed97e9a01125c45bd85782406) The Fruited Plain There are many restaurants and coffee shops in town, but the professor-owned Fruited Plain is a local favorite. ![An aerial view of a golf course with green fairways, sand traps, a small bridge over a waterfall, and a pond surrounded by grass. Houses are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/ridge5.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=6d05f217&v=80ec3cbb216a84b9f152fc316e94edd01f421fe48a749ec3fb86909a82e92170) The Ridge The Ridge Golf Course features a driving range, full 18-hole course, and a 9-hole par three course named Lil Wispy! ![Three people standing and fishing by the edge of a pond, with green trees and grass around them. One person sits on the ground while the others stand, all focused on their fishing rods.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/sandyhollow.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=1f0822e6&v=13cf7355a3011f173a5fc8750c4f27e399619d481fa51a41011edd4c23ac98c0) Sandy Hollow Sandy Hollow Recreation Area offers the opportunity for camping, fishing, and more just down the road from campus! From the [Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra](https://www.dordt.edu/niso), to cafes and restaurants, to the [local golf scene](https://www.golfdigest.com/story/best-little-golf-towns-america-sioux-center-iowa-kids-love-the-game), and to [Siouxnami Waterpark](https://www.siouxnami.com/), Sioux Center will have something that suits you. In one weekend, you can explore town on miles of bike paths, camp at [Sandy Hollow](https://www.siouxcenter.org/108/Sandy-Hollow-Campground), stop into thrift stores, shop at [Centre Mall](https://www.siouxcenter.org/203/Centre-Mall), and finish up with worship at one of Sioux Center's many [churches](https://www.siouxcenter.org/BusinessDirectoryII.aspx?lngBusinessCategoryID=26) on Sunday. ## The Dordt Experience ![Two pairs of people warmly hug each other in a room with clothing hanging in the background. The mood appears joyful and affectionate.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/hug.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&f=webp&c=15b9f509&v=8bab43870da3908f8c3b52c0f05724e63bd26a2856040829960efb9e4f35ad9b) ![]() ![](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==) ![]() ### Check out Sioux Center for yourself! [Schedule a Visit Today!](https://www.dordt.edu/admissions-and-aid/visit-dordt) ## Student Life on Campus ![Two young men play cornhole on grass while others socialize in the background. One tosses a bean bag; the other holds bags. Trees, bicycles, and buildings are visible around the scene.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/cornhole.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=482c5f18&v=1bd0d2091563ca49aae036991c65840bf2ed35877ce5b938b86f677d965d59d1) Block Party The annual Block Party happens during the first week of classes and allow friends to catch back up after their summer breaks. ![A group of young adults stands closely together indoors, many with their eyes closed and hands raised, appearing to be engaged in a moment of reflection or worship. Warm, colorful lighting fills the scene.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Oct-16-2025_000800.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=000b594c&v=74d112a1380127934d665187ffbbb2602b11f69f287ea3d58cfed0e908471eea) Praise and Worship Praise and Worship happens every Thursday night, but make sure to show up early because it's always packed! ![Two smiling women hold carved pumpkins, one holding hers above her head. They stand outside at night among a group of people, all dressed in jackets. The pumpkins have smiling faces carved into them.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/halloween.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=5df41d41&v=22b5d9119997ea2fe9e933dab1e799cdd13d0de7428397cf4b03e9f3c646a95f) Student-Organized Activities Dordt Student Activities plans events every year - pumpkin carving, ice skating, residence hall competitions - you name it, they've done it! ![A musician in a cap and jacket plays an acoustic guitar and sings into a microphone onstage, sitting on a stool. The background features shiny, reflective, multicolored material. Two large speakers are in front.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/DSC_9380.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=dd63aa35&v=5418bae8a38aacf4e7cd8911d52262a2428d2f9796ae927ab1d8266108412896) Talent Extravaganza The yearly talent show (TX) is always a fun exhibition of students' talents. ![A group of adults and children wearing blue clothes stand by a penned white horse painted with colored designs, under a white canopy on a sunny day.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/agday2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=28&c=85968eab&v=e0eb02e8bdc53b3d3b7039b25c41d4aabab425bca89e16e673715d647ab9c105) Ag Day Ag Day is a campus and community favorite - who doesn't love to see cute farm animals on campus?! Luckily, there's just as much happening on campus as there is off it! Dordt's Campus Ministries team create amazing weekly Chapel and Praise & Worship services to help nourish students' spiritual health. The theatre and music departments regularly grace campus with their performances and talents. Athletic teams compete for championships and create amazing gameday atmospheres. Dordt Student Activities are always planning fun events like the Block Party, Talent Show, and Airband. No matter the time of year, there's *always* something fun happening somewhere on campus. ## True Community Sioux Center's small-town environment allows for students to become integrated members of the local community without getting lost in the crowd. When you form true, meaningful relationships with Dordt's staff and faculty *and* community members, the whole world is at your fingertips. Dordt also maintains close relationships with churches and businesses in town on your behalf - which means getting plugged in to a local church and faith community or finding an internship is as simple as the ABCs. ## See What's Happening On Campus Sep 21 Athletics Women's Golf #### [9/21 10:00 AM Dordt University Women's Golf vs Mount Marty Classic - Tatanka Golf Club // 18 Holes ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/9-21-1000-am-dordt-university-womens-golf-vs-mount-marty-golf-invitational-18-holes-tatanka) Sep 21 Athletics Men's Golf #### [9/21 10:00 AM Dordt University Men's Golf vs Mount Marty Classic - Tatanka Golf Club // 18 Holes ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/9-21-1000-am-dordt-university-mens-golf-vs-mount-marty-golf-invitational-18-holes-tatanka) Sep 22 Athletics Women's Golf #### [9/22 10:00 AM Dordt University Women's Golf vs Mount Marty Classic - Tatanka Golf Club // 18 Holes ](https://www.dordt.edu/events/9-22-1000-am-dordt-university-womens-golf-vs-mount-marty-golf-invitational-18-holes-tatanka) News Rankings #### [Dordt ranks among top Christian colleges nationally in 2027 Niche Rankings ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-ranks-among-top-christian-colleges-nationally-in-2027-niche-rankings) News Events #### [Dordt University’s music department to host Honors Recital featuring scholarship recipients ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-universitys-music-department-to-host-honors-recital-featuring-scholarship-recipients) News Research and Scholarship #### [Dordt University opens applications for the 2026 Verberg Prize ](https://www.dordt.edu/news/dordt-university-opens-applications-for-the-2026-verberg-prize) ![Close-up of Dordt University seal on a stone pillar, partially obscured by bright orange flowers in the foreground, with a blue sky and clouds in the background.](https://d3evso2dxyohou.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/seal2.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&w=50&h=50&f=webp&c=fde97a77&v=4857137135e7a08e11c629611718a22a86a48a1197d7a57405051ec8a7db0ba4) <![CDATA[YII-BLOCK-BODY-END]]>