Sioux Falls Local History

The history of Sioux Falls revolves around the cascades of the Big Sioux River. The falls were created about 14,000 years ago when the last glacial ice sheet redirected the flow of the river into the large looping bends of its present course. Early explorers like Lewis and Clark describes the falls of the "Soues River" in a journal entry of 1804. A visit by Philander Prescott, an explorer, trader, and trapper who camped overnight at the falls in December 1832, was the first to be documented.

The early descriptions of the falls were published in The States and Territories of the Great West, an 1856 book by Jacob Ferris which inspired town site developers to seek out the falls. Sioux Falls was founded by land speculators who hoped to build great wealth by claiming prime town sites before the arrival of railroads and settlers. It was incorporated in 1876 by the 12th legislative assembly of the Dakota Territory. With the arrival of the railroads the great Dakota Boom decade of the 1880s came to life.

A severe plague of grasshoppers and a national depression halted the boom by the early 1890s. The city grew by only 89 people from 1890 to 1900. But prosperity eventually returned. Key milestones include the opening of the John Morrell meat packing plant in 1909, the establishment of an airbase and a military radio and communications training school in 1942, and the completion of the interstate highways in the early 1960s. Sioux Falls has been marked by impressive growth throughout the 20th century, and development continues at a strong pace today.

Sioux Falls Attractions

Top Attractions

Sioux Falls Shopping

Farmers Market - The Farmers Market is located near the northern boundary of Falls Park, just across Falls Park Drive. The site is easily accessible and has ample parking. Numerous vendors set up their stands to offer fresh produce, flowers, jellies, preserves, artistically hand crafted items and many other delightful items of interest. The Farmers Market operates from May through October of each year. The stands are open for business on Saturday from 8 am to 1 pm..

Empire Mall and Empire East - 4001 W 41st St, I-29 at 41st St, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 361 3300. This retail complex is one of the largest regional shopping centers, and its 180-plus stores are a regular destination for folks in the mood to spend. Anchors include Sears, JCPenney, Marshall Field's, Younkers, and Target. Other familiar establishments include Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Gap, Coldwater Creek, The Limited, TJ Maxx, and Zales Jewelers. There is a food court with several sit-down restaurants. A children's playground offers a safe place to leave the kids while you are shopping. Open Monday to Saturday 10 am 9 pm and Sunday 11 am to 7 pm..

Mrs. Murphy's Irish Gifts - Old Carpenter Hotel, Historic Downtown, 219 S. Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Tel (605) 333 7901. This is South Dakota's only Irish gift store. Many fine imports such as Belleek China, Galway Crystal, Celtic Jewelry, traditional Aran sweaters, and much, much more is on offer.

Sioux Falls Activities

Buffalo Ridge, Cowboy Ghost Town - 46614 W Hwy 38, 5 miles west of town, Buffalo Ridge, SD Tel (605) 528 3931. This fun, interesting historical adventure highlights the history and culture of the American West in various displays. The site offers fascinating exhibits for all members of the family and is an exciting, educational opportunity to learn about the region. The on-site restaurant serves delicious buffalo burgers. Hours during summer: daily from sunrise to sunset..

Thunder Road Family Fun Park - Tel (605) 334 4181. This park offers hours of fun whether you take a spin on one of two go-kart tracks in one of the several karts to choose from. or play a round of 18 hole golf at the Miniature Golf course, or climb our 24 foot rock climbing wall. .

Great Plains Zoo - 805 S Kiwanis Ave, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 367 7059. Centrally located, this wild-animal habitat features 400 animals representing more than 70 different species. The 45 acre animal park features natural habitats for a variety of species. There is also a penguin pool, primate complex, Australian outback area, and home for birds of prey. Added perks are an onsite children's park, train ride, and gift shop. Open October to March, daily 10 am to 5 pm; Aprile to September daily 9 am to 7 pm. Admission for adults (Ages 13-59) $6.75, ages 3-12 pay $3.75 and age 2 and under free.

Sioux Falls Parks & Gardens

Great Bear Recreation Park - E Rice St, 3 miles east of town, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 367 4309. This rugged outdoor venue is home to hiking and nature trails as well as to cross-country skiing runs and paths. The park is a pleasant destination for wintertime activity and recreation, whether you're looking for a leisurely walk or more athletic pursuits. Ski rental equipment and a tubing park are available as well.

Kuehn Park - 2903 Kuehn Park Rd, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 367 8222. A member of the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Department, this conveniently located park is also home to Kuehn Golf Course. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, covered shelters, a skateboard park, volleyball courts, soccer and softball fields, and a swimming pool. During the winter, the park is a good place for winter walking and sightseeing. Open daily.

Sertoma Park - W 49th St at Big Sioux River, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 367 8222. Catering to the child in all of us, Sertoma Park offers excellent playgrounds and leisure activities. Also on the grounds are the city's Outdoor Campus and the Sertoma Butterfly House. The park's more adult facilities include hiking and bike trails, picnic shelters, and paths for cross-country skiing. Open daily.

Sioux Falls Restaurants and Bars

Sioux Falls Restaurants

Falls Landing - 200 E 8th St, Country Inn & Suites, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 336 2290. This eatery, situated on the banks of the Big Sioux River, serves some of Sioux Falls' best American fare. Specialties include pepper steak, tequila lime duck, and bourbon chipotle pork. Soups, sandwiches, and pasta dishes can also be had. Make sure to dine outside on the picturesque deck, when weather permits. This is downtown dining at its best. Open for dinner Monday to Saturday 5 pm to 10 pm. The pub operates from Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 2 am.

Foley's Fish, Chop & Steakhouse - 2507 S Shirley Ave, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 362 8125. The name implies a full menu and that is exactly what you get. You will enjoy your meal in a fashionable dining room with an upscale, unpretentious ambience. The feast will consist of an entree of perfectly prepared fish or a hearty steak or, for a change, you can try a sumptuous pasta or a wood-fired pizza. The excellent wine menu adds dimension to the meal, and a separate cigar room caters to aficionados. Hours: lunch Monday to Saturday 11 am to 3 pm; Dinner Monday to Thursday 5 pm to 10 pm, Friday to Saturday 5 pm to 11 pm. The bar is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to midnight.

Kaladi's - 1716 S Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 339 3322. This first class coffee shop serves first-rate roasts. Sample a double espresso, or try a white chocolate mocha, fruit smoothie, chai tea, or hot apple cider. To accompany your cup, indulge in a tasty morning dish of a variety of breakfast wraps, paninis, and hot and cold cereals. French toast is also served. The warm, industrial decor features a toasty fireplace and comfortable leather furniture - the perfect place to relax after a hectic day of shopping ands site seeing.

Spezia - 1716 S Western Ave, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 334 7491.This warm and inviting restaurant specializes in northern Italian fare and takes its name from one of the country's provinces. For dinner, everything from pizzas and pastas to steaks and seafood are on offer. On Sunday morning, all stops are pulled out, and the one-price brunch buffet offers a wonderful array of scrumptious dishes. Fare includes frittatas, biscuits and gravy, breakfast pizzas, a wealth of fresh salads, pastries, desserts, Belgian waffles, pastas, pork, ham, and barbecued ribs. There is no doubt that you'll ever go away hungry. Hours: lunch Monday to Friday 11 am to 2.30 pm, Saturday 11 am to 4pm; dinner Monday to Friday 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday 4 pm to 10 pm, Sunday 5 pm to 8 pm and brunch Sunday 9 am to 1.30 pm.

Sioux Falls Bars & Clubs

Acme Drink Company - 305 N Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 339 1131. This downtown dance club spins popular tunes for locals and visitors to kick up their heels on the dance floor. The place features teen nights, along with evenings for the 18-and-over crowd. Although the music may be a little loud and the crowd a bit young for some folks, locals say this is the best place to dance in the city.

CJ Callaway's Pub - 500 E 69th St, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 331 6045. This popular pub and lounge draws a mix of people from around the city. Its pleasant ambience and excellent drink selection are well-regarded, as is its friendly staff. The Sioux Falls standard is applauded for its fresh steaks and seafood, and the chef's fish and chips regularly draw rave reviews. In addition, the restaurant, located at the Prairie Green Golf Course, boasts an excellent menu and a lovely view. It also offers an expansive ballroom.

Nutty's Pub and Casino - 3400 W 49th St, Sioux Falls, SD Tel (605) 362 0947. This club holds the distinction of being South Dakota's only daiquiri bar, and it provides a handful of tasty flavors for folks to sample. The also have a wide range of domestic and international brews on offer. The attached casino offers gaming excitement. When hunger pangs strike, patrons take advantage of sandwiches, soups, salads, appetizers, burgers, and fried seafood baskets. Open daily from 11 am to 2am. Don't miss out on Happy Hour on Monday to Friday 3.30 pm to 6.30 pm.