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STOPPING IN SIOUX FALLS
by mary gallagher
Pioneers moving westward from Minnesota and Iowa in the 1850s created
settlements in South Dakota and a few years later two land companies were
established in Sioux Falls. A treaty with the Sioux opened the land
between the Big Sioux and the Missouri rivers establishing the Dakota
Territory. This area included present-day North and South Dakota plus
eastern portions of Wyoming and Montana.
Continuing its role as a main gateway to the west, South Dakota is a state
where virtually every attraction is suitable for all generations of your
family. When I lived in Minnesota and had young children, we visited the
Black Hills, drove through the Badlands checking out Mt. Rushmore and Wall
Drug while covering hundreds of miles of wildly varied scenery.
Recently, I made three trips (adults only) to South Dakota and thoroughly
enjoyed them all.
SIOUX FALLS
South Dakotas largest city, Sioux Falls, is located in the very Southeast
corner of the state. A major stop for most road warriors and RV addicts
heading westward on the interstate. A few years ago, due to its low crime
rates, reasonable cost of living and mild winters, this nice city of
128,000 people was voted one of the best places to live in America.
Like most of the United States, Sioux Falls has experienced rising real
estate prices and increasing traffic. It's still a long way from the
gridlock's of Northern Virginia or Los Angeles. People are warm and
friendly and they tell me - and other single women - that available men
outnumber us by a long shot!
If you're traveling further west, stop for a few days in Sioux Falls and
get to know its many attractions.
Along with the Falls and museums, I recommend walking tours through
historical neighborhoods and Main Avenue in downtown. Outstanding written
guides and local expert, Connie Plut, are available through the Pettigrew
House and the Courthouse Museum.
The "strip" is off Interstate 29 and not too far from the
airport. Here suburban retail development spreads out in an almost continuous
line and we found the areas worst traffic. A large number of the chain
restaurants, hotels, grocery, drug and retail stores are here.
Parking, anywhere, in the Sioux Falls area, was not a problem. However, I
was told they will give tickets at expired meters.
Unless you dine very early, there was up to an hour or more wait for a
table in many restaurants, any day of the week. I never could figure out
where all these people came from. The style or price range didn't seem to
matter either.
Did you think I was this worldly traveler? Apparently not! I thought it
was a used RV sale at the Wal Mart. Didn't know you can park overnight for
free in their lots. My RV experience extends to living in a borrowed
Winnebago on the street in front of our new but unfinished house. We can
laugh about it now but then, we're no longer married either.
My trips to Sioux Falls were previous to all the airport security changes.
I flew in and out four times over a three week period. They had one porter
to help with bags. He remembered me and where I had been each time.
Amazing as in most airports banging a drum wouldn't get you assistance.
South Dakota is well known for the famous Biker Rally in Sturgis as are
many other cities around the US. Most of the rallies and rides benefit
local charities. In Chattanooga, TN, old-time bikers told me that lawyers
and doctors take up the sport disguising themselves in leather and
bandannas. They recommended I ride clear of "those weekend
amateurs"!
HOT HARLEY NIGHTS
In Sioux Falls, the 7th Annual "Hot Harley Nights" will be
July 12 & 13, 2002 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South
Dakota. Sponsored by J & L Harley-Davidson, all bike brands are
invited.
Saturday's events include a motorcycle casino run, a motorcycle parade,
live music, a ride-in bike show and much more in downtown Sioux Falls.
THE OLD COURTHOUSE MUSEUM
This treasured 1890s Richardsonian Romanesque native pink quartzite
building features an 1893 clock tower, a restored circuit courtroom, law
library and 16 wall murals painted from 1915 to 1917.
My favorite part was the massive staircase and creaky wood floors. Exhibit
space is as interesting as the displays. While I was there, a show on
Victorian funerary included interesting objects, clothing and photos.
Human hair momentos of the diseased were a big item. All fascinating in
this period setting.
Opened as a museum in 1974, exhibits focus on the natural and cultural
histories of the Sioux land region. Other organizations located on the
property include the Minnehaha County Historical Society, Sioux Valley
Genealogical Society Library and a gift shop. Lectures, walking tours,
children's programs and traditional music concerts are hosted year-round.
THE WASHINGTON PAVILION OF ARTS AND SCIENCE
Here at the other end of Main Avenue is the region's newest and largest
cultural and educational center. A high school in its previous life, the
Washington Pavilion includes the Husby Performing Arts Center, the Kirby
Science Discovery Center, Wells Fargo CineDome Theater and the Visual Arts
Center. On premises Leonardo's Café had real food not the usual museum
cafeteria fare and of course, the requisite gift shop.
Lots of kids were happily moving about and I enjoyed all the art
exhibits we had time to see.
THE PETTIGREW HOUSE AND MUSEUM
Located in a historic residential neighborhood and built in 1889, this
Queen Anne home was purchased by Richard F. Pettigrew, South Dakota's
first full-term U.S. Senator and given to the city in 1926. Pettigrew
collected artifacts from his travels all over the world and many of these
items are now on display. One can tour the restored home and attached
museum galleries.
We based some neighborhood walking excursions on information available at
the Pettigrew House. Walking tours with a knowledgeable guide, like Connie
Plut, are my favorite way to become familiar with any city, small or
large, its history, quirks and flavor.
Another good walk is Main Avenue. Start at the Courthouse Museum and walk
to the Washington Pavilion. Stop for coffee including espresso, lunch, ice
cream and shopping at the many interesting non-chain shops and galleries.
I'm an avid supporter of original downtown's and find the
recreation of a "Main" Avenue in large new town developments an
interesting situation. First urban sprawl and its mega discounters kill
off small town commercial streets. Now architects and developers build new
"quaint" Main Street with "cute" chains store
adaptations in a attempt to recreate the very business district that they
put out of business to begin with. The difference is you won't usually be
waited on by the owner and his family and the rapid turnover of teenager
workers won't remember your name either. Something must have flown by me
on this one.
We walked up one side of the "real" downtown Sioux Falls Main
Avenue and down the other. This is the best way to get a great view of its
many historical buildings. The flat sidewalk is easy for slow
walkers, baby strollers or wheel chairs but not a short distance. Go half
your capacity, turn around and go back. If you're up to more, move the car
for the next section.
FALLS PARK
Here at the Falls of the Big Sioux River park is the city's historic
birthplace. Reversing decades of neglect, the beauty of the Falls
are now complemented by a serene park setting
Early promoters attracted settlers and businesses by comparing the Falls
to Niagara. Although beautiful, I found this a bit of over enthusiastic
salesmanship!
Two Falls Park buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic
Places including an artists' cooperative in the historic horse barn.
An intensive system of pedestrian lighting makes Falls Park a safe,
well-illuminated place after dark. Large floodlights illuminate the Falls
at night. You can walk along the river, view the old mill and visit the
interpretive center.
The Park is an inviting family environment day or night. ADA
accessible with many ramps on walkways allowing strollers and wheel chairs
complete access. I found it quite easy to stroll around.
Along with the natural and historic amenities, a stunning life size
buffalo sculpture "Monarch of the Plains" created from a 12 ton
piece of mahogany granite has been placed in the park.
Other activities at Falls Park include: a sound and light show,
Shakespeare at the Park, Art Sales and Shows, the Festival of Cultures, a
Farmers Market, Self-Guided Historic Walking Tours and panoramic
views from the Tower.
HAMPTON INN - Sioux Falls
I spent a few nights at the Hampton Inn and must say it was convenient,
immaculate and family orientated.
There were several young girls softball teams staying and they had a good
time in the pool. Many asked for more pillows amidst a lot of
giggling. Hmmm what could those be for? My room faced the front parking
lot and was quiet. The free light buffet breakfast was quite complete
saving us time and money every morning.
The Hampton Inn staff were true Midwest helpful providing accurate
directions, reasonable and varied restaurant options and just genuinely
glad to have us there. A nice personal touch from a big chain property.
SHERATON SIOUX FALLS AND CONVENTION CENTER.
On another stay, I checked into the Sheraton Sioux Falls and Convention
Center. Here a nice young man came in the hotel van to pick me up at the
airport. At the hotel, he became the bell person and delivered my luggage
to the room demonstrating its many amenities. The next day he was working
the front desk!
The Sheraton Sioux Falls is a beautiful hotel with interior courtyard
fountains and a nice "open" restaurant, the Falling Waters
Grill. Tired and having difficulty making a decision, the server decided
to bring samples of a few specials including the wild rice and pheasant
soup. My ultimate order, a sandwich wrap, was gigantic, tasty and
creative.
As its name implies, the hotel conveniently adjoins the convention center.
One could stay in the hotel, workout, eat, attend a convention or meeting
for days and never feel the constant wind that blows through from the
great plains.
Though beautiful, I would recommend asking for a room off the
atrium. Open above the lobby, bar and restaurant for six floors, it is
visually stunning but an echo chamber bouncing noise.
St. Joseph'S Cathedral
Located on a hill overlooking the city near the Pettigrew
House, I did not have time to visit its interior but will on my next
visit.
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There are many more interesting, historical and
entertaining things to see and do in Sioux Falls. Call or visit the office
of tourism for more information.
Sioux Falls Office of Tourism
(605) 336-1620
www.siouxfalls.com
www.siouxfallsevents.com
www.siouxfallscvb.com
www.downtownsiouxfalls.com
Hot Harley Nights
Admission/registration - $30
Free to spectators. (605) 334-2721 www.jl-harley.com
The Courthouse Museum
200 W. 6th St.
(605)367-4210
The Washington Pavilion
301 S. Main Avenue
In historic downtown Sioux Falls.
(605) 367-7397 or (toll-free) 1-877-Wash-Pav
Pettigrew House
131 N. Duluth Ave.
(605) 367-7097
Falls Park
605-367-7430
Park webcam: www.sdpb.org/DakotaCast/webcam/fallsparkframes.htm
St. Joseph's Cathedral
523 N. Duluth Ave.
605) 336-7390
Hampton Inn
2417 South Carolyn Ave.
I-29 & Exit 78 West
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Tel: 1-605-362-1700
Fax: 1-605-362-1800
www.hamptoninn.com
Sheraton Sioux Falls and Convention Center
1211 12111 West Ave. N.
I-29 Exit 81 North
(605) 331-0100
(605) 373-1033 fax
1 800 325 3535 All Sheraton reservations
www.sheraton.com
Sioux
Falls Photos
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