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Sioux
Falls - South
Dakota
Sioux Falls is the county seat of Minnehaha County in the southeastern
corner of the state. The city of Sioux Falls
is the largest in South Dakota, at over 100,000 people. Yet, it is easy
to make your way around the city. We were impressed with the historic
buildings, friendly people, and cleanliness of the city.
At Falls
Park, located on the Big Sioux River. From here, you can view the
cascading waterfalls that the city was named after back in 1856.
In the top left corner of the image, you can see a portion of the
old Queen Bee Mill, built in 1881.
 Reserve a Room at the Best Western Empire Towers
1-866-940-1794
Best Western Empire Towers
Conveniently located near
the downtown area, we stayed at the Best Western Empire Towers. Our room
was spacious and quite comfortable, which included a giant whirlpool.
From the main entrance area, you can start your day off with a continental
breakfast, and then relax in the indoor pool and sauna. Nearby are many
nice restaurants and the Empire Mall. Included with your stay is free
cable and HBO, along with free local telephone calls. Children under 12
can stay free. A meeting room is available to accomodate 15 people. Whether
for relaxing or for business, we recommend this hotel for your Sioux Falls
stay.
Best Western Empire Towers
4100 W. Shirley Place Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57106
1-866-940-1794
Getting
There: From I-29,
take Exit 77, then go east 1 block and north 1/2 block
Sioux Falls has
a revitalized historic downtown, with old buildings being used effectively
for a variety of specialty stores, restaurants, and offices, in keeping
the heritage of the area intact. We applaud the area for doing such a great job with the downtown. With the friendly atmosphere, we can
understand why Sioux Falls has the fifth lowest crime rate in the country.
There are numerous museums to see while in Sioux Falls. Among these, include
the Old Courthouse Museum, the Pettigrew Home & Museum,
and the Center for Western Studies, which are all free to the public.
Battleship South Dakota Memorial and Museum
This battleship (BB 57) saw considerable action during World War II. She
was responsible for the downing of 64 war planes, and participated in
every major naval battle in the Pacific Ocean. During the Battle of Santa
Cruz alone, the battleship downed 32 Japanese warplanes while defending
the Carrier Enterprise. The battleship is on display as a memorial, with
museum, free to the public. It is open from Memorial Day through Labor
Day.
Falls Park
The city park includes numerous buildings which denote the early development
of the city. In 1881, the Queen Bee Mill was built there as a seven-story
mill for producing flour from wheat. Although it was only in operation
for two years, it was one of the country's largest operations of its kind
at the time. Sioux quartzite was quarried at the falls and nearby, to
construct several of the buildings in the area. A hydroelectric plant
and dam was built thirty years later to provide power for the surrounding
area. Through most of the year, the park has a free sound and light show
at the falls, taking place nightly one-half hour after dusk (Memorial
Day through Labor Day).
Southpoint would like to thank the Sioux Falls Convention and Visitor's
Bureau for assistance with our visit.
Visit them on the web.
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