Local Fam Tours

Pick out the location that most interests you. We highlight areas of interest and provide a map, so no need to go in order.

*Enjoy a leisurely walk or jump on the FREE Downtown Trolley*

Old Courthouse Museum
200 W 6th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
www.minnehahacounty.org/museums
Phone: 605-367-4210
Make time for history at the Old Courthouse Museum. Completed in 1893 with a landmark clock tower, this beautifully restored quartzite building features three floors of permanent and changing interactive historical and science related exhibits.

Pettigrew Home & Museum
131 N Duluth Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
www.minnehahacounty.org/museums
Phone: 605-367-7097
Tour the elegant 1889 Queen Anne style home of South Dakota's first senator, R.F. Pettigrew. Its detailed woodwork, silk damask wall coverings, jeweled glass windows, and authentic furnishings provide a peek into the life of a turn of the century political family. Daily Guided Tours every hour.

Museum of Visual Materials
500 N. Main Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
www.sfmvm.com
Phone: 605-271-9500
The Museum of Visual Materials is the one of the oldest building in Downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota (1887). You can learn about the amazing history of the museum and everything it has to offer. The Museum houses over 4,500 books, 1000's of vinyl records and 8-track tapes, yards and yards of fabrics, over 80,000 sewing buttons, all types of arts and crafts, and a marvelous kitchen.

8th & Railroad
Suite #200A
Sioux Falls, SD 57103
Travel to Downtown's Eastbank and 8th & RR Center where you will find one–of–a–kind shopping and local eateries. Peruse the shops for unique rugs, antiques, cooking supplies, jewelry and much more. Restaurants styles include Mediterranean and home-style twists.

SculptureWalk
Downtown Sioux Falls, SD
www.sculpturewalksiouxfalls.com
Stroll through downtown taking in SculptureWalk, an exciting exhibit of sculptures displayed year-round. The sculptures are owned by the artists and loaned to the exhibit for one year. During the summer, vote for the "People's Choice Award". In September the winning sculpture will be announced and purchased for the city to keep on permanent display. To preview the sculptures visit the website.

Washington Pavilion
301 S. Main
Sioux Falls, SD 57101
www.washingtonpavilion.org
Phone: 605-367-7397
The Washington Pavilion is a cultural, educational & entertainment center that houses four areas:
1. CineDome Theater: Large format theater showing adventure films every hour.
2. Visual Arts Center: Seven art galleries of national, regional and South Dakota art.
3. Performing Arts Center: Broadway tours, musicals, dance and more.
4. Science Discover Center: Over 80 hands-on science exhibits.

Prairie Star Gallery
Timeless Indian Art
207 S. Phillips Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: 605-338-9300
Listen to melodic flutes and softly beating drums; smell sage and sweet grass. Sojourn in a relaxing, beautiful environment. Feel the energy of local and national indigenous artists. Learn about customs, culture, traditions and life ways of authentic Plains Indian Art.

Pettigrew Home & Museum
Tracy Seiner, Events Coordinator
131 N Duluth Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
www.minnehahacounty.org/museums
Phone: 605-367-4210 x3016
This home was built in 1889 for Thomas and Jenny McMartin. In 1911, Senator Richard Franklin Pettigrew purchased the home for $12,000. It was here that he would help to preserve the story of Sioux Falls and the surrounding region.

Pettigrew first came to Sioux Falls in 1869. He worked tirelessly to build and promote the city. He was responsible for bringing in all five early railroads, developing many businesses for the community, and he served as Dakota's representative to Congress in Washington D.C. When South Dakota became a state in 1889, Pettigrew was elected to serve as our first full term senator. He would serve two terms in Congress, championing the rights of women, farmers, and the common working man.

One of R.F. Pettigrew's passions was his collecting. He was a world traveler and amateur archaeologist. His holdings led him to build his own museum on the rear of his home that opened to the public in 1925. Artifacts such as stone tools, projectile points, Native American clothing, guns, natural history specimens, and items related to the settlement of Sioux Falls all were included. When he died in 1926, he left his home and museum to the city of Sioux Falls to be maintained as a museum. A further addition would be added to the home in the 1930s by the city, completing Pettigrew's vision. Today, you can take a guided tour of Senator Pettigrew's restored home. The home is arranged much the way it would have looked when Pettigrew lived here. Exhibit galleries tell the story of Pettigrew's works and of a growing city on the prairie. Admission is FREE!

Old Courthouse Museum
Tracy Seiner, Events Coordinator
200 W 6th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
www.minnehahacounty.org/museums
Phone: 605-367-4210 x3016
Construction began on the first Minnehaha County Courthouse in 1889. The building is a product of local architect Wallace L. Dow, who designed many local buildings including the South Dakota State Penitentiary, the All Saints School, and the Thomas B. McMartin home (now the Pettigrew Home and Museum). The building is constructed of native Sioux Quartzite stone, a popular local building material of the late 19th century. When completed in 1893, Dow claimed the structure would be the "largest courthouse between Chicago and Denver," constructed of native Sioux Quartzite stone, a popular local building material of the late 19th century.

The courthouse features include slate stairs, granite pillars, stained glass windows, and tiled fireplaces. Perhaps one of the most striking features of the building is the 16 large murals on the walls of the hallways painted between 1915 and 1917. Painted by Norwegian immigrant Ole Running, the murals detail early life in Dakota, natural features, and images of his home in Norway. Running was paid $500 for his work on the walls of the building.

The courthouse was used for county business until 1962, when it became too small for court and administrative activities. A new courthouse was built to the west of the original and the Old Courthouse was slated for demolition to make room for a parking lot. Concerned citizens campaigned to save the Old Courthouse and in 1974 they were successful. The building was converted to a museum and joined with the Pettigrew Home and Museum to become the Siouxland Heritage Museums. Today, you can visit three floors of public exhibit space that provide a colorful look at the region's history. The second floor features the restored circuit courtroom and law library.

St. Joseph Cathedral
523 N. Duluth
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
http://www.stjosephcathedral.net
For almost 90 years, The Cathedral has served as a beacon of hope for both a community and a Diocese. As both a parish church and the Mother Church of the Diocese, The Cathedral has served as an active hub of community ministry as well as a source of authoritative teaching and governance for all diocesan parishes. Seven bishops have occupied the cathedra, the bishop's chair, at the Cathedral in that time. And there have been a number of significant changes and additions to the original building.

The most notable are:
1919 – The majestic cathedral was completed and dedicated.
1935 – Kilgen pipe organ, donated by Monsignor Mulloney, installed in the choir loft.
1942 – A fire in the lower church causes serious damage to the entire building.
1943 – Full–color painting of interior by Conrad Schmitt Studios.
1946 – Current marble high Altar and tester are erected.
1947 – French stenciled stained glass windows replace original frosted glass windows.
1950s-60s – Painted iconography is covered in sanctuary.
1961-62 – Towers repaired, tuck pointing, roof work.
1970-74 – Interior restoration and repainting; Freestanding altar installed Sanctuary renovated.
1996 – Tuck pointing, replacement of damaged stone, tower repair.
2004 – Chapel of the Sacred Heart constructed within old sacristy Basement renovated into parish hall, handicap accessible entrances and elevator installed and parish offices moved to the old Cathedral High School - now the Chancery Offices.
2011 – Two year restoration completed.

Faith is what built The Cathedral. Those pioneers who had a vision for what could be, sacrificed much to construct a worthy home for the cathedra – the bishop's chair. The Cathedral Restoration is to ensure that The Cathedral not only receives the care necessary to preserve this gift entrusted to future generations, but also the attention it deserves in order to bring out the full beauty of this unique and magnificent treasure.

SIOUX FALLS HISTORIC DISTRICTS

The Downtown Historic District is home to 57 historic building, representing the great diversity that is typical for a central business district.

The Old Courthouse and Warehouse District is small collection of historic commercial buildings is centered around the Old Courthouse building in the north end of downtown. The district has served as a wholesale warehouse center for the region since the late 1880s. Stone and brick predominate in the office, governmental, warehouse and rail related structures of this district.

Cathedral Historic District is old Sioux Falls neighborhood contains approximately 220 structures. Of these, 46 percent were built before 1900, and 85 percent were completed by 1920. It is one of South Dakota's outstanding cultural resources and is considered the best residential historic district in the state.

The McKennan Historic District The fine homes of this district are oriented around historic McKennan Park, a pleasant and popular gathering spot. Although the land in the area was platted early on, most of the historic residences developed from 1915 to 1935.

The All Saints Historic District is the largest and most diverse of the five historic districts in Sioux Falls, the All Saints National Register Historic District contains more than 240 properties. Of these, 27 are deemed exceptional landmarks, and another 124 are recognized for their strong architectural significance. The district adjoins the southern border of downtown. It is anchored by the landmark All Saints School building, an impressive Sioux quartzite structure.

Quartzite Quarry Trolley Tour
Climb aboard the trolley and join us for a trip Into the Quarry Pit! Many of the historic building in the area are made from this strong, hard Pink Sioux Quartzite. We will travel into active quarry pits owned by Concrete Materials and view the modern techniques of quarrying. This is a free tour guaranteed to provide payloads of interesting information and great photo opportunities. Seating is limited and journalists will receive first option.

U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial
The U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial Museum. The museum highlights the most decorated battleship of World War II. The vessel fought in every major battle in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. The U.S.S. South Dakota Battleship Memorial is located in Sherman Park, by West 12th Street and Kiwanis Avenue. This small museum contains many items of historical interest regarding the ship's role in World War II in the Pacific. A gift shop also offers items for sale relating to the U.S.S. South Dakota. The museum was expanded in 2009 and now offers even more displays for viewing. The West Wing addition was made possible through a generous donation from a former shipmate. Admission is FREE. Hours, Memorial Day to Labor Day: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day

Veteran's Memorial Park
Show your patriotism by stopping at Veterans' Memorial Park. The park is designed as a memorial honoring all veterans involved in conflicts dating back to the Spanish-American War. Visit the Medal of Honor Garden, check out the names of veterans in the quartzite memorial, take a seat in the outdoor amphitheater, or take a stroll through the park. The park features a beautiful lake running through the middle of it, with a bridge connecting both sides. The Going Home sculpture was added in 2010 to honor those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Shoto-Teien Japanese Gardens / Terrace Park
The area known as Terrace Park is located on a bluff overlooking an ancient part of the Big Sioux River's system of oxbows and overflow flood plains. This bluff is part of a series of bluffs that form the East side of the Big Sioux River valley. The Japanese Gardens are designed as a traditional Japanese strolling garden and are a great way to spend 30 minutes to an hour. The garden includes an entrance pavilion, two arbors, a bridge, waterfall, numerous benches, stone lanterns, and an island. The varied and traditional plants and trees are pruned annually by Ben Chu, an expert in Japanese gardens. The gardens are beautiful in every season and are open all year. They are located in Terrace Park on the east shoreline of Covell Lake.

Fawick Park
Thomas Fawick gave the citizens a replica of Michelangelo's David statue in 1971. The dedication of the park where it was erected was held in October of 1973.

Enjoy free family movies in Fawick Park every Saturday night, brought to you by Downtown Sioux Falls.

Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum
Kate Arjes, Marketing Coordinator
805 S. Kiwanis Ave.
Sioux Falls, SD 57104-3798
www.greatzoo.org
Phone: 605-367-8313
As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History in Sioux Falls, SD strives to fulfill four major objectives: Education, Conservation, Recreation and Discovery.

The Great Plains Zoo features over 1,000 animals from around the world. Our 45-acre park offers up-close views of animals often not found in larger zoos, including giraffes, tigers, rhinos and a jumping, hooting array of primates. Watch the playful tiger cubs at the Asian Cat exhibit. Visit mom, dad, and baby rhino at the new "Rare Rhinos of Africa" exhibit. Feed a goat, ride a camel, or get a kiss from a sheep with six horns in the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm. The Zoo also includes the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, a one-in-the-world collection of 150 mounted animals including 36 "vanishing species."

The Outdoor Campus
Thea Miller Ryan, Director
4500 S. Oxbow
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
www.outdoorcampus.org
Phone: 605-362-2729
The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls is your portal to a lifetime of outdoor adventures. Through the careful guidance of staff and volunteers, you will find yourself drawn into activities you had never considered: hunting and fishing, cross-country skiing, shooting a bow and arrow, cooking wild game in a Dutch oven, gardening for butterflies, and much more. The Outdoor Campus offers two miles of walking trails, SD Outdoor Museum, 3,000 gallon aquarium, bird watching, butterfly garden and so much more.
The Outdoor Campus' mission is to provide education about outdoor skills, wildlife, conservation and management practices of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks to all ages in order to preserve our outdoor heritage.

Wild Water West Waterpark
Emily McNamara, Marketing & Aquatics Manager
26767 466th Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
www.wildwaterwest.com
Phone: 605-361-9313
South Dakota's largest waterpark and only wave pool! Non-stop slides and rides for all ages set in a festive tropical setting. Includes: wave pool, swim-up bar, slide complex, lazy river, kiddie pool, Caribbean Falls, activity pool, go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, sand volleyball, batting cages, concessions and picnic pavilions... all in one location.

Sertoma Butterfly House & Purdy Marine Cove
Audrey Willard, Executive Director
4320 S. Oxbow Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57106
www.sertomabutterflyhouse.org
Phone: 605-334-9466
Sertoma Butterfly House is home to butterflies from around the world including Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. They begin their journeys at butterfly farms and once they form their chrysalises, they travel to their new home with us where they hatch into beautiful butterflies.
Step into a whole new world, where tropical flowers surround you and it's always a pleasant 80 degrees. Hundreds of colorful butterflies gracefully flit by to welcome you to their home. This serene haven is a place of discovery, wonder, healing and peace. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty that is Sertoma Butterfly House and feel like you are in a tropical destination.

We invite you to explore our extensive collection of sea animals and create your own unique experience. Learn about our oceans. Relax surrounded by graceful fish and soothing sounds of water. Be inspired by all you will discover in the Purdy Marine Cove! Witness the stunning beauty of the mysterious underwater world. The strange and amazing swim up to say hello as you view aquatic life from around the globe. Mesmerizing colors and motions relax, amaze and spark curiosity. Dive in and experience the fascinating Purdy Marine Cove.