Sioux Falls, SD

Falls Park

Quick City Facts

County: Minnehaha, Lincoln
Population (2019): 183,793
Population (2010): 153,888

Data provided by US Census Bureau (2019)

A unique synthesis of urban and rural activity, Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota. Located in the eastern portion of the state, Sioux Falls gets its name from the cascading waterfalls of the Big Sioux River, a relic of the last Ice Age from nearly 20,000 years ago. Home to more than 200,000 permanent residents, Sioux Falls was declared an official city in 1856. Locals and visitors enjoy a wide selection of quality eateries, including the Casa Del Rey Mexican restaurant, Famous Dave’s Barbeque, Granite City Brewery, Timber Lodge Steakhouse, and the Old Chicago gourmet pizzeria. An abundance of shopping is also available, from specialty gift dealers to local craft stores to plentiful farmer’s markets.

History

The city of Sioux Falls was originally inhabited by a wide variety of Native American tribes before European explorers first visited the area in the early 1700s. By the 1800s, the number of Europeans and Americans had exceeded that of the indigenous population. In 1856, two land development companies joined forces to organize widespread land claims around the falls area, encountering some measure of resistance and conflict from the native tribes. In the wake of the Dakota War of 1862, a military reservation dubbed Fort Dakota was established in what would later comprise downtown Sioux Falls. A boom in settlement and construction followed, leading to the incorporation of the Village of Sioux Falls in 1876 and the chartering of the City of Sioux Falls in 1883. The ensuing Dakota Boom saw a four-fold increase in the population by the close of the 1890s.

Economy & Commerce

Throughout the 1900s, Sioux Falls has enjoyed a steady increase in commerce, communications, and transportation. Agricultural industries have also continued to fuel the local economy. Since the late 1970s, the city’s populace has grown from 81,000 in 1980 to more than 150,000 as of 2007. Many believe this growth to be an indirect result of the transfer of the Citibank headquarters from New York to Sioux Falls, bringing with it an abundance of jobs and transplanted citizens. Low rates of crime and unemployment contribute to the city’s reputation as one of the most favorable places in which to live in South Dakota.

Culture & Recreation

An abundance of scenic parks, including Falls Park, Sherman Park, and Great Bear Recreation Park, promote a wide variety of recreational activities among locals. Sioux Falls offers an extensive selection of restaurants and shopping centers. Regional musical festivals, art displays, and literary events take place year-round.

Popular Attractions

George’s Pizza

George’s Pizza

Brookings

Dakota Discovery Museum

Dakota Discovery Museum

Mitchell

Dinosaur Museum

Dinosaur Museum

Rapid City

Dempsey’s Brewery, Pub & Restaurant

Dempsey’s Brewery, Pub & Restaurant

Watertown

Millstone Family Restaurant II

Millstone Family Restaurant II

Rapid City

Just For Looks Boutique

Just For Looks Boutique

Sturgis

Pints & Quarts

Pints & Quarts

Brookings

Sage Creek Grille

Sage Creek Grille

Custer

Manolis Grocery

Manolis Grocery

Huron

T&M Trail Rides

T&M Trail Rides

Nemo

Black Hills Escape Rooms

Black Hills Escape Rooms

Rapid City

Buglin’ Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar

Buglin’ Bull Restaurant and Sports Bar

Custer

Greatest Show on H20 at Catfish Bay

Greatest Show on H20 at Catfish Bay

Sioux Falls

Big Sioux Power Sports

Big Sioux Power Sports

Sioux Falls

Hollingsworth Horses

Hollingsworth Horses

Custer

Naked Winery

Naked Winery

Hill City

Lake Farley Park and Campground

Lake Farley Park and Campground

Milbank

Riibe Outdoors

Riibe Outdoors

Yankton

Great Faces. Great Places.

South Dakota is an incredibly unique state in that each region offers a completely different experience then the others. Check out each of the regions to see what each has to offer!

Badlands

Western South Dakota

Featuring the Black Hills, Badlands, the Sturgis Rally. This region tends to be the most popular.

CENTRAL REGION

This region of South Dakota offers some of the best hunting and fishing in the entire central US. 

Eastern Region

The eastern region is home to the largest city in the state and provides visitors with a true "prairie" experience.