What to Do and See in Sioux Falls South Dakota

There's plenty to do in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but before exploring the city's tourist attractions it's a good idea to learn a little about its history.

Of course, Sioux Falls, South Dakota gets its name from the cascading waterfalls of the Big Sioux River. The falls were created approximately 14,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. During that time, a large glacier redirected the river's course over the valleys of its present course, creating the waterfalls. The falls were considered a spiritual place for Native American Indians, including the Dakota and Lakota tribes, who were roaming bands of buffalo hunters. It was also at the falls where Native Americans conducted business with French fur trappers. It's believed that the French fur trappers were the first Europeans to visit what is now Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Around the 1850s, the first settlements were founded in what is now Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Land developers came to the region in anticipation of railroad companies coming through the area and because of increasing development of lands in surrounding states. During the Dakota War of 1862, the town was abandoned after conflicts between Native American Indians from the area and settlers led to the deaths of two settlers. In 1865, Fort Dakota was established - in what is now present-day downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota - and settlers began to return to the area.

The arrival of railroads in the last quarter of the 19th century produced a population boom for Sioux Falls, South Dakota. In 1880, the population was approximately 2,164 people, a number that mushroomed to more than 10,000 by the end of the decade. However, a grasshopper plague and national depression slowed progress toward the end of the century, but the area recovered when a meat packing plant came to the area in 1909, followed by a military base in later decades and the completion of national highways in the 1960s. Since then, Sioux Falls, South Dakota has experienced steady growth.

Presently, Sioux Falls, South Dakota has more than 4,000 hotel rooms and boasts more than 500 restaurants. According to the city's official website, the town features 230 days of sunshine a year and has 80 city parks for visitors to enjoy.

Visitors wishing to visit Sioux Falls, South Dakota can also find one of the most unique South Dakota campgrounds in the state when they stop by Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort campground. The campground features something for everyone. There is a pool, spa and playground. There's also volleyball and basketball courts and even mini-golf. For those that want to stay connected to the outside world, Wi-fi high-speed Internet access is also available. Yogi Bear™ and his friends also frequently visit the family camping grounds for picnics and birthday parties.

The campground is also convenient to several of the top tourist attractions of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Catfish Bay, a 22-acre recreational ski park, is less than a mile away. Also nearby is the Empire Mall, one of largest shopping malls in the state. It's also close to a zoo and a water park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

More Sioux Falls Camping Resources & Information
For more on South Dakota Family Vacations Click here