Welcome to Sioux Falls — a city where art, history, and the great outdoors all meet along the Big Sioux River. The name “Sioux” comes from the Dakota Sioux people, the region’s original inhabitants. It’s derived from their own word Dakota, meaning “friend” or “ally.” The city proudly carries that legacy of connection — between people, culture, and nature — right into the present day. Our story begins where it all started: the Big Sioux River. Its waterfalls powered the first mills here in the 1800s, attracting settlers and giving the city both its name and its energy. Today, the falls are still the heart of town — a place where locals gather, visitors explore, and the sound of rushing water reminds everyone of how this community began. As we drive through downtown and beyond, you’ll see how Sioux Falls has grown from a frontier outpost into one of the Midwest’s most dynamic cities. We’ll pass the colorful SculptureWalk along Phillips Avenue, the elegant Cathedral of Saint Joseph, the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science, and the historic Old Courthouse Museum — each one telling a piece of the city’s story. You’ll also discover how this city balances progress with pride in its roots. Sioux Falls is modern yet friendly, urban yet surrounded by nature, and always full of creative energy. So buckle up and get ready to explore the sights, stories, and spirit of a city that truly lives up to its name — Sioux, meaning friend — and that’s exactly how Sioux Falls will make you feel by the end of this tour.
