Sioux Falls Part 1
We stopped in Sious Falls, SD to attend a seminar. My Mom had given us some information on low level laser treatments for various health issues so we decided to attend a seminar that happened to be scheduled as we were passing through here. I opted to spend an extra day here in Sioux Falls to explore the area. I'm glad we did.
The main attraction is The Falls on the Big Sioux River. The river is not fed by other bodies of water, only by rain and snow runoff. So the water level varies widely. Last Memorial Day The Falls were rampant, overflowing. Now the water level is mediocre but still impressive.
We viewed the park from an observation tower and got a good overview.
The focal point of the park is the flour mill complex built in the 1880s. Here's a shot of the mill remains in the background and the turbine shed in the foreground.
The water was channeled through the turbine to run the mill. A great idea but there was never enough wheat or water to make the mill cost effective. The mill was 7 stories high but was only in real use for 2 years. In 1956 the mill building burned to the ground.
The rock outcropping is South Dakota quartzite. Many buildings in the area, including this old court house, are built of the stone.
Sioux Falls, like many cities, has a summer sculpture walk that citizens tour and then cast votes. The winner is then purchased by the city and put on display. I love these sculptures. I think they are usually bronze. Here's the winner from a few years ago that is on display in The Falls Park. It's titled "For Which It Stands" and depicts a child saying the Pledge of Allegiance. How does an artist capture such emotion?!
After our brief tour we scoped out the seminar location and then did some shopping at the local HyVee. What a beautiful store. We've always been impressed by the HyVees which are employee owned. I think we've seen them in Iowa and South Dakota. Well we spent an hour shopping. Went in for three items and walked out with four bags and down $99! The food selection and quality is awesome and the service is superb. Makes me want to stay here longer :)
If you just fly by this area on Interstate 90, a flat plain, you'd miss the beautiful Big Sioux Falls and the lovely hilly city. Kind of reminds me of Rapid City...amazing ups and downs and beauty in the middle of the Great Plains.