Zip Feed Tower

Zip Feed Tower was a grain storage facility in Sioux Falls featuring thick concrete walls and specialized machinery for processing agricultural crops. The structure rose 202 feet (61 meters) high and defined the city skyline for many decades.

Construction finished in 1956, and the tower long served as South Dakota's tallest building until 2005 when another structure surpassed it. The facility halted operations around 2000 as grain processing demand declined in the region.

The grain elevator represented the economic strength of South Dakota's agricultural sector, processing and storing grain for regional farmers.

The site is no longer accessible for visits since the building was completely demolished and nothing remains of the structure. Historic photographs and old maps can help locate where the tower once dominated the skyline.

During the 2005 demolition, something unexpected happened: instead of toppling sideways as planned, the entire structure collapsed straight down into its own basement. This unusual outcome made the demolition process a notable moment in the city's story.

Location: South Dakota

GPS coordinates: 43.55150,-96.72290

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:00