Woodbury County Courthouse

The Woodbury County Courthouse is a courthouse in Sioux City designed in the Prairie School style. It features a square base and an eight-story tower clad with Roman brick, granite trim, and decorative terra cotta elements that ornament the exterior.

The building was completed in 1918 and replaced an earlier Second Empire structure that housed the courthouse from 1878 to 1914. This change reflected growing needs for modern court facilities and a shift toward a more innovative architectural style.

The building shows Prairie School features through its horizontal lines, landscape connection, and metalwork designed by architect George Grant Elmslie. Visitors can see these design choices when walking around the structure and observing how it sits in its surroundings.

Public access varies depending on the type of business being conducted, as parts of the building are reserved for administrative use. Visitors should clarify their plans in advance and know which areas are available for general exploration.

Inside is a central glass rotunda with a mosaic drinking fountain, a rare feature in courthouses of that era. The metalwork was produced by Minneapolis-based Crown Iron Works, showcasing regional craftsmanship from the early 1900s.

Location: Sioux City

Inception: 1918

Architects: Purcell & Elmslie

Architectural style: Prairie School architecture

GPS coordinates: 42.49716,-96.40552

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:01