Queen Bee Mill
The Queen Bee Mill is a factory ruin in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, situated near the Big Sioux River. The building was constructed from locally quarried quartzite stone and originally stood seven stories tall, though today only the foundation and portions of the stone walls remain visible.
The mill was constructed beginning in 1879 and commenced operations in 1881 to process local wheat into flour. Following interruptions due to insufficient water power and several changes in ownership over the decades, the building suffered severe fire damage in 1956 and was demolished in 1961.
The ruins are located near Falls Park and accessible on foot, with a fence protecting the remains from damage. Wearing sturdy footwear is advisable when visiting, as the ground is uneven and scattered with old stone debris.
The mill's turbine could generate approximately 800 horsepower, impressive for its era, yet the river's water power proved unpredictable and insufficient to sustain continuous operations. This unreliability was a primary reason for the early closures and the original enterprise's eventual collapse.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
