Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is the county seat of Minnehaha County and the most populated city in South Dakota. Waterfalls along the Big Sioux River form a natural centerpiece around which residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and public facilities are arranged.

A settlement formed here in 1856 near waterfalls that provided power for early mills and trading posts. Over the decades, the town grew from a frontier stop into the economic center of the region.

Local festivals and outdoor gatherings draw residents to parks and open spaces throughout the year. These events reflect a community culture built on shared activities and a strong sense of neighborhood connection.

Visitors reach downtown and key facilities via several main roads that connect residential areas to the center. Warmer months offer the best conditions for exploring outdoor spaces and riverfront areas accessible throughout the city.

Old quarries of pink quartzite lie around the area, stone that was used to build public structures in the early 20th century. Some of these historic extraction sites now sit within parks and remain open to the public.

Location: Minnehaha County

Location: Lincoln County

Inception: 1856

Elevation above the sea: 448 m

Shares border with: Brookings

Website: https://siouxfalls.gov

GPS coordinates: 43.54606,-96.73139

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:25