Sioux Falls, SD

We stopped in Sioux Falls to see our friends who let us stay at their place in Custer, but they had a family obligation back in Custer so we missed each other.

We got laundry and grocery shopping (they have an Aldis!) done now it's time to check out Sioux Falls.

We head to Falls Park the Namesake for Sioux Falls.

We planned on having lunch at the Overlook Cafe but it was closed on Mondays.

Good thing I packed a snack.  We eat and then take a walk.

 There was a Mill, Dam and Hydro Electric Power plant here.

Remains of the Dam.

 Remains of the Queen Bee Mill.  It opened in 1881 and was 7 stories high. It cost $500,000 to build and processed 1500 bushels a day.  I closed two years later due to low water supply and a short supply of wheat.  After several attempts to make it a success, it was destroyed by a fire in 1956.

The Queen Bee Mill Turbine House

 Certainly looks like enough water power today

 Across the way is the Observation Tower.  5 Stories - you know I love my stairmaster!

 Sioux Falls sits on thick beds of Quartz Sandstone.  Compaction over millions of years make it erosion resistant and harder than steel making it a great building material.  The Pipestone that sits below it is much softer and was used by Indians to make pipes.

In the 1800's thousands of Buffalo roamed this area.

Almost to the Tower


A great view from up top

What a great park. 

Next we head downtown to check out the sculpture walk.
Sioux Falls is home to the Arc of Dreams, a sculpture by
Dale Lamphere. 

 We get to the area of the Sculpture walk - it is in the heart of downtown

 We manage to find a parking spot and do a quick walk - Tucson comes along and meets a new friend.

 Started in 2004, SculptureWalk has exhibited more than 836 sculptures featuring artists from around the United States, 10 countries and 4 continents.  Each year the exhibit is refreshed in May with new sculptures

They must be on a mission - Gary would normally stop to help a girl in distress.

 The sculptures are varies in style. 

 Looks like Gary hooked up with an old friend.  Tucson is not so sure.

 It's official - the Egg came first!

 Maybe we can get Tucson some music lessons

That was just a taste of the sculptures on 3 blocks of one street.

We were impressed with Sioux Falls - it's a great little Town.

Next Stop - Minnesota