Sioux Falls, South Dakota 2024

**General Information:**

* **Population:** 193,254 (2023 estimate)

* **State:** South Dakota

* **County:** Minnehaha County

* **Nickname:** The Queen City

**Culture:**

* Sioux Falls is a vibrant city with a diverse population and a rich cultural scene.

* It is home to several museums, including the Sioux Falls Art Museum and the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science.

* The city hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, including the Sioux Empire Fair and the Great Plains Zoo Festival.

**Special Events:**

* **Sioux Empire Fair:** A 10-day agricultural fair held in August.

* **Great Plains Zoo Festival:** A family-friendly event with live music, food, and animal encounters.

* **Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Festival:** A three-day music festival featuring local and national artists.

* **Winter Wonderland:** A holiday festival with ice skating, snow sculptures, and festive lights.

**Local Attractions:**

* **Falls Park:** A picturesque park featuring the Big Sioux River and cascading waterfalls.

* **Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History:** Home to over 1,000 animals and interactive exhibits.

* **Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science:** A multi-faceted cultural center with a planetarium, theater, and art galleries.

* **Sioux Falls SculptureWalk:** A collection of over 50 sculptures displayed throughout downtown.

**Food:**

* Sioux Falls offers a wide variety of dining options, from fine dining to casual eateries.

* Local specialties include chislic (deep-fried cubes of beef or lamb) and buffalo burgers.

* The city is also known for its craft beer scene, with several local breweries.

**People:**

* The people of Sioux Falls are generally friendly and welcoming.

* The city has a strong sense of community and a vibrant arts and culture scene.

**History:**

* Sioux Falls was founded in 1856 as a trading post.

* It grew rapidly in the late 19th century due to its location on the Missouri River and the influx of settlers.

* The city has a rich history, including the Sioux Wars and the construction of the Big Sioux River Dam.

**Other Notable Information:**

* Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota.

* It is a major regional economic and cultural hub.

* The city is home to several colleges and universities, including Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls.

* Sioux Falls has a strong economy based on healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.