Sioux Falls Live Cam

Sioux Falls is an exciting and picturesque city in Southeastern South Dakota. Built along the Big Sioux River, Sioux Falls expands across the intersection of US Interstates I29 and I90, and is home to the busiest commercial airport in South Dakota. With a new Port of Entry, the city named after the triple waterfalls of the Big Sioux River is an excellent growing community.

In 1856 the city of Sioux Falls began as the City of the Western Town Company. Dr. George M. Staples of Dubuque, Iowa formed the company that claimed 320 acres of Sioux Falls. After incorporation in 1889, Sioux Falls has grown to an area of over 49 square miles and over 110,000 people.

Sioux Falls is named after the triple water falls of the Big Sioux River. Now, a city park with extensive remodeling, the Falls Park provides an interesting and beautiful recreation and scenic opportunity. Perennials and other vegetation adorn the park drive complete with a wooden walk bridge and cobblestone road.

There are 66 Parks of fun throughout Sioux Falls, many along the Big Sioux River. Following the enchanting river and circling the city is an enjoyable bike route, complete with attractive wooden bridges and many parks. Sioux Falls is home to over 123 churches including over 42 different denominations.

In 1856 the city of Sioux Falls began as the City of the Western Town Company. Dr. George M. Staples of Dubuque, Iowa formed the company that claimed 320 acres of Sioux Falls. After incorporation in 1889, Sioux Falls has grown to an area of over 49 square miles and over 110,000 people.

Two professional sports teams call Sioux Falls home. The CBA Champions, Sky Force basketball team, and the Canaries,a baseball team, draw great crowds. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Catfish Bay Waterpark hosts the Sioux Falls Ski Club performances over the weekends, and local racing events are at Husets and Hartford. The Park and Recreation offer many programs, and there is always something exciting to watch from extraordinary balloons in the sky to craft fairs abundant!

Sioux Falls has the largest airport in South Dakota with its own port of entry. In the summer, an air show provides a good view at our flying history. The Airport is named in honor of South Dakota's own WWII Ace, Joe Foss. There is always something exciting and different happening in Sioux Falls!

The first recorded information available was made by Joseph Nicollet, a French Scientist and Explorer, who together with General John C. Fremont about the year 1839 at the request of the federal government explored much of the territory west of the upper Mississippi River. Included in his notes was a description of the "beautiful and picturesque Falls" of the Big Sioux River, then called by the Indians "Te-han-kas-an-data" meaning thickly wooded river. The first residents to this area were undoubtedly American Indians as indicated by this early map. The region has changed dramatically. Today the population breakdown is over 96% white. The William Van Eps Store, located at Eighth & Phillips Avenue was built in 1871. Phillips Avenue quickly became the main street, with 9th & Phillips becoming the center of town. The street numbering reflects that today.

On the Big Sioux River near Seney Island, is the launch Cecil. Seney Island disappeared as a hydro-electric plant was built, and the channel filled. From 1887 to 1896, R.F. Pettigrew and S.L. Tate ran the Sioux Falls Street Railroad. At the peak of operation, the railroad had eight miles of track, forty horses, six cars, and 14 employees. Completed in 1934, is Drake Springs Swimming Pool. Although the pool is quite different today, the activity and fun are still the same. The city boasts 2 aquatic centers with waterslides and zero depth pools along with several other pools.

This view is looking North as the water falls over the third fall and under the scenic foot bridge. The roadway through the park, and to right are the remains of the Old Queen Bee Mill and the Drake Polishing Works. A great restoration project is continuing this year to improve the Falls Park. In 1995, a new parking lot, sidewalks, and reconstructive work was completed on the Eastern side of the Big Sioux River. This view faces East. The wooden foot bridge is to the left, and the picture was taken by the scenic paths on the western side. Trips throughout the year provide awesome examples of nature's beauty. As with the seasons, the river is roaring in the Spring, basking in the summer, golden in the fall and under a sheet of majestic white in the winter.

Looking South, the old feed mills near the train depot is standing tall. Foot trails to the right and bike trails on the Eastern side make their way downtown. The water is almost placid as it begins a three fall free-fall!