Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Sioux Falls

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Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Sioux Falls

Cathedral of Saint Joseph, Sioux Falls (must see)

The Cathedral of Saint Joseph stands as one of Sioux Falls' most striking landmarks, its twin spires towering over the city’s skyline for over a century. Built in 1915 as the seat of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, the cathedral has played a central role in both spiritual life and architectural heritage. After a multi-million-dollar renovation in 2011, the cathedral was restored to its original grandeur, drawing visitors from around the world. Whether attending Mass, taking a guided tour, or simply admiring its stunning details, visitors are welcomed to experience its sacred beauty.

The cathedral’s Romanesque and French Renaissance-inspired architecture is nothing short of breathtaking. Constructed from Sioux quartzite, its detailed stained-glass windows, ornate moldings, and awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes tell biblical stories such as the Nativity and the Annunciation. One of the cathedral’s most remarkable features is its mighty pipe organ, boasting 3,293 pipes. The interior artwork and moldings, meticulously restored during the renovation, bring visitors closer to Michelangelo-esque craftsmanship, making it a must-see destination for art, history, and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Beyond its artistic and architectural appeal, the Cathedral of Saint Joseph holds deep historical significance. Originally, Saint Michael’s Church, established in 1881, served as Sioux Falls’ first Catholic parish. In 1889, with the establishment of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, Saint Michael’s became the city’s first cathedral before being replaced by the current structure in 1915. The Cathedral of Saint Joseph has since remained a beacon of faith, culture, and heritage in Sioux Falls, now listed as a contributing property in the Cathedral Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Sioux Falls. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Cathedral of Saint Joseph on Map

Sight Name: Cathedral of Saint Joseph
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Create Your Own Walk in Sioux Falls

Create Your Own Walk in Sioux Falls

Creating your own self-guided walk in Sioux Falls is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Sioux Falls Introduction Walking Tour

Sioux Falls Introduction Walking Tour

Sioux Falls, the largest city in South Dakota, owes its name to the powerful Sioux people who once lived in the region and the cascading waterfalls of the Big Sioux River which have shaped both the landscape and the city’s development.

European exploration of the area began in the early 18th century. First settled in 1856, the land around the falls then had to be abandoned because of...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles