Old Courthouse Museum, Sioux Falls (must see)
The Old Courthouse Museum is a historic landmark and cultural center, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region. Housed in a stunning 19th-century courthouse building, the museum features three stories of exhibits, including both permanent and rotating displays. Each exhibit showcases significant artifacts, documents, and murals, helping to tell the story of South Dakota鈥檚 past. The museum鈥檚 grandeur is undeniable, with its hand-carved wooden features, intricate stained-glass windows, and towering clock tower. Admission is free, with donations welcomed, making it an accessible destination for history enthusiasts, families, and students alike.
Beyond its historical exhibits, the Old Courthouse Museum is a hub for community events and educational programs. Throughout the year, the museum hosts concert series, Victorian tea lectures, seasonal festivals, and hands-on workshops. The beautifully restored atrium has also made the museum a popular venue for weddings and special events. The museum鈥檚 location in downtown Sioux Falls places it within walking distance of other notable attractions, including the Pettigrew Home and Museum, which provides additional historical context to the city鈥檚 evolution.
Built in 1889 and completed in 1893, the Minnehaha County Courthouse was originally the largest courthouse between Chicago and Denver. Constructed from native Sioux quartzite, the Romanesque Revival building was designed by architect Wallace L. Dow. Over the years, it became too small for legal proceedings, leading to the construction of a new courthouse in 1962. In 1974, thanks to community efforts, the historic structure was saved from demolition and converted into a museum. Today, visitors can explore its original granite pillars, intricate murals by Norwegian artist Ole Running, and preserved circuit courtroom, all of which contribute to its designation as a must-visit historic site in Sioux Falls.
Beyond its historical exhibits, the Old Courthouse Museum is a hub for community events and educational programs. Throughout the year, the museum hosts concert series, Victorian tea lectures, seasonal festivals, and hands-on workshops. The beautifully restored atrium has also made the museum a popular venue for weddings and special events. The museum鈥檚 location in downtown Sioux Falls places it within walking distance of other notable attractions, including the Pettigrew Home and Museum, which provides additional historical context to the city鈥檚 evolution.
Built in 1889 and completed in 1893, the Minnehaha County Courthouse was originally the largest courthouse between Chicago and Denver. Constructed from native Sioux quartzite, the Romanesque Revival building was designed by architect Wallace L. Dow. Over the years, it became too small for legal proceedings, leading to the construction of a new courthouse in 1962. In 1974, thanks to community efforts, the historic structure was saved from demolition and converted into a museum. Today, visitors can explore its original granite pillars, intricate murals by Norwegian artist Ole Running, and preserved circuit courtroom, all of which contribute to its designation as a must-visit historic site in Sioux Falls.
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Old Courthouse Museum on Map
Sight Name: Old Courthouse Museum
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Sioux Falls, USA (See walking tours in Sioux Falls)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Sioux Falls, South Dakota
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, 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鈥檚 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
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