
Pettigrew Home & Museum, Sioux Falls
The Pettigrew Home & Museum is a historic landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s past and the life of Richard Franklin Pettigrew, the state’s first U.S. senator. Built in 1889, the Queen Anne-style home is located in the Cathedral Historic District and has been carefully preserved to maintain its 19th-century charm. Pettigrew, a key figure in South Dakota’s statehood and development, was an avid collector of historical artifacts. After his passing in 1926, he donated his home and collection to the city, ensuring that future generations could experience the history and culture of the region. Today, the museum is operated by Siouxland Heritage Museums and offers free admission year-round.
Inside the Pettigrew Home & Museum, visitors can explore fascinating artifacts and exhibits that highlight Pettigrew’s travels and interests. The museum houses an eclectic collection that includes Native American artifacts, early firearms, historical clothing, and natural specimens. Unique pieces on display range from a piece of the Great Pyramid of Giza to a walking cane gifted by Queen Liliʻuokalani of Hawaii.
Pettigrew’s extensive personal papers and letters, which remained untouched in the attic for decades, have since been archived and provide valuable insight into his political views, business ventures, and historical research. The home’s lavish interior, featuring elegant woodwork and distinctive décor like purple carpets on the staircases, offers a rare look into the Victorian-era lifestyle of the late 1800s.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the historic home, learning about Pettigrew’s contributions to Sioux Falls and South Dakota, or browse the museum galleries to uncover the city’s past. The museum is open year-round, with extended summer hours and is closed on major holidays.
Inside the Pettigrew Home & Museum, visitors can explore fascinating artifacts and exhibits that highlight Pettigrew’s travels and interests. The museum houses an eclectic collection that includes Native American artifacts, early firearms, historical clothing, and natural specimens. Unique pieces on display range from a piece of the Great Pyramid of Giza to a walking cane gifted by Queen Liliʻuokalani of Hawaii.
Pettigrew’s extensive personal papers and letters, which remained untouched in the attic for decades, have since been archived and provide valuable insight into his political views, business ventures, and historical research. The home’s lavish interior, featuring elegant woodwork and distinctive décor like purple carpets on the staircases, offers a rare look into the Victorian-era lifestyle of the late 1800s.
Visitors can take a guided tour of the historic home, learning about Pettigrew’s contributions to Sioux Falls and South Dakota, or browse the museum galleries to uncover the city’s past. The museum is open year-round, with extended summer hours and is closed on major holidays.
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.
Pettigrew Home & Museum on Map
Sight Name: Pettigrew Home & 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’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
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