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Historic State Theater

Originally designed in 1926 as a vaudeville and silent movie house, it's ornate 

inside facades and ornamented balconies with guaranteed first-runs of the best 

shows drew folks from all around the region and even into areas of Minnesota and 

Iowa. Currently it is under major reconstruction, being brought back to its glory 

days with a few nice, new touches - like high definition, digital projection and 

state of the art sound. There is even an original Wurlitzer organ that has plans to 

make its return once the funds are secured. Sitting on Phillips Avenue in the heart 

of downtown, its glowing marquee brightly welcomes weekend shoppers and 

diners to enjoy Sioux Falls.

Bob's Cafe

Bob's Cafe on West 12th Street has become iconic with its classic, neon sign 

and bragging rights for its famous broasted chicken. Bob's opened in 1944 

and then in 1956 they added the colorful signage which still stands today. 

For a while the sign did more than advertise, it was a lighted fixed point for 

the planes coming into town. Planes would line up on the Bob's neon sign 

which at the time, was on the outskirts of the city. Back then it was simply 

gravel roads and cows in their back yard - now it sits nestled in the middle of 

town fronted by five lanes of continuing traffic. Even though they only have 

eleven seats in their down to earth restaurant - with fast delivery and a 

growing catering business Bob's Cafe reaches the entire city.

Orpheum Theater

The grand opening of the famous Orpheum Theater happened on October 

2nd, 1913 with patrons paying the unheard price of $5.00 per seat. It is a 

combination of Prairie Style and Neo-classical Revival architecture. Seating 

1,000 it was considered state of the art for touring vaudeville acts. In fact, 

the train track in those days literally stopped at their back door so they 

could unload animals and props. Sioux Falls Community Playhouse took it 

over in 1954 and has offered high quality plays since.

Hamburger Inn

The little downtown hamburger diner opened at the start of the depression 

in 1931, known for having 12 stools to sit on and a famous egg burger 

topping its menu. In 2014 it closed its doors for good and over those 80 

years served thousands of satisfied customers who loved its charm and no-

nonsense approach to both greasy food and Mid-west hospitality.

Pettigrew House 

Built in 1889, its famous owner wouldn't move in until 1911. Named after South 

Dakota's first Senator, Richard Pettigrew, it is now a historic landmark. Pettigrew 

was well known beyond South Dakota, he was a world traveler and amateur 

archaeologist. In fact, much of what he discovered around the globe found its 

way back into his home on Duluth Avenue. When he died in 1926 he left his 

home and museum pieces to the city of Sioux Falls. The home is fully restored to 

its original state and open for tours.

Central Fire Station

Architect Joseph Schwartz designed the fire station in 1911. With its 80 foot tower 

that housed its large bell the structure was a beautiful addition to a growing city. 

The bell tower serviced the station until 1969. In its time Central Fire Station was 

fully modern - with horse stalls that allowed quick harnessing and state of the art 

slide poles from second floor bunk rooms. It's still operating today making it one of 

the oldest stations in operation west of the Mississippi.

Trolley Cars

As Sioux Falls was booming in the late 1800's it seemed only logical to have trolleys, so 

they were introduced early on and transported thousands. Today they have remodeled 

some of these old cars to transport folks around downtown with a summer schedule. 

You can enjoy the many sculptures and our famous Falls by simply jumping on-board. 

In their colorful green paint they are easy to notice and more fun to ride in.

Cinedome at Washington Pavilion

The Cinedome is connected to the Washington Pavilion, which brings in traveling 

Broadway shows and famous entertainers from around the globe. The Pavilion is 

also home to a first-rate Visual Arts Gallery and the Kirby Science Discovery Center. 

The Wells Fargo Cinedome offers current films with a 60 foot wide screen four 

stories high. With 24 speakers of the highest quality, the visual and sound 

experience is sure to take you away. Washington High School has been a cultural 

treasure since it opened over a 100 years ago and with its grand re-opening to 

become the Pavilion, has brought both arts and entertainment to thousands of 

supportive patrons each year and kept the heart of the Warriors happy.

Phillips Avenue Diner

The Diner has become a favorite spot for the many people who enjoy the Phillips Avenue 

atmosphere, especially on busy weekends. It hasn't always been located downtown 

though. The Diner used to reside on Louise Avenue on the West side of Sioux Falls. In a 

major move they transported it to its current location where it has flourished. If you go 

to the Diner you should experience their Malts or Shakes. Yum!

St. Joseph's Cathedral

Is a major, visible landmark overlooking the city. It's beautiful structure both inside and 

out was designed by renowned architect Emmanuel Masqueray, completed in 1918 it 

stands out as a Midwest masterpiece in both design and function. A Kilgren pipe organ 

donated by Monsignor Mulloney was installed in 1935. Major restoration took place 

between 1970 and 1974 and another serious restoration was completed in 2011, with 

special attention given to the magnificent artwork located throughout. Seven Bishops 

have occupied the Cathedral over its 90 year history. The Cathedral of Sioux Falls is 

intertwined with the history of the city and has watched from its hillside all the amazing 

changes and growth Sioux Falls has experienced through the decades.

City Hall

Constructed at the height of the 1930's Great Depression, City Hall is a testament 

to the Art-deco design that was so popular at the time. Twelve different 

departments of the city operate from this building that is centrally located in Sioux 

Falls, including the Mayors office. Sioux Falls has almost 2000 employees and City 

Hall is a main hub of Sioux Falls information and administration.

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