A South Dakota local that would like to let you know a little about the history of the Sioux Falls (and surrounding) area by going around and reading historical markers I find, then looking into them a little and presenting them to you with a personal story or two along the way. Get to know Sioux Falls South Dakota with a gal that is interested in history, lets explore new things together! For pictures of historical markers and daily life in South Dakota follow Local Lou on Instagram…
Come along on my recent visit to the Oahe Dam during the South Dakota State Historical Society conference in Pierre. What begins as a look at one of the largest rolled‑earth dams in the world becomes a deeper exploration of the complicated history behind its construction, including the flooding of more than 200,000 acres of reservation land belonging to the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux…
Lady Liberty in McKennan Park is not just a statue or a historical marker but a story woven from patriotism, pioneer lore, garden‑club determination, and the everyday people who refused to let a symbol of freedom disappear even if a bunch of vandals try to ruin it. We follow the legacy of Charles A. Sells, the pioneer who owned the original wooden carving and claimed it was modeled by Statue of…
534 N Main Once a bustling creamery in the early 1900s — where farmers delivered fresh milk each morning to be churned into butter and cream — this building has lived many lives. Today, it stands proudly restored, repurposed, and filled with the creative energy of modern Sioux Falls businesses. Katz Creem — Small‑Batch Ice Cream 🍨 Website: Home | Katz Creem Explore Downtown Sioux Falls 🌆 DTSF…
Let's enjoy the inspiring history of Sioux Falls’ iconic State Theatre, celebrating its century‑long journey from early grandeur to decades of silence, and finally, its revival. This episode blends Sioux Falls history with personal stories from the people who helped bring the theater back to life. About - Sioux Falls State Theatre Give - Sioux Falls State Theatre…
On the Local Lou Podcast, I explore the city one story at a time historic markers, forgotten corners, pioneer landmarks, neighborhood legends, and the surprising moments that shaped Sioux Falls into the place we love today. Some stories are familiar. Some are hidden in plain sight. All of them help you see the city with fresh eyes. In this episode, we dig into the layers beneath Sioux Falls:…
Inside the remarkable comeback of Sioux Falls’ oldest cemetery, a place where history was nearly lost, then lovingly revived. After Mount Pleasant Cemetery fell into disrepair and lost its nonprofit status, volunteers and a brand‑new board stepped in, transforming wild grass and leaning stones into a restored, transparent, community‑driven landmark in just six months. In this episode, we walk…
Discover the rich Dutch heritage of Orange City, Iowa in this special Tulip Festival episode of the Local Lou Podcast. For nearly 90 years, Orange City’s Tulip Festival has celebrated the traditions, culture, and history brought to Northwest Iowa by Dutch immigrants in the 1800s. In this episode, we explore how Dutch settlers traveled from Pella to Sioux County in 1869, founded Orange City in…
Discover the magic of Sioux Falls' iconic State Theatre, where history meets modern movie magic! We kick off with a nod to the beloved Clifford Knoll, whose passion for film and service set the stage for this cinema's legendary status. Join Blake Ginithan as he shares how this century-old gem is redefining the movie-going experience and stay tuned to hear from Assistant Manager Nancy Jorgensen and…
In this episode of the Local Lou Podcast, we revisit the 1991 Hanson Building fire. What started as a dumpster fire turned into a massive blaze that destroyed 16 businesses and came dangerously close to taking out the State Theatre next door. Thanks to the work of 110 firefighters , the State Theatre survived with only smoke and water damage — a lifesaving moment that made its 2026 centennial…
We’re keeping the celebration rolling as the State Theatre hits its 100‑year milestone. And who better to join the conversation than Derrick Veurink — movie lover, history buff, and the unofficial number‑one patron of the State Theatre. If you’ve ever caught a film there, you’ve probably seen Derrick. He’s as essential to the experience as butter is to popcorn. Before Lou and Derrick dive into…