57-578: The Great Plains Zoo is a 45-acre (18 ha) zoo located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota , United States. The zoo formerly was connected with the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, and prior to the closure of the museum, the museum displayed 150 mounted animals, including 38 "vanishing species". The Great Plains Zoo is owned and operated through a partnership between the City of Sioux Falls and
114-679: A humid continental climate ( Köppen Dfa , bordering on Dwa ) characterized by hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. It is in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 5a. The monthly daily average temperature ranges from 17.9 °F (−7.8 °C) in January to 74.4 °F (23.6 °C) in July; there are 15 days of maximums at or above 90 °F (32 °C) and 25 days with minimums at or below 0 °F (−18 °C) annually. Snowfall occurs mostly in light to moderate amounts during
171-629: A station -themed petting enclosure, and several species of Australian birds. As part of the zoo's current master plan, new lion , meerkat , and leopard exhibits are slated to open in the African Savannah area. The project will also include renovations to the Roar Café, the Great Plains Zoo's restaurant, providing expanded seating capacity for guests and climate-controlled views into animal exhibits. Zoo officials hope to bid on
228-540: A few animal specimens housed for viewing in local parks from the 1880s through the 1930s, when the Sioux Falls Parks System assumed responsibility and placed additional animals permanently on display in Sherman Park. The Zoological Society of Sioux Falls was established in 1957, and helped develop the Great Plains Zoo, which opened its doors to the public on June 30, 1963. In the 1970s and 1980s,
285-510: A male householder with no wife present, and 39.3% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.02. The median age in the city was 33.6 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.7% were from 25 to 44; 24.1% were from 45 to 64; and 10.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of
342-475: A popular venue for divorces until South Dakota changed its residency requirements in 1908. But prosperity eventually returned with the opening of the John Morrell meat packing plant in 1909, the establishment of an airbase and a military radio and communications training school in 1942, and the completion of the interstate highways in the early 1960s. Much of the growth in the first part of the 20th century
399-643: A replica of the Michelangelo's David . Work was essential to the renovation of the original Washington High School into the Washington Pavilion (housing two performing arts, a visual arts, and a science center). The Northern Plains Indian Art Market (NPIAM) was established in 1988 by American Indian Services, Inc., of Sioux Falls as the Northern Plains Tribal Arts Show (NPTA). Northern Plains Tribal Arts dominated
456-611: A temporary barricade of turf which they dubbed "Fort Sod", in response to native tribes attempting to defend their land from the settlers. Seventeen men then spent "the first winter" in Sioux Falls. The following year the population grew to near 40. Although conflicts in Minnehaha County between Native Americans and white settlers were few, the Dakota War of 1862 engulfed nearby southwestern Minnesota . The town
513-558: Is near the downtown area at Fawick Park. The Sioux Falls Canaries were known as the Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants from 2010 to 2013. Sioux Falls has several multipurpose athletic stadiums: the primarily baseball Sioux Falls Stadium , indoor Sioux Falls Arena , indoor Sanford Pentagon , and indoor Denny Sanford Premier Center . Sioux Falls Stadium hosted the 2007 American Association of Independent Professional Baseball all-star game. Constructed in 2014,
570-520: Is the most populous city in the U.S. state of South Dakota and the 121st-most populous city in the United States. It is the county seat of Minnehaha County and also extends into northern Lincoln County to the south, which continues up to the Iowa state line. The population was 192,517 at the 2020 census , and in 2022, its estimated population was 202,078. According to city officials,
627-458: Is the city's third-largest employer. Downtown Sioux Falls hosts a SculptureWalk every summer and "First Fridays" on the first Friday of each summer month. The Downtown Riverfest brings live music, art, kids' activities and more in an annual festival that embraces the beauty of the Big Sioux. Festival of Bands is a regional competition that hosts over 40 marching bands each year from across
SECTION 10
#1732780149925684-474: Is water. The city is in extreme eastern South Dakota, about 15 miles (24 km) west of the Minnesota border. The Sioux Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of four South Dakota counties ( Lincoln , McCook , Minnehaha , and Turner ) and one Minnesota county ( Rock ). The estimated population of this MSA in 2022 was 289,592, an increase of 4.6% from the 2020 census. In addition to Sioux Falls,
741-624: The 2004 presidential election , George W. Bush won both Minnehaha and Lincoln counties, receiving 56% and 65% of the vote, respectively. In 2008 , Barack Obama won Minnehaha County by 0.7%, while John McCain won Lincoln County by 15%. Both counties have voted for the Republican nominee in every presidential election since 2012. Sioux Falls is home to Augustana University , the University of Sioux Falls , Sioux Falls Seminary , Southeast Technical College, National American University ,
798-821: The South Dakota School for the Deaf , the University of South Dakota's Sanford School of Medicine (Sioux Falls campus), Stewart School and the South Dakota Public Universities and Research Center (formerly known as USDSU ). The Sioux Falls School District , which covers the majority of Sioux Falls, serves over 23,000 students living in Sioux Falls and some of its surrounding suburbs. There are 25 elementary schools, seven middle schools, and six high schools, including: Brown Bear Too Many Requests If you report this error to
855-400: The census of 2020, there were 192,517 people and 86,565 households in the city. As of the census of 2010, there were 153,888 people, 61,707 households, and 37,462 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,109.2 inhabitants per square mile (814.4/km ). There were 66,283 housing units at an average density of 908.5 per square mile (350.8/km ). The racial makeup of the city
912-501: The last ice age . The lure of the falls has been a powerful influence. Ho-Chunk , Ioway , Otoe , Missouria , Omaha (and Ponca at the time), Quapaw , Kansa , Osage , Arikara , Sioux , and Cheyenne people inhabited and settled the region previous to Europeans and European descendants. Numerous burial mounds still exist on the high bluffs near the river and are spread throughout the general vicinity. Indigenous people maintained an agricultural society with fortified villages, and
969-538: The poverty line . Out of the total population, 16.8% of those under the age of 18 and 8.8% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line. Many European immigrants, primarily from Scandinavia, Germany and the British Isles, settled in South Dakota in the 19th century. By 1890, one-third of the residents of South Dakota were immigrants. Most Sioux Falls residents are Lutheran ; Catholics are
1026-513: The $ 8 million project sometime in 2022, with construction taking 12 to 18 months. In 2021, Great Plains Zoo CEO Rebeka Dewitz indicated that the Black Bear exhibit, located adjacent to Fortress of the Bears, would receive a renovation as part of "improving aging infrastructure at the zoo." Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sioux Falls ( / ˌ s uː ˈ f ɔː l z / SOO FALZ )
1083-612: The Asian Cat Habitat, Wild Dogs of America exhibit, the Australian Outback, Bear Canyon, and Galapagos Tortoise exhibit. By 2005 the zoo had several issues; crumbling infrastructure and financial strains left the zoo near closure. In 2005, the city appointed Elizabeth Whealy as CEO and President of the zoo in the hopes of its improvement. Whealy concluded that the zoo needed better animal care and better visitor hospitality, and decided to make some changes. In 2007,
1140-545: The Delbridge Museum were removed in 2023 due to health concerns of the high amounts of arsenic in the mounts. The USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial to the World War II battleship USS South Dakota is on State Highway 42 (West 12th Street) and Kiwanis Avenue. The 114th Fighter Wing is at Joe Foss Field and houses F-16C/D fighter aircraft. The SD ANG unit is known for its support of community activities and services. A replica of Michelangelo 's David
1197-608: The Denny Sanford Premier Center is home to the Summit League's men's and women's basketball tournaments. The Premier Center also hosted the 2016 Division I Women's Tournament Regional as well as the 2017 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. The city of Sioux Falls is led by a mayor–council (strong mayor) form of government. Mayoral elections occur every four years. City council seats are also contested every four years. Not all council members are elected in
SECTION 20
#17327801499251254-544: The Empire Mall, injuring one woman inside her home. Another touched down on the far south side in a suburban residential area, tearing the roofs off homes. The total damage was more than $ 5 million. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has an area of 73.47 square miles (190.29 km ), of which 72.96 square miles (188.97 km ) is land and 0.51 square miles (1.32 km )
1311-625: The Midwest. The Sioux Empire Spectacular is a Drum Corps regional competition. Party in the Park is an annual outdoor musical event held at Terrace Park. The Sioux Empire Fair is a regional fair held at the W. H. Lyon Fairgrounds, and the Sioux Falls JazzFest is hosted at Yankton Trail Park each year. SiouxperCon is an annual nonprofit fan convention that celebrates comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, board games, and video gaming. In
1368-1151: The Museum of Visual Materials, the Interactive Water Fountain, Falls Park, Creative Spirits, Eastbank Art Gallery, Levitt at the Falls, and the Washington Pavilion, home to the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, the occasional Poets & Painters show, and the Spotlight Theatre Collective (formerly known as the Dakota Academy of Performing Arts.) The Washington Pavilion contains the Kirby Science Discovery Center, as well as two performing arts centers that host several Broadway productions and operas. The South Dakota Symphony's home hosts dance groups as well as smaller theater and choral events. The Visual Arts Center, also part of
1425-610: The Pavilion complex, hosts six galleries of changing exhibits, all free of charge. The Wells Fargo Cinedome is a multi-format 60 ft (18 m) dome theater that plays several films each month. The Cinedome also hosts the Sweetman Planetarium which has at least one show played everyday. The Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum provides the area with natural history and animal exhibits in its 50-acre (200,000 m ) park. The taxidermy animals once hosted within
1482-663: The Sioux Falls City Council approved the Great Plains Zoo's plan. The zoo has since moved through many projects, including a renovation to the Asian Cat exhibit (2008), the Monkeys, Magic and More project (2013), among others totaling about $ 14 million in all. Since 2005, the zoo has doubled its animal collection (from 500 to 1,000+), rehabilitated its ponds, brought in traveling exhibits, and renovated old exhibits to house new animals. In 2020, Elizabeth A Whealy
1539-576: The Sioux Falls Writers Voice in local performance spaces, at the YMCA after-school program, and in local schools, gaining national attention. The Sioux Falls mayor's awards in literary arts designated movers and shakers during the growth and development of the literary arts scene. In addition to literary awards, there are mayor's awards in visual arts, performing arts, music, organizing in the arts, advocacy, and lifetime achievement, per
1596-496: The Sioux Falls art scene from its inception in 1988. American Indian Services produced the juried art show and market from 1988 to 2003. Since 2004, Sinte Gleca University of Rosebud has been the producing organization. In the first 25 years of its existence—one of the longest-running Indian art shows in the country—over 800 artists from 7 northern plains states and two Canadian provinces exhibited at NPTA/NPIAM. Writers for national publications, filmmakers, and researchers have all joined
1653-684: The United States to care for Snow monkeys. In 2018, the zoo renovated the Bear Canyon habitat, one of its oldest and most popular exhibits. This exhibit is Southeastern-Alaska themed, as that is where the largest concentration of Grizzly Bears in North America exists. In 2019, the zoo renovated several yards on its eastern and southeastern perimeter into an Australian-themed exhibit, providing renovated homes to Red and Eastern Grey Kangaroos , Bennett's Wallabies , and emus , and brings New Guinea singing dogs , Bactrian Camels , sheep in
1710-712: The Zoological Society. The City of Sioux Falls owns the infrastructure, land, and all assets associated with the Zoo and Museum and maintains the grounds. The Zoological Society of Sioux Falls, a non-profit, operates the facility, manages the animal collection, and maintains the grounds within the exhibit. The mid-sized Great Plains Zoo was awarded the "Quarter Century Award" by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 2016, marking 25 years of continuous accreditation. South Dakota Senator Richard F. Pettigrew had
1767-548: The audiences over the years. A permanent Northern Plains Tribal Arts collection is housed in the Egger Gallery at the Washington Pavilion. Since the Washington Pavilion opened its doors to the public in 1999, the collection has called the Visual Arts Center home. Originally the pieces were on an extended loan from American Indian Services, Inc.; in 2013, thanks to many supporters, the works were acquired under
Great Plains Zoo - Misplaced Pages Continue
1824-470: The beginning of the 21st century, Sioux Falls experienced a renaissance of cultural interest. The Sioux Empire Arts Council continues to lead in the Sioux Falls area arts scene and gives out Mayor's Awards each year in several categories for excellence demonstrated by Sioux Falls residents. The Sioux Falls SculptureWalk was the first visual evidence of the renaissance and is an attraction for both visitors and resident artists, hosting over 55 sculptures including
1881-512: The city was 49.6% male and 50.4% female. In 2015, the median household income in Minnehaha County, SD was $ 59,884, while Lincoln County, SD was $ 76,094. This represents a 0.29% growth from the previous year. The median family income for Sioux Falls was $ 74,632 in 2015. Males had a median income of $ 40,187 versus $ 31,517 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 26,392. 11.8% of the population and 8.5% of families were below
1938-424: The close of the decade. The growth transformed the city. A severe plague of grasshoppers and a national depression halted the boom by the early 1890s. The city grew by only 89 people from 1890 to 1900. In the 1890s Sioux Falls became a destination for women seeking divorce due to having some of the nation's most permissive divorce laws and being accessible by rail. It was known as the "Divorce Colony" and remained
1995-491: The estimated population had grown to 213,891 as of early 2024. The Sioux Falls metro area accounts for more than 30% of the state's population. Chartered in 1856 on the banks of the Big Sioux River , the city is situated in the rolling hills at the junction of interstates 29 and 90 . The history of Sioux Falls revolves around the cascades of the Big Sioux River . The falls were created about 14,000 years ago during
2052-850: The falls in December 1832. Captain James Allen led a military expedition out of Fort Des Moines in 1844. Jacob Ferris described the Falls in his 1856 book "The States and Territories of the Great West". Two separate groups, the Dakota Land Company of St. Paul and the Western Town Company of Dubuque, Iowa organized in 1856 to claim the land around the falls, considered a promising townsite for its beauty and water power. Each laid out 320-acre (1.3 km ) claims, but worked together for mutual protection. They built
2109-515: The following years. The population grew to 593 by 1873, and a building boom was underway in that year. The Village of Sioux Falls, consisting of 1,200 acres (4.9 km ), was incorporated in 1876 and was granted a city charter by the Dakota Territorial legislature on March 3, 1883. The arrival of the railroads ushered in the great Dakota Boom decade of the 1880s. The population of Sioux Falls mushroomed from 2,164 in 1880 to 10,167 at
2166-483: The former Children's Zoo was rebuilt into the Hy-Vee Face-to-Face Farm. This area features rare breeds of livestock, including San Clemente Island goats , African Pygmy goats , Nigerian Dwarf goats , Alpacas , Jacob's sheep and several breeds of Chicken . The Great Plains Zoo created a new exhibit for a pair of Eastern black rhinoceros in 2010. It provides a habitat and breeding facility for
2223-443: The largest employers in the city are: Partially due to the lack of a state corporate income tax, Sioux Falls is home to a number of financial companies. The largest employers among these are Wells Fargo and Citigroup . While no longer as economically dominant as it once was, the manufacturing and food processing sector remains an important component of Sioux Falls' economy. The Smithfield Foods/John Morrell meatpacking plant
2280-442: The later arrivals rebuilt on many of the same sites that were previously settled. Lakota populate urban and reservation communities in the contemporary state and many Lakota, Dakota, and numerous other Indigenous Americans reside in Sioux Falls today. French voyagers/explorers visited the area in the early 18th century. The first documented visit by an American of European descent was by Philander Prescott , who camped overnight at
2337-476: The mayor's discretion. The Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival is a three-day outdoor musical event featuring two stages and is free to the public. It is held the third weekend in July at Yankton Trail Park. The Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues Society hosts national musicians during its annual concert series. Each year the series includes approximately five concerts with acts from all over the world. JazzFest, with over 125,000 in annual attendance, has expanded over
Great Plains Zoo - Misplaced Pages Continue
2394-411: The metropolitan area includes Canton , Brandon , Dell Rapids , Tea , Harrisburg , Worthing , Beresford , Lennox , Hartford , Crooks , Baltic , Montrose , Salem , Renner, Rowena, Chancellor, Colton, Humboldt, Parker, Hurley, Garretson , Sherman, Corson, Viborg, Irene, Centerville, Luverne , Hills , and Beaver Creek . Due to its inland location and relatively high latitude, Sioux Falls has
2451-424: The past quarter-century. Others point out that Citibank's relocation was only part of a more general transformation of the city's economy from an industrially based one to an economy centered on health care, finance, and retail trade. Sioux Falls has grown at a rapid pace since the late 1970s, with the city's population more than doubling from 81,182 in 1980 to 192,517 in 2020. On the night of September 10, 2019 ,
2508-399: The same issue, Sioux Falls residents voted on November 15 by the vote 2,714 in favor and 450 against. In 1981, to take advantage of recently relaxed state usury laws, Citibank relocated its primary credit card center from New York City to Sioux Falls. Some claim that this event was the primary impetus for the increased population and job growth rates that Sioux Falls has experienced over
2565-409: The same year, as the elections are staggered throughout even-numbered years. The council consists of five members elected to represent specific sections of the city and three additional seats that represent the city as a whole (that is, at-large ). The council member position is designed to be part-time. Sioux Falls operates under a home rule charter as permitted by the South Dakota constitution. In
2622-485: The second-largest group. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the largest Lutheran denomination in the city, with 20 churches in Sioux Falls. As of 2008, there was one mosque in Sioux Falls for approximately 3,000 Muslims. Sioux Falls also has the only Hindu temple in South Dakota, Hindu Temple of Siouxland, located in its suburb of Tea, SD . According to the city's 2022 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,
2679-536: The south side of Sioux Falls was hit by three strong EF2 tornadoes, severely damaging at least 37 buildings, including the Plaza 41 Shopping Center. One tornado hit the Avera Heart Hospital, damaging portions of the roof and windows, and causing seven injuries, including a man who fractured his skull as he was thrown into an exterior wall of the hospital. Another tornado hit the busy commercial district near
2736-723: The title of the Augustana Tribal Arts Collection, and now officially belong to the Visual Arts Center. As the 21st century began, poetry and literary events became more popular with the opening of the Sioux Empire Arts Council Horse Barn Gallery and due to a National Endowment for the Arts-supported Y Writer's Voice. The Y Writer's Voice included an annual reading series of 38 nationally known poets and writers, who performed works and youth workshops through
2793-435: The winter, totaling 45.3 inches (115 cm). Precipitation, at 27.85 inches (707 mm) annually, is concentrated in the warmer months. This results in frequent thunderstorms in summer from convection being built up with the unstable weather patterns. Extremes range from −42 °F (−41 °C) on February 9, 1899 to 110 °F (43 °C) as recently as June 21, 1988. See or edit raw graph data . As of
2850-824: The years to include the Jazziest Diversity Project, the All-City Jazz Ensemble, the Concert Series, and JazzFest Jazz Camp. 2016 was the festival's 25th anniversary year. In 2019, Levitt at the Falls launched its first season of free concerts in a state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater in Falls Park West. Downtown Sioux Falls boasts Ipso Gallery. the Orpheum Theater, SculptureWalk, The Premiere Playhouse, The Good Night Theatre Collective, Sioux Falls State Theater,
2907-571: The zoo added a Children's Zoo, the Black-footed Penguin Rookery, Birds of Prey aviary, a Primate Complex, and a 10-acre (4.0 ha) North American Plains Exhibit. The Delbridge Museum of Natural History was added to the zoo in 1984 through the donation of more than 150 mounted animals from the CJ Delbridge family collection. In the 1990s, the zoo renovated several of the aging facilities, and added new habitats including
SECTION 50
#17327801499252964-569: The zoo's rhinos. Komati permanently transferred to Disney's Animal Kingdom in 2023. In 2013, the zoo opened a Japanese Macaque exhibit with a renovation of the zoo's entrance, educational facilities and Chilean Flamingo exhibit. The Snow monkey exhibit features 180-degree views from covered shelters, and two water features that the Macaques have access to. In 2015, the Great Plains Zoo received Top-Honors in exhibit design for their Japanese Macaque exhibit. The zoo is, as of 2015, one of 13 zoos in
3021-426: Was 86.8% White, 4.2% African American, 2.7% Native American, 1.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.0% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.4% of the population. There were 61,707 households, of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.5% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had
3078-522: Was evacuated in August of that year when two local settlers were killed as a result of the conflict. The settlers and soldiers stationed here traveled to Yankton in late August 1862. The abandoned townsite was pillaged and burned. Fort Dakota, a military reservation established in present-day downtown, was established in May 1865. Many former settlers gradually returned and a new wave of settlers arrived in
3135-592: Was fueled by agriculturally based industry, such as the Morrell plant and the nearby stockyards (one of the largest in the nation). In 1955 the city decided to consolidate the neighboring incorporated city of South Sioux Falls . At the time South Sioux Falls had a population of nearly 1,600 inhabitants, according to the 1950 census. It was the third largest city in the county after Sioux Falls and Dell Rapids. By October 18, 1955, South Sioux Falls residents voted 704 in favor and 227 against to consolidate with Sioux Falls. On
3192-505: Was permanently closed in August 2023 due to detectable levels of harmful chemicals in the museum originating from its taxidermy collections. The collections are set to be deaccessioned and disposed. In late June 2024, this zoo introduced a new African lion exhibit to the public featuring Detroit Zoo 's male lion, Simba and National Zoological Park's lioness, Amahle. The Asian Cat exhibit was renovated in 2008 and includes panoramic views of Amur Tigers , Snow Leopards . Pallas Cats In 2009,
3249-408: Was removed from her position due to reported working conditions, a bullying management style, and continual turnover under her direction. 'Whealy's departure comes weeks after city officials and the zoological society's board received an anonymous letter alleging Whealy had created a hostile work environment for zoo staff and used a "bullying management style.'" The Delbridge Museum of Natural History
#924075