Father's Day Weekend

Sioux Falls Post Office (Federal Building)

The Federal Courthouse and Post Office building at Twelfth Street and Phillips Avenue was built of Sioux Falls quartzite. When it was originally constructed, in 1895, it was two stories in height. In 1913 a third floor was added, and in 1933 the eastern annex was built in response to the increase in postal and court business.

One of the most recognizable structures constructed from the quartzite found along the bluffs of the Big Sioux River at the East Sioux Falls quarries is the Minnehaha County Courthouse, or Old Courthouse Museum as it is now known. The building was completed in December of 1889 by the Sioux Falls Granite Company at a cost of $80,000. The workmanship of the stone craftsmen is evident in the building and its landmark clock tower. The structure has been restored by Minnehaha County and is part of the Siouxland Heritage Museum system.

The new county courthouse of Minnehaha County.

This was the first part of our walking tour on Saturday afternoon in downtown Sioux Falls. Usually when we travel to Sioux Falls we shop at the mall and a few other stores along 41st Street. Karl decided we needed to see downtown. We are glad we did.