Sioux City Things to Do

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This 100 ft tall obelisk commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the only member to die during the journey, Sergeant Charles Floyd, Jr.

Writing in his diary on July 31st, Floyd noted, "I am verry sick and has ben for Sometime but have Recovered my helth again." However, this quick recovery was followed by a turn for the worse. The night before his death, Clark remarked, "Serjeant Floyd is taken verry bad all at once with a Biliose Chorlick we attempt to relieve him without success as yet, hr gets worst and we are much allarmed at his Situation, all attention to him"" (DeVoto 1997, 21). On August 20, 1804, Floyd passed away, most likely from peritonitis, caused by the inflammation or rupture of his appendix.

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Chief War Eagle, despite his menacing name, was a friend and guide to early white explorers in this region, during the early 19th century. He died in 1851. This park has a monument to him, and also provides a tremendous view of Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and miles of the Missouri River.

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The Lewis and Clark expedition departed from Sioux City, Iowa in 1804 to explore, map, and report on the vast western territory recently acquired from France in the Louisiana Purchase. This land deal doubled the size of the new country called the United States. President Jefferson wanted to know all about its potential.

Back in Louisville, Kentucky, Lewis and Clark had taken on a young soldier named Charles Clark. He fell ill where Sioux City now stands, and died soon after. He was buried on a high bluff overlooking the Missouri River. Incredibly, he was the only fatality on this expedition into the unknown.

The US Army Corps of Engineers commissioned the boat Sergeant Floyd in 1932. Built in Jeffersonville, Indiana (the Jeffboat works), it was used for towing, surveys, and inspections along the rivers and waterways. It's now open to the public. This is the best example of a river towboat that I know of on public display. And it's free.

Apart from a few bars, nothing was open, it was too early for dinner, so was driving around, and I was rewarded with yet another gorgeous sunset. If you ask me what I have enjoyed ( apart from Indians ) in these parts of United States, I have to say these gorgeous sunsets.
No bookstore was open, Neither was any coffee shop.
It does say something about a town of 120 000 which has McDonalds but not Starbucks..
By the way one of the largest beef processing plants are within smelling distance of Sioux City

On my next visit to the Winnebago Indians, I will make a point of re visiting this theatre. Will take some picture of the inside to post on this site. Truly beautiful. The renovation has been done with elegance and love and it is one of the nicest theatres that I have seen in these parts of the world.
Recently I saw the film/documentary SuperSize Me here and it was good be comfortably seated while watching this eye opening documentary about obesity in America.. and the McDonald Connection..

Stone State Park outside of Sioux City is a beautiful area for hiking, camping, fishing, etc. You can hike to the top of the bluff that overlooks the tri-state area (Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota). There are some informational signs posted along the way about the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

This museum is housed in a beautiful old mansion built of quartzite from this area. The exhibits are very good and the staff is friendly and willing to give you a personal tour. There is a lot of Lewis and Clark info as well as history of the area, before and after white settlement. (Photo borrowed from the museum website)

Every Labor Day weekend, the Sioux City Art Center hosts Artsplash. It is a fun way to get to know area art, restaurants, and businesses. There is art to see and buy, lots of great food, and fun activities for the kids. It is also in a beautiful area on the riverfront. You can see shows in the Pavilion and stroll around the gardens. (Photo borrowed from the Artsplash website)