SIOUX FALLS: How Run Down Is South Dakota's Biggest City? This Is What We Found

We travel to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the largest city in the state. The Big Sioux runs in an almost full circle within the city, and is bordered by beautiful parks on nearly it's entire length. The falls themselves are something to behold. A vibrant downtown anchors the city. But is the rest of the city beautiful as well? We show you what we found.
Travel Vlog 94

[@gerardhaubert8210]

Lived there for 20 years, my two sons and 9 grandchildren still live there. A great place to live, work and raise children. The city has really come alive. Only problem is the weather….unbearably cold. Moved to South Carolina and it took me years to thaw out.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

If Sioux Falls didn't have cold weather there would be millions of people there. It's a trade off, I would guess. :)

[@snoopyfod1807]

Thankfully (or rather a silver lining), the ever changing climate has caused only 1-2 weeks to be miserably cold.

[@m.night_schlongislong]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip as the saying goes: 'the weather keeps the riff-raff out' unfortunately, the riff-raff have been adjusting...

[@adamgre6819]

In 2016 I worked for a Construction company in Perth, Western Australia. The company won a contract to build a new stadium for the city, and as the Client (the WA State Government) specified the best of the best superscreens (Jumbo-Trons); as Daktronics make the best superscreens in the world, that's what we ended up going with, however the procurement process meant flying over to South Dakota and inspecting them before purchase (they cost several 10's of million's of dollars) - that's when I was introduced and got to visit Sioux Falls. Instantly fell in love with the place. While you've captured the look and 'well put togetherness' of the place (as well as highlighting some of it's feature's), what I found most attractive and appealing was the 'vibe'. It felt safe, connected and very friendly. Busy, with more than enough to do without feeling in any way frantic or oppressive. Perfect way to do a large rural town or small city. I'm from rural Victoria in Australia and I wish our country towns were put together even 1/2 as good. And you all should be uber proud of Daktronics - our Stadium one many national and international awards after we finished building it and many of those can be attributed to the quality of those kick arse screens...🙂

[@robinpettit7827]

When I lived in South Dakota many years ago, the wind was almost constant. The state is beautiful, in many ways.

[@jeridougherty2044]

I moved from Sioux Falls to N. C. a year ago. I'm now packing to move back to Sioux Falls in 2 months, and I can't wait to return to that wonderful city, with all it has to offer. The Midwestern work ethic is a very real thing!!!

[@dememeitized8048]

Meh, still the same

[@bruxploring]

Very nice review of our city! You covered basically all of the highlights of it, but you missed the beautiful Cathedral, a quite majestic work of architecture on top of a hill.

[@Barah87]

I noticed this too. Recently took engagement pics and wanted the Cathedral in the backround. Really thought our buddy should have done a loop around DT because he missed out on Washington Pavillion and Old Courthouse staying on Phillips.

[@SoDakTwisties]

I'm a Sioux Falls resident, and I appreciate this video! I like Sioux Falls for it's amenities and the western part of the state (Black Hills) for it's natural beauty. Quite a difference, geologically.

[@sidjohnson1616]

Bad part about sioux falls is all of the crime

[@SoDakTwisties]

@@sidjohnson1616 Is it though? Of course with a quickly growing population you will have increased crime. It's mostly opportunistic crime where people need to adapt away from the small town mentality. Lock your doors, don't idle your car with the keys in it, etc...The violent crime isn't commonly random. It's usually drug related and and the parties know each other. Your comment amounts to small town pearl clutching.

[@jonhaddican268]

@@SoDakTwisties right on the button

[@scotsman6712]

I lived in Sioux Falls for three years .from '68 to 71.unbelievable amounts of snow.we had a cool book in fifth grade about s.d. history.i wish i had a copy.laura ingalls wilder elementary for two years.lots of pioneer and indian history,i will say though,I'm glad it was only three years.

[@sidjohnson1616]

We did get alot of snow in the winter of 68

[@exuberantrat3779]

Sioux Falls local, here! The sculptures downtown are changed throughout the year! East of downtown Iis a beautiful historic district as well. We have way too many casinos in my opinion, there are three within 5 blocks of my house..not counting those in the gas stations. Nice to see our town from an outsiders point of view, makes me realize things I take for granted here.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It's a great town, Christa. I've been to 95 cities in the past 9 months and Sioux Falls is one of my favorites. :)

[@relickeep]

The falls are a bit overflowing in this video. Looks better when the water is a bit lower.

[@internetcensure5849]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip 5:15 "But it's not really cold; it's about 70°"🤣 The right word would be "balmy".

[@lionelhammonds2337]

Where are the people? That's what makes a good film.

[@LukeO317O7]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip have you been to brandon?

[@jzen1455]

Thank you for this video! I’m going to visit a friend in Sioux Falls and am considering living there. I currently live in a crime-ridden overcrowded city that leans very heavily in one direction politically and want out. Sioux Falls seems like a decent place to start a family and settle down.

[@dopeMike_]

I dont know those muticolored flags seem to be flying everywhere in his video so give it 5 years you might want to move again.

[@lostcanyon777]

@@dopeMike_ Agree - if you want to avoid feeling blue in the future, stay out of big cities.

[@ddssddga]

Sioux Falls is a great little city. I stayed there for a weekend a couple of years ago with my ex. People were friendly, downtown was very easy to get around. The waterfall park was awesome. Overall I got good vibes and enjoyed my little mini vacation there.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It's one of our favorite cities in the US.

[@DonYaroslavtsev]

I was born in Sioux Falls SD, I lived there for 18 years and now I been living in Florida for about 3 years, I miss living there because everything was soo close and easy to get around. There wasn't much to do there but it was nice and quiet and not much crime. I really enjoyed going to downtown with friends and going to falls park all the time. The thing I dont understand is that majority of people have no clue Sioux Falls even exists, People think there is nothing out there and we ride horses all over which is weird, Its growing quite fast with people moving in and its mainly more of a work city and cheaper living compared to other states. Its very easy to get to Minneapolis or you have an option of Kansas which isn't too far either. I just miss being there overall.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Great comment. :)

[@DonYaroslavtsev]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip Thanks

[@mh0862]

That's funny. My family is from Chicago. We lived in Nowhere, South Dakota for about 10 years. Mom moved back to Chicago and I ended up in Denver. Mom came out to Denver one time and remarked, "This is a real city!" I asked her, what did you think we were, dirt streets and wagons?

[@Kayla-ok6ko]

Crime has changed. Bad place anymore. Can't even take the kids to the parks. People are getting shot and stabbed.

[@jacksoncounts5402]

don't forget sioux city is only an hour and a half drive from downtown sufu

[@1love-1light]

I’ve been here 2 years and never stepped foot in one of those casinos…. But there are quite a few. The nicest people are found in this town… amazing and generous! Thanks for sharing ✨💖✨

[@twitchythewitch7181]

Heya! Sufu (our pet name for Sioux Falls) resident here! I like that you focused on the downtown area of the city. It is the oldest and most characteristic and diverse part of the city. Couple facts to add. Our unemployment is low but our homeless population is increasing because housing has increased by half but income has not and we have a gentrification problem. We have some other super cute things to see that you would have loved. We have a Japanese gardens and down the street from that is our veterans park. The casinos thing is weird. Our state gov decided a long time ago to put a cap on how many people can be in a casino at any time to try and keep big casinos out. They also have banned all games except slot machines. So now we have 5 billion tiny casinos every 3 blocks instead. And since you love the falls so much you'd probably love to know that they do a light show on the 4th that is reflected off the water mist and the whole thing is decorated for Xmas with millions of lights. I'm glad you liked it here!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the info! Great comment. :)

[@bradhall9481]

That’s with most cities, it’s so interesting

[@dasaniwaterbottle6933]

The falls park in the winter is a great time, the city has inmates go out there for community service and they deck out the place with lights and even a radio synced light show!

[@lianastewart5901]

@@dasaniwaterbottle6933 but when he passed my mansion 💀

[@ChudPosting]

Sioux Falls is the hidden gem of the Midwest. My company (Dakota Tech inc.) stays very busy helping people & businesses troubleshoot technology issues here. Sioux Falls is rated #1 in the nation to set up both a business or trust. The city has massive potential for growth in the next few decades. We have 2 massive hospitals headquartered here as well as an Amazon city. Exciting stuff!

[@katl22]

It’s really interesting to hear about Sioux Falls from an outsiders perspective! Sioux Falls is a pretty great city overall ❤️ The festival of cultures is great!!

[@galeway1697]

We also host Life light Christian Music Festival. Hands down the best!

[@stevedakota943]

I live around 50 miles away but go to Sioux Falls quite often. What a beautiful and vibrant city. Unbelievable how many apartments and homes continually go up. People are moving from all over the country in droves. What a great place to raise a family.

[@XENNETH]

Just moved on the 19th of this month from the west coast. Honestly shocked at how wonderful it is

[@stevedakota943]

@@XENNETH Welcome, It's one of the best kept secrets around for great places to live. Hope you vote the right way so it always continues to be this way.

[@XENNETH]

@@stevedakota943 oh trust me I will vote the right way I come from liberal democrat run cities at the west coast. They ruined my home there and I don’t plan on letting them do that here. Though at 19 I feel like there isn’t much I can do but just make sure I vote and be vocal. One thing I’ve noticed is people here in Sioux Falls don’t realize how good they have it compared to the west coast. I just hope the people here be mindful of how much of a utopia this city and state is

[@marcbayarea1980]

I've always liked this city. Everyone seems nice there, and it's clean.

[@shannonnicollechannel5884]

We are nice here 🙂

[@LaTerfaMexicana]

I can see the falls through my bedroom window! I love our little casinos.

[@justinebuckleywright1302]

My husband and I were born in South Dakota. I lived in Sioux Falls for many years. Thank you for the video makes me all teary-eyed to see my old hometown.

[@blumenation8904]

Hope you enjoyed our city! Thank you for visiting as well as your kind words regarding our community!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It's one of my favorite cities in the US. :)

[@quinnfromtwitter]

I was born in Sioux Falls, lived for 3 months and never returned to the state of South Dakota. This video was my first experience being able to see what the city looks like. Kind of a wild moment in my life

[@joemccoy412]

I've never had a problem any where in South Dakota. I have the utmost respect for this state. And they are motorcycle 🏍 friendly!

[@johnme7]

Thanks for visiting! I’m proud of our little city! A couple things, crime here is low… I think the reason we have so many car thefts is BECAUSE crime is so low. We are a very trusting people and cars can be an easy target when we leave them running to warm up on a cold winter morning or in a parking lot when we run into a store quick. In the 1990’s I don’t know anyone who locked the door to their homes. I wish it could still be that way but we learned it couldn’t and one of these days we’ll learn to lock our car doors too. The little casinos ARE a blight! We used to be riddled with payday loan shops too charging over 500% interest. Predatory lending!! We passed a law capping loan interest rates at 36% in 2016 and the man that owned them all was furious so he sold everything he had in the state (including a race track) and left so those are all gone now. To that, we say good riddance! So glad you got to see so many good things, the festival of cultures and a little bathroom humor. I’d like to think that we here are very accepting people with a “if you treat me with respect you will also be respected” and that’s all that matters mentality. You should have parked illegally while you were here, with out of state plates, you get a nice little warning note that says “Thanks for visiting our city” instead of a ticket which is a nice touch. Thanks again for visiting our city, we hope you’ll come visit us again!

[@snoopyfod1807]

Completely agree

[@jdshultis]

Little city? LITTLE city? It's HUGE! (No, I'm not joking.) I'm in Aberdeen, and it's still too big! I lived in SuFu back in the 1990's; it has gotten way bigger since then. My hometown is Carpenter, S. Dakota. THAT is a small town. We were a family of 5 living there in the 1980's, and we made of 1/4 of the population. :-)

[@estherkinderman9503]

Lot of Indian history too. Near Sioux Falls there is a museum called Blood Run and a native American historical site called Good Earth. Definitely worth it.

[@melissarohwedder3144]

Enjoyed the tour. I moved from Houston 15 years ago and I miss the food choices...but love the slower pace and proximity to everything. People are not quick to warm up to newcomers, but if you're persistent, you'll find really good folks who will show up when you need them. Love the parks here and downtown. It's a good place to live.

[@Dollsteak69]

Originally from Mpls, spent a year in Tampa and have been in Colo Springs for 6 years. Souix Falls is a miniature Minneapolis without all the PROBLEMS. No state income tax. Property taxes are half of what you'll pay in Minnesota. Souix Falls is roughly half the size of Colorado Springs and has 3 times as many 5 star bars and restaurants and mom and pop places to eat. A 3bd 2 bath constructed in the early 60's can be had for 200k and that's at today's (soon to fall) inflated prices. The reservoir is an hour South and the hunting is 5 star. It's more windy but at least 5 degrees warmer than Minneapolis on average. Best part is the people know how to be employed and they know how to act when the leave the house.

[@aegisreflector1239]

But the winters are awful

[@user-zu2bw7ig5v]

Idk that it's 5 degrees warmer you may be mistaken there.

[@Barah87]

@@aegisreflector1239 Every January we get that week of nearly -10 due to wind chill or actual and i remind myself "I have not seen a mosquito in months".

[@phonehome6612]

We have a guy on TV here in Columbus, Ohio who is originally from Minneapolis and he said it best. He said it's colder there, but it's a dry cold so it doesn't really bother you that much. Down here in the Great Lakes part of the Midwest, there's a lot of moisture and it goes right through your bones.

[@amysims6520]

Sioux Falls isn't dry at all! Are winters are damp and bitter cold. I have lived here for 50 years

[@markfry5698]

Moved to SFSD back in '95 from Montana. Met my wife and stepkids here and gained a family in 2000. Always appreciated the restaurants and cultural scene here. Here is how I Iearned about the Statue of David in my college art class: "Do you see any parts of David's anatomy that look unusually large?" began the professor to a classroom of muted snickers. "Look at his head and look at his hands. They are disproportionate to the rest of the body," he continued. " The large head symbolized that Florence Italy was a center of education and culture, and the large hands symbolized that the city was a center of industry and business." So we can be proud of Sioux Falls and of our Statue of David being downtown. (WITH puny little small town FRIENDLINESS!) 😉

[@ineedpie683]

I work at the Zoo in Sioux Falls, I was super happy to see you included us!

[@Eckossco]

I went to high school in Sioux Falls and fell in love with the city! Military has us moving around now but it will always be home. Glad y’all enjoyed your time there ☺️

[@asonagod6394]

I recently moved to Sioux falls from Cali and it's amazing. The winter wasn't that bad and there's tons of stuff to do for way cheaper than anywhere else. Lots of good jobs and everyone is cool.

[@robertwalker2052]

But now they have to deal with people who call California Cali.

[@asonagod6394]

@@robertwalker2052 whatever Bob

[@DAGO16X23]

I am from California born and raised. We moved here one year ago and absolutely love the city it is very violent people are friendly and it just is a great place to raise a family definitely a hidden gem. We love it the winters are definitely colder naked then what I am used to being from Southern California but the overall vibe has been great. Sioux falls is not it's a beautiful area

[@asonagod6394]

@tyhon nubret sure thing special agent spam bot

[@ITheorey]

@@asonagod6394 Ayo is that Mark Henry in your pic? Lmao haven't thought that name in a long ass time til I saw your pic, interesting comment tho, I'm in California right now looking into Sioux falls a lil bit

[@volvowilltravel]

I grew up there. Left at 19, moved to Santa Barbara, Ca with my sister. I appreciated the video. Down town has changed so much. I love the sculptures. Wonderful to see all the old neighborhoods. I love all the trees. Thank you soooo much, I haven’t been back there for years. Great how they have promoted the Falls and wonderful bike path ✌️💞🌾

[@BirdDogey1]

Santa Barbara is gorgeous! I lived in Laguna Beach until I retired. Had to scale back some.

[@joseramonvalenzuelaegea6745]

I love this kind of city with people on the streets and things to see, like any city in Europe.

[@Excalibur_Gaming]

As someone from sioux falls I can confirm that the amount of casinos are far too many, but there are some absolutely over the top Vegas style casinos nearby just outside the city. The falls are amazing and has a large healthy farmers market in the summer season. Edit: 21:10 I've climbed over there, got my shoe wet :)

[@phonehome6612]

My other half is from Sioux Falls, so I've been there quite often over the years. I like the city a lot. The south side of town is where there is a lot of development. The stuff you see there and the kinds of homes they are building there is also amazing for a city this size. Downtown is also great. The older parts of it are generally clean. Your Bismarck video reminds me a lot of the older parts of Sioux Falls. This town punches way above its weight. (I'm from Columbus, Ohio which is a nice city in its own right.)

[@Barah87]

As a SF local seeing this video title I appreciate comments like this.

[@phonehome6612]

@@Barah87 - it's amusing to me to drive through the new development areas, you're driving on a nice new road in an area with new development, and then it stops abruptly and dumps out right into an old dirt road. Only in Sioux Falls - lol

[@thevashfan12392]

I'd beg to differ but y'know difference between seeing and living in this sprawling sewage plant.

[@stevedakota943]

@@phonehome6612 Hardly just unique to Sioux Falls. You will also see the same thing in Des Moines and Omaha. These three cities are growing so fast that the city just keeps gobbling farm land.

[@Yoursistersazz]

Sioux Falls is a medium city

[@Joe-ie8vk]

I just moved to South Dakota a few weeks back from New York State hour or so away from Sioux Falls maybe. And I gotta tell you it’s night and day difference. If this is there big bad city I assure you this is nothing I was born and raised in Buffalo you wanna see run down you wanna see crime yeah my only regret about moving to South Dakota is that I didn’t move my family out here years ago

[@dortheaprzybilla6152]

Born and raised here. People are bringing in the big bad city stuff that wasn't common 20 years ago.

[@KaraJones]

Welcome to the Dakota's :)

[@thevashfan12392]

it's not as bad but it's not that great either. I deal with the dregs and sludge of the city regularly and I tell ye. I miss living in a small rural town.

[@brittanyangelina_]

I am from Buffalo too and I feel like everywhere is better than the crime in Buffalo believe it or not. Now my father relocated to Tonawanda which is a bit better but I grew up on BAILEY and went to school downtown at Hutch Tech. What a time… smh lol My parents later divorced and I’ve been back and forth from Indiana to Buffalo (Go Bills) but honestly I’m glad I moved too!!! I have a potential travel assignment here but honestly I don’t wanna spend my summer in SD now. Doesn’t look fun

[@Joe-ie8vk]

@@brittanyangelina_ hell yeah I hear that I grew up on the west side myself normal ave I had a gun pulled on me as a child at school 77 and this was back in the 90s it’s worse now. But it’s a great point anywhere is probably better then Buffalo. I moved out to the south towns like way out 45 mins from the city and before we left the crime was on an up tick even out there. And it’s sad cause Buffalo can be a fun city great food I miss it so much but between the state tax’s state regulation every aspect of your life and soft on crime.it’s a lost cause in my book sadly

[@kw4265]

I'm a resident and happy to see such a positive review of this city. Fled my hometown in another midwestern state to get away from the crime, filth, drugs, and fighting for jobs that don't even pay well. Very happy to be somewhere safe. I'm always baffled by the people who say Sioux Falls is going downhill and saying there is too much crime, they have no idea what bad actually is and probably have never crossed the South Dakota border if this is "bad". Far as I can tell, the city is only getting better, stronger, more beautiful, and more interesting. Glad that visitors see it that way too. It can be hard to make new friends here, but people are nice and respectful. Only complaint is it's hard to keep my hair pretty when it's so windy everyday lol.

[@MrBellicosta]

My Grandpa and Grandma are originally from Sioux City, Iowa which borders with Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux Falls, South Dakota so I can appreciate this content! Thanks for covering the parts of America that seldom see!

[@jacobharman2010]

That's wildly innaccurate! Unless your definition of "borders" consists of being an an hour drive away (Sioux Falls to Sioux City) or idk like a 3 hour drive away (Sioux Falls to Omaha). I think what you are babbling about is how Sioux City, Iowa borders South Sioux City, Nebraska and North Sioux City, South Dakota. I do not mean to attack your innocent mistake, but after corrections your statement would say something like, "North Sioux City borders South Sioux City!"

[@samterrymcgovern5246]

I grew up in that beautiful city and it's sad that you didn't drive around MxKennon Park. All four sides of that Park have the most stunning homes. I grew up in one that is no longer there but have the most fantastic memories of the growing up in the best neighborhood, 50 yrs ago. I can't believe how it's grown and all the changes. We also are at the bread and circus on our last visit there. 👍

[@LunaShimmyDiva]

I grew up a block south of the park and ran around it for years. Beautiful homes fronted the park and surrounding blocks. Happy to know so many have been well-loved and cared for, so they’re still standing. P.S. My personal fave is that big Victorian at 17:18. Built on a corner lot, n painted white for years. Looked lovely when decorated for Christmas old school style - pine boughs, wreaths, n red ribbons surrounded by new-fallen snow…

[@jamesbarrett3889]

I moved to Sioux Falls in 1999 and I don't regret it for a minute. Winters can be brutal but the rest of the time it's great!

[@Barah87]

My family moved up here in 1997. Spent a few years in Spearfish and Brookings for school but moved back 8 years ago to be closer to family. As much as I love my family I would not have bought a house here if I did not love the city too

[@sheila1013]

What a beautiful city Sioux Falls looks. 😃 I'm so impressed. Could see myself living there. Looks a nice clean place with plenty going on. Thank you again for this great video. Your commentary is so down to earth and realistic. I love touring America with you both from my armchair in the UK. 😆 Best wishes. 🤗

[@RubyVulpix713]

I’m a local and I say I enjoy the life of Sioux Falls. Fun fact, I was born and raised here in Sioux Falls.

[@jeffsea6490]

Thanks for sharing beautiful scenery 👍🇺🇲

[@jmurf67]

Thanks for visiting. I was born and raised here. Our weather is... fickle, for sure. If we get less then 2 feet of snow we consider it a light snow. The heat is killer but we have more good days then bad. The falls park does this amazing laser light show in the winter with the lights bouncing off and around the ice formations. All in all, a great place to live. I have no opinion about the casinos. I don't gamble, so I don't go there. Anywho, i enjoyed the video. Thanks for shining a little light on our great community.

[@rodcollins3958]

Great videos Love your approach to travelling! Can't thank you enough!!!!

[@charlesholmes5841]

Lookin good Sioux Falls! I got to live here in mid 90s.

[@sprklyhanse5729]

I used to live near sioux falls and am thinking about moving back soon, but I remember one day I went to the falls and it was a bit of a windy day and had been a really wet year so the falls was really aggressive, especially by the mill and there was so much foam floating everywhere. My brother and I made a game of how much foam we could catch. I got so used to seeing the falls that they barely even register anymore and I could recognize a photo of them out of a lineup of other falls. Its kind of crazy to think about, really.

[@ChudPosting]

Sioux Falls is the hidden gem of the Midwest. My company (Dakota Tech inc.) stays very busy helping people & businesses troubleshoot technology issues here. Sioux Falls is rated #1 in the nation to set up both a business or trust. The city has massive potential for growth in the next few decades. We have 2 massive hospitals headquartered here as well as an Amazon city. Exciting stuff!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It's one of our favorite places!

[@MidnightPolaris800]

Whats an amazon city lmao

[@ChudPosting]

@@MidnightPolaris800 a large distribution location for amazon geographically located in a high transaction community lol, lmao. Do you know how to read?

[@adams8132]

True. But it’s boring and ugly as hell

[@porcupinepunch6893]

​@@adams8132 Not nearly as much as Houston

[@aaronduff8274]

Im from Sioux Falls and I just wanted to say thank you for the love you showed to my city and coming to check it out‼️💙 I’ve spent so much time at the falls im 22 years old and when i was 5-10 it was so much more water there😢 and I guess my parents generation would literally dive in and swim when they were kids/teens it was filled to the brim completely, crazy how it changed so much,, P.S. thanks for getting upset at the dude cigarette 😂🙏🏾

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for the kind words, Aaron. :)

[@mattruda9726]

I'm a Sioux Falls resident and it's a beautiful city. We have some of the best nature for a city including the Big Sioux River and our parks are amazing

[@Angelmom919]

I lived in Sioux Falls for 3 months when I did a travel nurse contract there a year ago and I loved it there!

[@eddieb5149]

All in all, not a bad looking place. No graffiti, no garbage dumped all over the place, no torn up or burnt out houses. Few cities in the Midwest are holding up this well.

[@kyleelsbernd7566]

On the contrary, Midwesterners are typically quite tidy; even modest ranch houses will have cheerful landscaping. Downtown retail business struggles to compete with online shopping but even empty areas are typically clean.Retail might be a thing of the past apart from restaurants and brew pubs. Midwest is about family and residential neighborhoods.

[@eddieb5149]

@@kyleelsbernd7566 Quite tidy? When was the last time you were in Detroit or Chicago? I'll give you the fact that a lot of small towns in the Midwest are nice, but the cities, not so much.

[@ShirleySerious]

@@eddieb5149 he probably means outside of the rust belt.

[@annieswier2306]

@@eddieb5149 I think the commenter might have been thinking of the upper Midwest. I’ve always thought the term Midwest is used too broadly. Perhaps North & South Dakota, Nebraska, & Kansas should firmly be called the Great Plains?

[@amysims6520]

That's because he left it out. There is plenty of trash and debris and other unpleasant things. Sadly there are certain parts you just don't go to.

[@corygardner5129]

Was born and raised in Sherman, TX and moved here to Sioux Falls about 6 years ago. Thank you for joining our town and the great review from one Texan to another!

[@garypiont6114]

Her knee caps look like alien faces.

[@blikkiesvdm]

This is something to see. beautiful.

[@danieljames4405]

Looks like a very beautiful city and I love all the artwork. The falls are just beautiful would like to go there sometime just not in the winter good video keep it up!

[@mikequinlivan8842]

Another Sioux Falls resident here; I love to complain about the city, but all in all it’s a lovely place to live. Winter is a Mother-effer (50 below zero wind chill at times) but it’s easy to find an ok job if you wanna work, and even though we are a more conservative city, the planners have been quite forward thinking in its development. Good schools, overall, decent shows finally coming in. We are even slowly rehabbing the old Cathedral area. It’s a good city, especially for South Dakota. Oh! The big Ol house you saw is actually a lot nicer on the inside. Currently it’s a three-plex. And being improved slowly but surely.

[@natjonestower3035]

Great city, for what it is. Lived here most my life.

[@Dakotagirl823]

When I retire, I will definitely be relocating to Sioux Falls.

[@fernandochavez4312]

Married a gal from Brookings SD 28 years ago. Sioux Falls is a dynamic beautiful city. Thanks from cal.

[@sulamitess1264]

I lived in Sioux Falls SD from 2008 - 2017 nine years...I love your video it is very well done and brings back heartwarming memories...I love Sioux Falls SD for my own especial reasons...I would agree that the local casinos are a blight...I say this because I once had a terrible gambling addiction and during the winter months and you are right the winters are brutal in Sioux Falls SD I would get SAD - Seasonal Affective Disorder - Winter Depression and go and gamble at those local Casinos...One time I won $1,000.00 which is the worst thing that can happen to a gambler...I live in Texas now so it is neat that you are from Texas...I learned from your video that houses in Texas are built in stone due to the problem of termites...I am from Ireland and recently returned from Ireland where we lived from 2017 - 2019 to the USA and this time we decided to live in Texas...I love Texas it is a beautiful state though because we cannot afford a car we have yet to see more of Texas but from what I have seen so far of the area we live in Texas is lovely...

[@MrDEWaters]

I have been to Sioux Falls, and I drove around a bit. It's a pleasant town, and very clean. The falls themselves are not a big deal, and if my employer were to transfer me to this city, my reaction would be "well, I'll try to make the best of the situation". Its climate is not to my liking, and it is isolated from the rest of America except for maybe the Twin Cities, which are a four-hour drive away. Probably it's an excellent place to raise a family.

[@markpreston6930]

Boring, dated places are terrible places for families.

[@wardaddy6595]

Considering the current state of the Twin Cities, being far from them is not a bad thing.

[@MrDEWaters]

@@wardaddy6595 Minnesota is a state that I haven't visited. Also Michigan.

[@ivanredinger969]

I'm from SF area and agree with you. I do think its an excellent place to live if you enjoy traveling. Center of the nation. I do not like cities in general, so I see no reason to travel to the Twin Cities other then visiting friends.

[@ivanredinger969]

@@markpreston6930 Not boring and not "dated"... You have to be a boring person to find places like this to be boring. If you are a surfer then sure SF will suck... Also it is great for families because the low cost of living and the lower population = less chaos and more space. Tons of parks and even the most rundown parts of the city are far better off then the rundowns in most other cities. Learn to love things for what they are good at rather then hate them for what they lack and live goes better.

[@jac4YouTube]

I'm new to your channel, as it just popped up in my feed, I really appreciate what you do, I can't get out much anymore being 60 yrs old and get anxiety issues when I do travel so your videos are a blessing for me to watch without the stress of having to travel myself.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for that, Jackie. That's the highest compliment you can give me. My goal is for people to watch my videos and feel like they've been there when it's over. :)

[@49er61]

Thank you Joe and Nicole for another beautiful vacation with you. Love your videos so much ❤

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@ian2372]

I visit Sioux falls two or three times a year from Dallas. I love that city and will be moving there soon. Clean, cheap and awesome parks. The arc lights up at night with the rest of the river walk, super pretty.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

It's beautiful. I live in Dallas as well and would seriously consider the move myself.

[@ian2372]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I work in IT so I can remain fully remote. I was born and raised in Texas but I'm just tired of the heat and it's getting too crowded for me. South Dakota is such a pretty state. 10 minutes of driving out of Sioux Falls and you are back in wide open spaces. Love it. You should visit the little town of Dell Rapids and Watertown if you haven't already. They are great too! Thanks for the video!

[@lynnreinholt1088]

@@JoeandNicsRoadTrip I lived in Austin, TX in the 80's...can't explain how much fun it was! Lol! Also lived in Plano, TX. While looking for a liquor store we almost ran out of gas while driving around but we saw "SOUTH FORK"! (Found out what a dry county was too) Ugh! There's also a Dallas, South Dakota and there is a SUFU business owner who owns a hunting ranch there named "SOUTH FORK"! How fitting! 😁🤭😉

[@gregpies1649]

Shame the winters are so brutal it looks like a nice clean friendly vibrant city.

[@Thesiouxempirepodcast]

Loved your video, thank you for visiting!

[@holly5791]

Can't get tired of those Falls. Perfectly beautiful! Your videography was great.

[@achawk7540]

I enjoyed your trip through the city. When you were at the yellow house with the white picket fence you were one block away from two houses that my great great grandfather and two of his sons built. I would know those style houses anywhere since they also built the one I grew up in. It was good to see trees still standing in the McKennan Park area, the large historic homes area. There was a nasty wind storm a few weeks ago that took so many trees from the area. Sioux Falls has changed a lot since I moved in the 1980s. I was planning on retiring there, so I hope there are houses to be found at not crazy prices.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Great houses in that neighborhood! :)

[@rachell.5001]

I just moved to Sioux Falls a couple of months ago! I love living here. I also used to live in Fargo and I would say Sufu and Fargo are comparable, Fargo is more spread out though. There’s free parking downtown Sufu after 5pm during the week, and free all day on the weekends. So many breweries to choose from! Downtown is always busy. My favorite place to go though is Look’s Marketplace on E 69th St. There truly is something for everyone here :)

[@litoreggie]

I love how mad you got at the cigarette butt at the falls!!!!! I feel the same way. It kills my soul seeing trash in all the beautiful places and I cuss like a sailor too 👍🏼💥💥👍🏼

[@astinos23]

I have lived here for 6 years with my family and we really love this town. Thanks for visiting and showing us some love. Safe travels

[@Raven_Evrmore]

Good video. Ive lived here most of my life. I don't get out too much but others seem to really enjoy living here. You missed a few things but overall this is a pretty accurate representation. You were talking about HOAs around downtown and were correct in saying they don't have them in these old neighborhoods. Most of the HOAs are in newer development areas, town homes and the like. Fun fact some of the homes around the downtown area are the old Sears kit homes too. I was actually able to see my moms home in the distance in one portion of the video and in another you were two blocks from my sister's home. I don't live too far from there myself. That one place where you asked "is this a house?" Yes it was. It was likely an old business adapted into one. The boarded up house next door was a rental that was empty and some homeless people broke in and started a fire. I would have loved you to show the old Pettigrew Museum with the old cobblestone road next to it and the Cathedral. Both local landmarks imho.

[@keithhyttinen8275]

I found your videos a month ago and can't stop watching them. I haven't traveled much only life and it gives me a chance to see the country. Excellent!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Welcome aboard!

[@nicholasschwarz7663]

We just stayed in Sioux Falls on July 6. Stayed at the Baymont Inn on Russel St. The place was a dump. We are contemplating relocating to Sioux Falls or Sioux City when we retire in three years. We went to a baseball game Wednesday evening. Went to a game in Fargo the night before. North Dakota was my 50th state. We didn't go to the falls because we had to be in Omaha by 4:00. After seeing the video, l wish we would have.

[@stanwagner4788]

Excellent video. Looks like a very nice town.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Stan!

[@stanwagner4788]

@@jessicaschmeichel8413 You should know. You live there.

[@stanwagner4788]

@@jessicaschmeichel8413 Not a problem. Your town does look very nice.

[@xDeathCrownx]

I live in sioux falls an Falls park is amazing especially during the winter ❄️ the whole park is covered in Christmas lights It is really beautiful But Falls park does have some tragic events that’s happened I cant really remember how the whole situation started but long story short a family was to close to the water an a little girl fell in the water during winter an fell in the water close to the strong waterfall currents and a stranger close by saw an didnt think twice an went in the water also to help He was able to get the girl outta the water with all his strength but he wasnt able to make it out himself im not really sure how the story goes but thats what i was told by some locals at the park Some places can really be beautiful but also dangerous if not careful but i do hope u enjoyed your stay in sioux falls Been living here for about 20 years already

[@suesmith5746]

There is a drowning in the river every 3 or 4 years, usually at spring flood. About half at falls and rest scattered.

[@sidjohnson1616]

I just wish that people wouldnt destroy the sculptures on the sculpture walk.i think that there should be break proof glass cases over the sculptures to protect them from vandals

[@xDeathCrownx]

@@sidjohnson1616 oh damn ididnt even know ppl was vandalizing the sculptures iknow some have been removed

[@sidjohnson1616]

Thats why.

[@internetcensure5849]

"He was able to get the girl outta the water with all his strength" The girl must have weighed some 160 lbs.🤣

[@davidbowen2175]

You two go out of your way to show beautiful rivers, falls, rocks, your lovely wife is in great shape. Like seeing the food served in differnt areas. Love your travels. RB, Conyers, ga

[@jillgrogan3837]

Love Sioux Falls ❤

[@stevebristol1853]

Brilliant video. I feel like I’ve had a great day at Sioux Falls even though I’ve never been 🤩👍

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Steve! That's my goal. :)

[@terrypitts115]

Born and raised in SF until I was 51 and moved to Ohio 9 years ago. We miss SF for everything except the harsh Winters so, thank you for this! Hate the casinos too. Notice how there's a pawn shop & payday loan near most casinos?

[@bthomson]

Also your narration speed is perfect! Nice work!

[@antifazisbonifaz6964]

Very happy times lord Spoda you are a very intelligent fortunate man. It's a real pleasure follow you. I wish everybody were so good people like you. You and your are awesome 🙂🙂🙂👌👍👍👍👍 Your country seems very very much a better place under your guide. Thanks

[@ashleyallbee4290]

The city grew by 100,000 plus people in a relatively short time frame and I think some areas have just not caught up.

[@abcderghijk]

After a touch of winter they will all be leaving for a warmer climate. And damn quick.. Check out the temperatures in Sioux Falls and that whole area..you will have ice cubes in places you didn't know you have..One winter to say goodbye..

[@twostop6895]

Sioux City is in Iowa Sioux Falls is in South Dakota, they are neighboring states

[@xman777b]

if that's the case, don't know why this isn't working in Idaho Falls. No one leaves..

[@twostop6895]

I lived in Iowa from 2008-2011 and can vouche both states are very cold, coldest temp I seen in Iowa was -20 on a clear morning in January of 2009 with a high of zero for that day, and don’t get me started on snow, Iowa gets a whole lot of it

[@raineman1118]

I look forward to my trips to sioux falls. It's nice to visit civilization from time to time.

[@michellepainter4971]

I grew up in a small city close to Sioux Falls in the 70’s and it was the place to go on the weekends to shop for school and to party on the weekends also. Lots of fun!! My son and his soon to be wife live there and work at Sanford Hospital.

[@jasonweier5561]

Excellent video! Thank you for featuring my city! I wish you would have driven around in the historical district and by the Cathedral just west of downtown a bit more. There are many old homes there that are just beautiful. I have painted many of them over the years. Even some that I saw in your video. Rich men from out east back in the day would come to Sioux Falls in order to get a divorce. Six months to establish residency, get divorced and keep their money which made Sioux Falls the divorce capital of the country. They would love it so much here they would end up staying and built all those old mansions you see. The falls at one time were even more. Below that old power plant thats now Overlook Cafe there were the largest falls of them all were but in order to increase water flow for the power plant they blasted the lower falls out! What a shame! Not sure why anyone would do that. The little casinos that are everywhere are an eyesore. There's so many of them because state law limits a business to ten video lottery machines. Voters have tried to get rid of them numerous times but always fail because South Dakota has no state income tax and they'd have to impose one if they took the casinos out & nobody wants that!

[@xander--doo4632]

As someone who does deliveries in the area, you missed out on alot of great looking architecture. New and old. There were also a few parks that would've been worthwhile. Either way, I enjoy living in the area. The winters can be fun too, just have to get used to the cold

[@marksauck8481]

I agree and one of the best examples are the old churches. I wish they would include a tour of the inside of St Joseph’s Cathedral. It’s amazing in that it feels like you could be in an old European city. I think it’s the most beautiful place in Sioux Falls that few people know about.

[@glennbourque111]

Now I know why it's called Sioux Falls - quite impressive. I've viewed a number of your video tours and gained insights into places I've never been interested in. Also, some cities in North, South Dakota, West Virginia and Kentucky that I've never had a hankerin' to visit I've been favorably impressed and now changed my view through your tours. Maybe I'll check them out for myself.

[@billfeldman3234]

Thank for the Tour That was Nice

[@bighigh69]

Great video. Nebraska is old Lakota Sioux land. Named knee-ha-ska nehaska means winding river.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, dd GO!!

[@tacocruiser4238]

Rapid City is also known for its sculptures.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I will be visiting Rapid City in the future.

[@jamesbrooks3664]

Thats where my uncle lives and he loves it there.

[@arturoyescas4175]

This has quickly turned into one of my favorite shows. Thank you! :)

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@andresec100]

You should visit the falls when it is flooding. The falls look totally different then. Also come in mid winter when they freeze solid.

[@ashleypremer4713]

hi! I'm the aerialist you featured from the Festival of Cultures! We are Cirka Performance Arts if anyone would like to book us for events or learn, all 3 aerialists who were a part of this event are instructors at 605 aerial:)

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Awesome! You were great!

[@bthomson]

Most traveling music is too distracting but yours seems just right! This is an art!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you for that, B! I weeded through music for about an hour looking for the right song. Needed something to go with that big South Dakota sky. 😀

[@MeadowDay]

I agree…following you too, and your very good at this, well done.

[@ronturner5560]

Lady Spoda once again makes a couple of good points walking in Sioux (Sue) Falls, keep them up.

[@twin2tx2]

You passed by my old house on the boulevard. Awesome!

[@peggyingalls5224]

I moved to SuFoo back in 1986 from Las Vegas... til 2017?, then moved to Mitchell (Home of the One And Only Corn Palace...) I miss. Sioux Falls... Mitchell is too small and everyone knows what you are doing... Gossip. My heart beings in Sioux Falls.... Great live music, art, and all ethnicities of great food. My trifecta.

[@stevek4070]

You asked how run down it is but avoided the run down parts :o I live here and it's okay really. I don't visit the falls very often because there's a food processing plant nearby and you'll have to deal with the meat smell. Sometimes the wind works with you though. There are an incredible amount of parks in this city and it feels fairly safe. The casinos and pawn shops are a blight in just about any city really. I used to live in the Black Hills and when I moved here it just felt like a completely different biome. Hopefully it continues to expand in unique ways and not just with more Wal-marts and chain stores.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

I asked the question, and the answer is: Hardly at all.

[@gsmith601]

The falls are awesome.

[@claudiabottom4086]

looks like fun

[@Floof_Factory]

As some one from San Francisco, Sioux falls is refreshing. Alot cleaner, less expensive and friendlier. I originally moved here for political reasons but this city and state have so much potential and alot already to offer