Local Lou

A one mile wander through the Warehouse District, starting and ending at the Arc of Dreams. In this Local Lou walking tour, we explore the old industrial backbone of downtown Sioux Falls, where factories, and freight houses once defined the skyline and where new businesses now thrive inside the bones of the past. It’s just a taste of how the district evolved as the city grew. Google says this walk...

Today we visit the Two Cemeteries historical marker on North Duluth Avenue, the quiet bluff where Sioux Falls’ earliest burial grounds once stood. Before Mount Pleasant Cemetery existed, before Sioux Falls was even a stable settlement, this hillside held the remains of the village’s first residents. We explore the stories behind those early burials: Henry Masters, the provisional governor of the s...

First of all, should we all get pilots licenses so we can be called Aviatrix? Nellie Zabel Willhite (1892–1991) was South Dakota’s first licensed female pilot and the first deaf woman in the United States to earn a pilot’s license (!!!) a groundbreaking achievement in early aviation. Born near Box Elder, she lost her hearing to measles as a child and later attended the South Dakota School for the...

Listen to the remarkable story of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte , the first Native American physician in the United States. Born on the Omaha Reservation in 1865, Picotte grew up witnessing the failures of federal agencies to protect Native health, a moment that sparked her lifelong mission. If this story moved you, share the episode with someone who loves learning about trailblazers who shaped the...

Eeek I am ready to put the episode out but have not written show notes, what to do, what to do? I am going to publish and note later, or at least with intent to note later. Listen to this episode to hear some rock solid history! Links below! Throwback Thursday: Sioux Quartzite Iowa's Geological Past: Three Billion Years of Earth History - Page 38     books.google.com › books   Wayne I. Anderso...

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 T...

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 Li...

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 https://youtu.be/8mrYv4IPFS0?s...

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: ancie...

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 thro...

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 1870...

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 Jorge...

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 poss...

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 mo...

Join me during a conversation with Allison, the executive director of Sioux Falls' historic State Theater. Allison shares the captivating journey of restoring and revitalizing this cultural landmark in Downtown Sioux Falls. Discover the theater's rich history, the challenges of preservation, and the exciting plans that ensure its legacy endures for future generations. Come along with me an...

Talkin With Tasha – a podcast for everyone  and Lou as we have a conversation about the inspiring stories of influential women in Sioux Falls history, explore the origins of the city’s first library, and celebrate Women's History Month. Discover how local women shaped the community’s legacy and get a glimpse of upcoming episodes on historic landmarks like the State Theater!!! Listen up in this...

Looking back at Sioux Falls history with Kevin Gantz, the curator of education at the Sioux Land Heritage Museums. We're talking about RF Pettigrew, a pivotal figure in the city's story. Kevin gives us the scoop on how the museum preserves local history and why understanding historical narratives is crucial. We also chat about Pettigrew's complex ties with the community and Native Amer...

At last Local Lou welcomes SueAnne, creator and host of the Lily Flagg's Signal podcast, to explore the rich history of Huntsville, Alabama. The conversation flows into the connections between Sioux Falls and Huntsville, and the unique narratives that shape each city's identity. The episode also highlights quirky local legends, like how a cow that became a symbol of Huntsville's histor...

Richard Franklin Pettigrew, a significant figure in the history of Sioux Falls has a great timeline for us to explore. Taking us from Pettigrew's early life, his political career, to the impact he had on the community. His achievements and controversies are displayed and we get to start noodling on what we think of this guy and maybe even gain a little insight on Pettigrew's complex charac...

From the push for downtown shopping to the campaign to brand Sioux Falls as the 'Christmas City', the episode highlights the importance of local history and community engagement during the holiday season. Supporting local historical societies is essential for preserving history. Shopping downtown during Christmas is vital for the local economy. The campaign to nickname Sioux Falls as the &...

It's the 20 year anniversary of a demolition gone wrong in the heart of downtown. Lets take a peek at the significance of the Zip Feed Mill in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Keywords Sioux Falls, Zip Feed Mill, demolition, history, community, local news, urban development, historical landmarks, South Dakota, podcast Localloupodcast.com to join the email list, or check out Throwback Thursday News s...

Join the Email List Local Lou Podcast Manchester Biscuit Company and the subsequent establishment of Raven Industries in Sioux Falls and how it connects to a Thanksgiving Day tradition.

In this episode of the Local Lou podcast, we are focusing on a notorious Renner South Dakota bank robbery committed by a mother-daughter duo in 1925. Through historical markers, newspapers and court records, we uncover the details of the heist. The episode highlights the challenges of piecing together historical narratives and the importance of local history. LocalLouPodcast.com Renner, South Dako...

In this episode of the Local Lou podcast, we fly into the historical significance of Lindbergh Landing in Renner, South Dakota, exploring the life and legacy of Charles Lindbergh. From his groundbreaking solo flight across the Atlantic to his complex and controversial legacy, the conversation highlights the impact of Lindbergh's achievements on aviation and local history, as well as the darker...