Sioux Falls Uncovered: Glaciers, Railroads & the City’s Surprising Past

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: ancient glaciers that carved our pink quartzite, the early communities who lived along the Big Sioux River, the railroad hustle that built downtown, and the unexpected era when Sioux Falls became the “divorce capital of America.” It’s a quick, curious walk through the past that explains the Sioux Falls we know now.

If you follow my Throwback Thursday history segments with Byalee Peterson on Dakota News Now, this podcast is the deeper dive — more stories, more context, and more chances to explore the city at your own pace. You can find even more Sioux Falls history, photos, and episodes on the Local Lou website.

Sioux Falls isn’t just a place to live.
It’s a place to explore — again and again.

Experience Sioux Falls
https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com

Downtown Sioux Falls
https://www.dtsf.com