Old Courthouse Museum

The majestic pink quartzite building that houses the Old Courthouse Museum today is one of the most recognizable architectural gems of Sioux Falls. Built at the end of the 19th century in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, this site once served as the county's administrative center and now invites guests on a fascinating journey through the history of South Dakota, USA.

Inside the museum, tourists can explore three floors of exhibits covering a variety of topics: from the life of indigenous peoples and early prairie settlers to the development of railroads and the region's participation in world wars. The building itself is an exhibit—its stained glass windows, massive granite columns, and restored courtrooms create a unique atmosphere of a bygone era.

The unique murals and the preserved clock tower from 1893 are of particular value. The museum is part of the Siouxland Heritage Museums partnership and is a designated National Historic Landmark, making it a must-visit for anyone who wants to truly feel the cultural heritage of this part of the country.

To confirm current information about special exhibitions or to book a group tour, you can contact the museum administration directly. The staff is always happy to help tourists find their way around the event schedule.

Below are the primary contact details and official resources for the institution:

Start your discovery of the museum by exploring its impressive interiors. Be sure to head up to the restored courtroom, where original furniture and finishes allow you to feel the severity of the law from years past. Don't miss the series of 16 scenic murals that decorate the corridors and tell the story of the difficult life on the prairie.

For fans of artifacts, the museum offers a variety of collections: from antique toys and household items from the Prohibition era to rare exhibits dedicated to the women's suffrage movement. If you're interested in architecture, pay attention to the clock tower and the massive arched openings, which are characteristic features of the style of that time.

After walking through the halls, be sure to stop by the museum shop. Here you can find handmade gifts from local artisans, interesting books on Dakota history, and unique souvenirs that will be a great reminder of your trip. Throughout the year, the museum also hosts traditional music concerts and educational lectures, so it's worth checking the event calendar before your visit.

Reaching this architectural landmark is easy, as it is located in the heart of the Old Courthouse Historic District. The exact address is 200 W 6th St, at the intersection of Main Avenue and 6th Street. For those traveling by car, the free parking directly next to the building is a pleasant bonus.

If you are arriving in Sioux Falls by air, the trip from the regional airport (FSD) by taxi or rental car will take only about 15 minutes. The downtown area also has an established public transport network—the Sioux Area Metro (SAM) buses have several stops within walking distance of the museum.

Thanks to its central location, the museum fits perfectly into a walking route through the city. For example, a walk to the famous Falls Park or the Arc of Dreams art installation takes very little time, allowing tourists to comfortably combine several key locations in one day.

Construction of the courthouse began in 1889 and was an ambitious project by architect Wallace L. Dow. Upon its completion in 1893, this majestic structure made of local pink quartzite was considered the largest courthouse in the vast territory between Chicago and Denver. It became a symbol of regional prosperity, even though the end of the 19th century was marred by an economic crisis.

The museum's interiors house unique treasures, with the 16 wall murals holding a special place. They were created by Norwegian artist Ole Running between 1915 and 1917. These large-scale oil paintings vividly recreate scenes of the daily life of early settlers in Dakota, turning the museum walls into a true illustrated chronicle of the region.

Interestingly, in the 1960s, the building was nearly demolished as it could no longer accommodate the expanding administrative staff. It was only thanks to the active intervention of the residents of Sioux Falls that the historic building was saved. In 1973, the site was included in the National Register of Historic Places, and just a year later, it opened its doors as a museum.

For most travelers, the optimal time for a visit is between 1 and 2 hours. This is quite enough to leisurely admire the architectural details of the building, examine the murals, and get acquainted with the main thematic exhibitions on the three floors.

If you are a true history buff or plan to visit the gift shop and study archival photographs in detail, you should set aside a bit more time. The museum is not too large, so exploring it will not be tiring even for families with children.

The Old Courthouse Museum is open to visitors daily, offering a convenient schedule for both weekdays and weekends. On Thursdays, they often have extended hours until 9:00 PM, which is very convenient for those who prefer evening strolls.

Approximate opening hours:
Monday — Wednesday, Friday: 08:00–17:00;
Thursday: 08:00–21:00;
Saturday: 09:00–17:00;
Sunday: 12:00–17:00.
Admission to the museum is traditionally free, however, before visiting on public holidays, we recommend checking the current schedule on the official website.

A stroll through the surroundings of the historic center will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere and see how modernity coexists with a carefully preserved past. Located within a few minutes' walk from the museum are other iconic sites that will perfectly complement your cultural itinerary.