Sioux Falls Area

Some additional "tourist" items in the Sioux Falls area 

Cathedral of St. Joseph, The Cathedral traces its history to the establishment of St. Michael’s Church, Sioux Falls' first Catholic parish. It was founded in 1881 and a wooden building was constructed for a church. Two years later a larger brick church was built. It became the Pro-Cathedral when Bishop Martin Marty, who was Vicar Apostolic of the Dakota Territory, arrived in Sioux Falls in 1889. On November 12, of the same year Pope Leo XIII established the Diocese of Sioux Falls, and St. Michael’s become the cathedral for the new diocese.

The structure has been altered over the years. A fire in the lower church did significant damage to the cathedral in 1942. Conrad Schmitt Studios decorated the interior the following year, and the marble high altar and tester were installed in 1946. The frosted glass windows were replaced by French stenciled stained glass windows in 1947. A major interior restoration took place between 1970 and 1974. A new free-standing altar was installed at that time. Another major renovation of the cathedral interior was completed in 2011.

A Kilgen pipe organ was installed in 1935. 

Battleship BB57 was christened the U.S.S. South Dakota March 20,1942.  In October, 1942 during the battle of Santa Cruz, she downed 32 Japanese planes while defending the Carrier Enterprise.  The ship was the most decorated battleship of WWII, 21 battle awards.  It fought in every major battle in the Pacific.  
A number of SD citizens banded together to save part of this famous battleship when they discovered it was scheduled to be scrapped in 1962. This memorial opened in September 7, 1969. 

The teak wood floor now decorate the museum's ceiling. The blocks of wood cover holes from the original screw holes.

Sometimes you see a sign and wonder what could be done at this place?  A sign at the campground exit stated USGS EROS 10 miles.  So we looked it up and found out they gave tours!

EROS is the national archive of remote sensing data of the earth's surface.  The center receives satellite data in color waves which when translated by the scientist can determine land changes on earth.  Could not take any photos outside!  They employ over 600 people.    

Scale-model of the satellite 

The state of SD.  Black is water which has the highest reflective value, the rose color are higher terrains.  The scientist can evaluate data over time and determine the land changes from fire, earthquakes, floods, drought, etc. 

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