Old Photos of Sioux Falls, SD: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has always been a city of change, growth, and community spirit. But beneath its modern skyline and evolving neighborhoods lies a rich tapestry of memories—moments frozen in time through the lens of old photographs.

In this article, we take a heartfelt look at old photos of Sioux Falls, SD, showcasing the people, places, and landmarks that shaped the city’s soul. Whether you're a long-time resident, a history buff, or someone who simply loves a glimpse into the past, these images are sure to stir up memories and pride.

The Plaza Motel

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Old Taco Bell, Sioux Falls, SD

Avio Gasoline - Sioux Falls, SD 1933

This gas station was located south of Sioux Falls on old highway 77 (now Minnesota Avenue) in 1933. It was at the approximate location of the  north bound off ramp of 1-229 at Minnesota Avenue. The sign on top of the building 'cabins' were the Green Gables tourist cabins and they were located close to the Sioux River or about the spot where the entrance to the soccer fields is now located.

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Restaurant – Sioux Falls, SD

Buffalo Bill’s Wild West restaurant was a local favorite on South Minnesota Avenue in Sioux Falls, SD. Famous for its jail-themed dining experience that kids especially loved, the restaurant was a unique attraction in the city. One of its most iconic features was the Wild Bill statue, which stood proudly outside. After the restaurant closed, the statue traveled north to a nearby bar, then briefly ended up in a farm field—before finally being rescued and relocated to its current home in Wasta, South Dakota.

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The First Edition bar and restaurant Menu

The First Wendy’s in Sioux Falls

The first Wendy’s in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, opened its doors on March 11, 1979, at 708 S. Minnesota Avenue—marking the city’s entry into a rapidly expanding fast-food revolution. At the time, Wendy’s was already the third-largest restaurant chain in the U.S., following McDonald’s and Burger King. The Sioux Falls location arrived during a nationwide boom that saw the company open its 1,000th store that same year.

Wendy’s was founded by Dave Thomas, who began his restaurant career as a teenager and was mentored by Colonel Harland Sanders of KFC. After turning around struggling KFC locations, Thomas used the profits to open his own burger chain in 1969, naming it after his daughter Wendy. He revolutionized fast food with innovations like square burger patties and the first modern drive-thru window.

The original Wendy’s in Sioux Falls featured nostalgic turn-of-the-century decor, classic bentwood chairs, Tiffany-style lamps, and menu staples like hot hamburgers, fresh-cut fries, hearty chili, and the iconic Frosty dessert.

By the end of 1979, Sioux Falls had three Wendy’s locations. In the 1980s, the brand gained fame with the “Where’s the Beef?” ad campaign and later with Thomas himself starring in over 800 commercials. Beyond burgers, Thomas left a legacy through his adoption advocacy and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption.

Walt and Mary’s Restaurant, Sioux Falls, SD

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Lemonds Restaurant in 1954

The Maine Lobster

Chris Country Grill

Southwest Corner of 11th St Year 1945

Holiday Inn, Sioux Falls, SD

Red Lantern Inn

Old Lewis on Minnesota Ave, Sioux Falls, SD

Downtown, Sioux Falls, SD

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Musicland

Seymour's Red & White Store

Downtown Sioux Falls in May 1969

Downtown Sioux Falls, SD in 1950's

Pizza Inn, Sioux Falls

Sunshine Food Store

1968 Christmas in Sioux Falls, SD.

Old Home Bread

“Old Home Is Good Bread” so the commercial said back in the day. This is a picture of Old Home that was near 10th and Cleveland Ave. Whoever grew up in the neighborhoods near by got to smell the fresh sweet bakery in the air. I can almost smell it now. The good old days.

Driving Simulator at Washington High, Sioux Falls

Anybody else old enough to remember the driving simulators at Washington High? I vaguely remember them being able to switch between an automatic and a manual transmission... Clutch pedal would swing up out of the way in auto mode, and the gear shift switched to 3-on-the-tree!

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Granada Theater

Sioux Falls in 1887

Old Howard Wood Stadium

The old Howard Wood Stadium looking north in this 1955 track meet photo. The stadium was located on the corner of E. 10th Street and Franklin with the grandstand pictured here sitting at an angle on the corner. Or the left side of the grandstand would point towards Franklin and the right side of the structure would point toward E. 10th Street. The stadium featured a football field with a cinder quarter mile running track surrounding the field. A six foot high Sioux quartzie wall encircled the entire facility running down 10th street to Fairfax, turning south to the Drake Springs swimming pool going back west behind the field / track and turning back north to meet at the front gate. The stadium was razed to make room for a supermarket and Sears store and now is the home of several government offices.