Culture Stop: Washington Pavilion of Arts and Sciences
When a high school moved to a different part of Sioux Falls, the Neoclassical building it left behind seemed too interesting to part with. City officials repurposed the Sioux quartzite building into the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Sciences in 1999. The multipurpose entertainment venue houses the Kirby Science Discovery Center, the Visual Arts Center, the Husby Performing Arts Center and the Wells Fargo CineDome Theater.
“The Kirby Science Discovery Center has more than 100 interactive exhibits,” said Wentworth. “It is fun for all ages. It has everything from exploring space to tornadoes to rock climbing to making movies.”
Visitors learn with their hands at the center by interacting with a live science demonstration, touching a simulated tornado and operating a robotic arm. The Pavilion also offers other hands-on classes and workshops for both students and adults, such as the Wine on the Wheel pottery workshop.
At the Visual Arts Center, guests walk through one permanent and six rotating galleries exhibiting work by regional and national artists. Groups could also catch a touring Broadway production or a performance by the Sioux Falls Symphony at the Husby Performing Arts Center’s 1,800-seat great hall.
With so many options, staff at the Washington Pavilion can easily customize a group’s experience.
History Stop: Pettigrew Home and Museum
After Richard Pettigrew first came to Sioux Falls in 1869, he soon made it his life’s mission to build and promote the city. He helped bring five early railroads, developed many businesses and served as the state’s first full-term senator.
Visitors can tour Pettigrew’s 1889 Queen Anne home to learn more about this interesting figure. Tours explain how he championed the rights of women and farmers during his time in Congress. They also point out the home’s detailed woodwork, silk damask wall coverings and jeweled windows.
The restored home retains many of the furnishings and arrangements from Pettigrew’s time there, since he donated it to the city upon his death in 1926. Pettigrew developed a passion for collecting, building his own museum filled with natural and cultural curiosities from his extensive travels. Stone tools, Native American clothing and rare natural specimens make the attached museum an intriguing stop.
Siouxland Heritage Museums runs the Pettigrew Home and Museum as well as the nearby Old Courthouse Museum.
“The Pettigrew Home and Museum can be paired with a visit to the Old Courthouse Museum,” said Wentworth. “Part of the group can visit the Old Courthouse Museum while the other can visit the Pettigrew Home. Admission to both is free.”
The Courthouse Museum operated as Sioux Falls’ courthouse from 1889 until 1962. Three floors of public exhibit space showcase a colorful glimpse into the region’s history.
