Summer2015 visitorsguide

1

SUMMER 2015

RECORD RIDE Sioux City welcomes riders for seventh year of RAGBRAI kickoff

SITP + 25

Annual music festival marks silver celebration with Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin

HOME RUN

Clubhouse manager part of Explorers family

OUTDOOR ROCKS Updated space at Hard Rock ready for summer concerts

INSIDE: AREA EVENTS, ATTRACTIONS, DINING, ENTERTAINMENT, SHOPPING AND MORE!

VISITSIOUXCITY.ORG

2

SATURDAY / JULY 11

TUESDAY / JULY 14

DOORS 6:30PM / SHOW 7:30PM / $40-$80

FRIDAY / JULY 17

DOORS 7PM / SHOW 8PM / $32-$75

DOORS 7PM / SHOW 8PM / $24-65

WITH SPECIAL GUEST RACHEL PLATTEN

WEDNESDAY / JULY 22 DOORS 6PM / SHOW 7PM / $20-$70

FRIDAY / JULY 31

FRIDAY / JULY 24 DOORS 7PM / SHOW 8PM / $32-$75

FRIDAY / AUGUST 7

DOORS 7PM / SHOW 8PM / $39-$69

FRIDAY / AUGUST 14

DOORS 7PM / SHOW 8PM / 36- 80 $

$

DOORS 7PM / SHOW 8PM / $39-$80

GET YOUR TICKETS AT THE ROCK SHOP OR AT WWW.HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM OPEN TO ALL AGES

111 3RD STREET

I SIOUX CITY, IA 51101 I HARDROCKCASINOSIOUXCITY.COM

Events held at Battery Park are open to all ages. No carry-in food or beverages allowed. If you or someone you know needs gambling treatment call 800.BETS OFF.

2 visitsiouxcity.org

3

LETTER FROM THE MAYOR

Great things to do and see in Sioux City Dear Friends: On behalf of our residents and City Council, welcome to Sioux City! We are honored to be your hosts and hope you will enjoy your stay.

The Sioux City region has a long history of welcoming visitors, beginning more than 200 years ago in 1804 with the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Over the years, our City has seen great change and continues to see positive growth. Sioux City is the regional hub for business, culture, and entertainment. We have twice been named an All American City by the National Civic League and are ranked one of the top sports destinations by Sports Destination Magazine. Forbes Magazine ranks us No. 14 in the country for Best Places for Business and Careers. Our outstanding quality of life and top notch economic incentives make Sioux City a perfect place to raise a family and grow a business.

There are lots of great things to do and see in Sioux City and this summer is no exception. Join us for Fridays on the Promenade beginning June 5 for live music, Awesome Biker Nights June 18-20, Mardi Gras

August 14, 2015

9am-2pm

Stoney Creek Inn & Conference Center 300 3rd Street • Sioux City, IA For more information call Nancy Todd at 712-224-6281.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Scott Mayor

FrEE!

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING ACTIVE, REWARDING LIVES

HealtH & leisure expo

Festivale July 2; The Big Parade on July 2, Saturday in the Park on July 4 – just to name a few.

We hope you visit our historic downtown and see our unique architecture; visit our beautiful riverfront, shops, museums, and talk with some of the nicest people in the world. Once you explore Sioux City and uncover some of our many hidden gems, I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it the same way that I have.

You’ve got to see it!

Located in the heart of downtown Sioux City, the Sioux City Public Museum features large, colorful exhibits, interactive displays, and so much more.

Hands-on experiences include the award winning “Innovation I-Wall” and “The Big Dig,” which replicates an active fossil dig site.

Summer Exhibit: Saturday in the Park: Rockin’ for 25 Years

SiOUx City PUbliC MUSeUM 607 4th St. • Sioux City, IA

Located at 4th & Nebraska Streets in downtown Sioux City

(712) 279-6174 • www.siouxcitymuseum.org

HOURS: Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm • Sunday 1-5pm Closed Mondays & Holidays

I-29, Exit 149, 1000 Larsen Park Rd, Sioux City, IA (712) 279-0198 • siouxcitymuseum.org

The MV Sgt Floyd, next to the Missouri River, is home to an Iowa Welcome Center, a river museum and gift shop. Learn about Native American culture, fur trapping, the Lewis & Clark expedition, hard working steamboats and more.

Sergeant Floyd Memorial Encampment August 15 & 16

Hours: 10am - 4pm Daily Closed Major Holidays

official 2015 visitors guide

3

4

siouX CiTY’s railroad museum RailRoad museum houRs

monday ........................................ Closed Tuesday - saturday ................. 10am - 4pm sunday .................................. Noon - 4pm major holidays............................ Closed Closed deCember 24 thru marCh 11

FoR moRe inFoRmaTion

milwaukeerailroadshops.org

712-233-6996

Family & Friends admission Package: $10 per group General admission: $5 (age 14 and older)

WEL

The 2015 Sioux City Visitors Guide is produced in cooperation with Visit Sioux City by Information Publications, Inc. 515 Pavonia St., Sioux City 51101 All material is copyrighted, 2015 by the publishers. To advertise or for information on how you can have Information Publications produce a similar publication for your business or community, contact: Steve Griffith, General Manager at (712) 224-6277 or e-mail your request to steve.griffith@.lee.net.

Photos courtesy of the Sioux City Journal, Sioux City Public Museum, Sioux City Art Center and Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

4

visitsiouxcity.org

5

CONTENTS

ELCOME INSIDE 3 Letter from the mayor 6 Attractions 12 Saturday in the Park 14 Mardi Gras and Big Parade 16 Events calendar 22 History 24 Area map 27 RAGBRAI in Sioux City

0 Shopping 3 31 Dining 31 Nightlife & entertainment 34 Battery Park concerts 36 Explorers baseball 38 Sports & recreation 40 Parks 45 Lodging

A monarch butterfly rests on a flower near the Flight 232 Memorial along the Missouri River in Sioux City.

We hope you will enjoy our vibrant community. The Sioux City area has much to offer and experience with a diverse selection of shops, restaurants, entertainment and more. Be our guest, stay a day or two and let us show you our hometown hospitality!

official 2015 visitors guide

5

6

ATTRACTIONS Sioux City serves as the regional hub for business, employment, industry, retail trade, medical care, educational opportunities and tourism in Northwest Iowa, Southeast South Dakota and Northeast Nebraska. More than 140,000 people live in the tri-state metropolitan area.

Take a step back in time and explore our rich history with the Lewis and Clark Expedition and see the history of the Missouri River through rare photographs and artifacts. Don’t forget your camera as you tour the beautifully restored Orpheum Theatre and get fabulous photos of the region from the Sgt. Floyd Monument or Chief War Eagle Monument. Come away to a quiet place.

IOWA

Aalfs Courtyard Fourth & Virginia streets Sioux City A green space courtyard where a beautiful mural, created by a team of local artists, depicts buildings that no longer exist in Downtown Sioux City and life in the 1800s.

Anderson Dance Pavilion On the Riverfront Larsen Park Road, Sioux City 712-279-6126 Located along the Missouri River, the Pavilion is host to many summer special events, parades, walks, and picturesque weddings. A scenic 6

visitsiouxcity.org

walkway leads to a well-manicured lawn with spectacular annual plantings and a state-of-the-art, full access children’s play area.

Sioux City Art Center Arts Alive Mural Third & Nebraska streets, Sioux City Located on the south side of the Terra Centre, this beautiful mural welcomes visitors into Downtown and is a wonderful example of community pride, bringing art to the public, and a positive project for the city’s young art students.

Bruguier’s Cabin 1201 Riverside Blvd., Sioux City In 1933, an abandoned house was about to be demolished so that the lumber could be used for a boys camp. As workers removed the siding from the house, they discovered that the house was originally a log cabin. After doing research, it was determined that the house was one of the log cabins of the Theophile Bruguier farm. The cabin was given to the City of Sioux City as an historic structure, and is considered to be the oldest structure in Sioux City.

7

Jason Henry of Midland, Mich., embraces his mother, Karen Henry, as the two look at the United Airlines Flight 232 memorial in Chris Larsen Park on July 20, 2014.

facility is handicap accessible. Three miles of hiking trails, including a quartermile handicap-accessible trail, offer spectacular views and connect with other trails in Stone State Park.

Flight 232 Memorial

On the Riverfront, Sioux City Commemorating the heroic rescue efforts by the Siouxland community after the crash of United Flight 232 in 1989, the statue depicts Air National Guard Col. Dennis Nielsen carrying a young child to safety.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino 111 Third Street 712-224-7625 hardrocksiouxcity.com

The 30,000-square-foot Hard Rock Sioux City casino features games, slots, luxury hotel, theater, several restaurants and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.

Historic Fourth Street District 1000-1100 Fourth St., Sioux City

Historic Fourth Street contains the best concentration of late 19th century commercial buildings in Sioux City.

Nestled in the heart of Downtown, Historic Fourth Street offers fine dining, exceptional nightlife and unique shopping in an atmosphere unsurpassed in the area.

Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center/Betty Strong Encounter Center

4500 Sioux River Road, Sioux City 712-258-0838 www.woodburyparks.com

900 Larsen Park Road, Sioux City 712-224-5242 www.siouxcitylcic.com

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday 1-4:30 p.m.

Closed Mondays.

Admission: Free

The Betty Strong Encounter Center opened in December 2007 as an expansion of the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to create a private, non-profit cultural complex on Sioux City’s Missouri Riverfront. The Lewis & Clark Center commemorates the explorers’ time in this area with a range of permanent hands-on exhibits, the Garden of Discovery, a 30-by-50-foot U.S. Flag and 14-foot bronze outdoor sculpture of Lewis, Clark and Seaman the Newfoundland dog. The adjoining Betty Strong Encounter Center seeks

This award-winning facility showcases the Loess Hills and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, education and stewardship. All new exhibits feature an interactive badger tunnel, prairie diorama, rare birds’ egg collection and extinct passenger pigeon.

Hikes, special events and programs for all ages are held year round. The

to encounter deeper meanings of the expedition and its transforming impact on the people, land and rivers of this area, using changing exhibits, movies and a year-round calendar of programs and activities for all ages. The cultural complex was built and is sustained by Missouri River Historical Development, Inc. (MRHD).

Long Lines Family Rec Center 401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City 712-224-5124 • www.sioux-city.org

The Long Lines Family Rec Center provides recreational facilities for individuals as well as organized associations. The Center has courts for open gym, soccer, basketball, volleyball, in-line hockey, dodge ball, wrestling, batting cage and special events. The centerpiece of the facility is the world-class 53-foot climbing wall and free-standing boulder to practice your rock-climbing techniques. There are conference rooms for meetings, parties and other small events.

Mid America Museum of Aviation & Transportation

2600 Expedition Court, north of Sioux Gateway Airport, Sioux City 712-252-5300 midamericaairmuseum.org Variety of aircraft and transportation vehicles including vintage bicycles, cars, fire truck and police cars, military vehicles and displays to a Boeing 727200. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesdays. Open holidays except for New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Closed Wednesday.

The Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway Iowa Hwy. 12, 3400 Sioux River Road, Sioux City 712-274-8733 (ext. 1284) www.milwaukeerailroadshops.org I-29, Exit 151 - 2 miles south of the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. The Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District features a 31.5-acre historic district with walking tours, roundhouse building tours, steam locomotive cab tours (4-6-2 Pacific Style Locomotive), official 2015 visitors guide

7

8

ATTRACTIONS locomotive whistle demonstrations, motor car rides and the Caboose Gift Shop. Hours are Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Orpheum Theatre

528 Pierce St., Sioux City www.orpheumlive.com Ticket Info: 800-745-3000 Symphony Info: 712-277-2111 The Orpheum is a magnificently restored 1927 theater in the heart of Sioux City’s downtown cultural district and is the home to the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, the Broadway at the Orpheum series, and an exciting array of live entertainment events. The historic theater, its elegant lobby and stylish bar also offer stunning settings for your meetings, parties, wedding receptions and other events. No matter the size of your group, the Orpheum’s exquisite surroundings, combined with friendly, professional service and exceptional cuisine, will make your event unique and memorable.

Public Safety Memorial at City Hall

Sixth & Douglas streets, Sioux City This memorial pays tribute to all of the fallen firefighters and law enforcement officers who helped keep the Siouxland community a safe place to live.

Roth Fountain on the Promenade

Fourth & Virginia streets, Sioux City The fountain in its entirety mirrors, in its tripartite facade, the historical 1915 Exchange Building formerly located in The Yards area. The fountain’s four over-flow basins and the hexagon shape of the outer pool are taken from elements found in the Woodbury County Courthouse.

Sculpt Siouxland

Fourth St. from Pearl to Virginia, Sioux City www.SculptSiouxland.org Sculpt Siouxland is a year-long

8

visitsiouxcity.org

A terra cotta bull head is part of the Roth Fountain located at Fourth and Virginia streets in Sioux City.

exhibit displaying sculptures from local and national artists. This exhibit is free to the public and displayed along Fourth Street in Downtown.

Sergeant Floyd Monument Hwy. 75 near Glenn Avenue, Sioux City Admission: Free Hours: Year Round Honoring Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only casualty of the 1804 Lewis and Clark Expedition is this stone obelisk. Overlooking the Missouri River, this 100-foot tall memorial was

the first historic landmark registered by the U.S. Government.

Sgt. Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center 1000 Larsen Park Road, Sioux City 712-279-0198 www.siouxcitymuseum.org Admission: Free Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 7 days per week. Closed New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas days.

Tours may be arranged after hours.

Board the Sergeant Floyd, and begin a journey into the region’s

9

Sioux City Art Center

225 Nebraska St., Sioux City 712-279-6272 www.siouxcityartcenter.org Admission: Free (contributions appreciated) Hours: Tues., Wed., Fri. & Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun. 1- 4 p.m.; Mon. Closed.

The Sioux City Art Center with its contemporary architecture welcomes visitors with its elegant three-story glass atrium accented with a floor featuring a geometric maze fashioned from terrazzo tile. Two of its five galleries are dedicated to featuring selections from its permanent collection of more than 900 works including a Grant Wood mural.

Throughout the year, other gallery space showcases touring exhibits of works by artists with international, national and regional reputations. The children’s Junior League Hands-On! Gallery offers a fun atmosphere for children to explore basic elements of art through interactive stations.

Sioux City Convention Center

Journal file photo by Tim Hynds

The sculpture “Sojournor: Solar Reef� by Andrew Langoussis is part of the Sioux City Art Center’s permanent collection.

Hours: Business Office: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Convention Center hosts trade shows, conventions, meetings and special events. Center Plate, the exclusive in-house caterer, is rated as the best in the business. As the Tourism Bureau for the area, the Convention Center can assist with programs, maps, hotel recommendations, and much more.

Sioux City Public Museum 607 Fourth St., Sioux City 712-279-6174 www.siouxcitymuseum.org

showcasing Sioux City and Siouxland history including Native American history, rare artifacts, stimulating interactives, stockyards history and wide range of exciting exhibits and traveling shows.

Sioux City Transit System Operational times: Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Trinity Heights

Admission: Free Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 1-5 p.m.

The museum features permanent exhibits

2509 33rd St., Sioux City 712-239-8670 www.trinityheights.com Admission: Free (Donations Accepted) (Open seven days per week)

��

maritime history. Built in 1932 as an inspection boat by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center chronicles the Missouri River’s development as a major shipping route and the key to Sioux City’s success in the early years of its founding. Discover exhibits about the Lewis & Clark Expedition, the fur trade, Sioux City’s evolution as a transportation hub and those river craft which still ply the waters of the Missouri River. The three-deck vessel displays a forensic likeness of Sgt. Charles Floyd, a restored Engineer’s quarters, Radio Room and Officers’ Rest room. The Museum includes Native American artifacts, an authentic dug-out canoe, fur-trapping supplies and model steamboats. The Galley Gift shop offers Sioux City, Lewis & Clark, and souvenirs from the threestate area.

���� ������� ������� ��������� � ���� ���� �����

Admission: See individual event

 Â? Â? Â? Â?     Â

�� �

ďż˝

ďż˝

801 Fourth St., Sioux City 712-279-4800 800-593-2228 www.visitsiouxcity.org

��

ďż˝

ďż˝

� ����������

official 2015 visitors guide

9

10

ATTRACTIONS Photo provided

by G.R. Lindblade Co.

A terra cotta panel is shown inside the Woodbury County Courthouse in downtown Sioux City.

Hours: Oct. 1-April 30, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., May 1-Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

The 33-foot statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the 30-foot statue of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Queen of Peace are the focal points.

In the St. Joseph’s Center/Museum you will find Jerry Traufler’s life-size wood carving of the Last Supper, one of only three in the world, and the Divine Mercy Chapel. On the grounds is a Circle of Life Memorial to the Unborn. The eight acres of beautiful gardens, small shrines and a simulated mountain stream and pond allow the visitors many opportunities to “Come away to a quiet place by yourself and rest a little.” Mark 6:31.

Tyson Events Center/ Gateway Arena 401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City 800-745-3000 www.tysoncenter.com Admission: See individual event Hours: See individual event The Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena features a 10,000-seat arena, and offers an extremely flexible venue for a wide variety of entertainment and sporting events. The facility includes a full-size ice hockey rink, and is home to the Sioux City Musketeers Hockey Team and Sioux City Bandits Indoor Football Team.

10

visitsiouxcity.org

War Eagle Monument Take I-29, Exit 151 and follow War Eagle Drive, Sioux City Admission: Free Hours: Year ’round Wambdi Okicize, known as “War Eagle” served as a riverboat guide or pilot on the upper Mississippi; he worked for the American Fur Company delivering messages, and during the war of 1812 he carried messages for the government. The monument was erected in tribute to War Eagle. Due to his leadership among the tribes, the Indians and Whites learned to work together without having to resort to violence.

The bluff provides a spectacular view of the tri-state area.

Woodbury County Courthouse 620 Douglas St., Sioux City 712-279-6601 • woodbury-ia.com Admission: Free Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

National Historic Landmark.

The courthouse, completed in 1917, is an example of prairie style architecture. The building features sculptures, intricate terra-cotta moldings, sculptured light fixtures, and a beautiful stained glass dome.

The Woodbury County courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1996. It is the largest

publicly owned prairie school building in the world.

Nebraska

Emmanuel Lutheran Church

1500 Hickory St., Dakota City, Neb. 402-987-3316 or 402-987-3388 Hours: Sundays 2-4 p.m., June through August Built in 1860, this was the first Lutheran Church in the Nebraska Territory. Annually, in August, is the Vespers Service. The Dakota County Historical Society welcomes visitors to Nebraska’s oldest standing church.

Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center at Ponca State Park 2 mi. N. on Spur 26E, Ponca, Neb. 402-755-2284

“Where People and Nature Meet,” describes the beauty and solitude of this conference Center. Along with meeting rooms, this facility offers a terrific visitor center and hands-on interpretive center focusing on the natural and cultural history of the Missouri River.

Ponca State Park

2 mi. N. on Spur 26E, Ponca, Neb. 402-755-2284 www.ngpc.state.ne.us/parks The park, which encompasses 859 acres, has trail rides, pool, hay rack

11

rides, The Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center and visitor center. On-site staff and volunteers help guide and educate visitors on the history, biology, ecology, astronomy, geology and archeology of the area. Many how-to programs on outdoor recreation are also given, including fishing, backpacking, wilderness survival, cooking and others.

With more than 20 miles of trails, the park provides hikers and mountain bikers many opportunities to explore the park’s back country. Several mountain bike races are held every year making the Park’s trail system noted for its diverse and often challenging trails.

South Sioux City Convention and Visitors Bureau 866-494-1307 www.visitsouthsiouxcity.com

Call today for your convention, sports or group tour, hunting or family vacation needs.

South Dakota

Adams Homestead & Nature Preserve

North Sioux City, S.D. (McCook Lake Exit) • 605-232-0873 gfp.sd.gov/STATE-PARKS/directory/ adams-homestead Admission: Free Trails open year around. Visitor center open weekdays 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., weekends in summer (call for hours).

A 1500-acre park in the Missouri River basin. The homestead was established in 1872 includes the family farmhouse, a historic barn, log cabin, the Lamont Country School and Stavanger Church.

It also includes interpretive exhibits, more than 13 miles of biking and hiking trails with views of native plants and wildlife.

North Sioux City, S.D. Adams Nature Preserve, video lottery & bingo, 180 hotel rooms, Veterans Memorial and five community parks.

URGENT CARE when you need it.

St. Luke’s Sunnybrook Medical Plaza

unitypoint.org

Online Wait Times official 2015 visitors guide

11

12

A silver celebration

Queen of Soul headlines SITP’s 25th year EARL HORLYK

ehorlyk@siouxcityjournal.com

In its 25th year, Saturday in the Park will be getting some R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Aretha Franklin – the Queen of Soul – will be the headlining Sioux City’s free music festival July 4 at Grandview Park.

“To have Aretha here in Sioux City on the Fourth of July for our 25th anniversary is very, very cool,” said Dave Bernstein. “It’s going to be a great moment for us.”

Along with friend Adam Feiges, Bernstein co-founded Saturday in the Park in 1991.

“We started it as sort of a lark,” Bernstein said. “We wanted to see if we could pull off Aretha Franklin, a multiple Grammy winner, will headline the 2015 Saturday in the Park concert.

The free outdoor festival marks its 25th year July 4 at Grandview Park in Sioux City.

Provided

12

visitsiouxcity.org

“Aretha has played inaugurations, White House concerts, Lincoln Center and, now, SITP. It’s going to be a great year for Saturday in the Park.”

DAVE BERNSTEIN a free outdoor concert in a bandshell that wasn’t getting much use at the time. After the first year, we thought it would go away.

“Clearly that never happened,” he said with a laugh.

Over the years, Saturday in the Park has grown into a premier event among summer music festivals, drawing audiences estimated to exceed 25,000.

Plus the festival continues to attract plenty of diverse A-Listers, including past Saturday in the Park acts like B.B. King, Counting Crows and, in

2014, the “indie”-rocking Avett Brothers.

“The Avetts were one of my favorites,” Bernstein said. “They did a great set and the crowd went crazy for ’em.”

He’s just as enthusiastic about this year’s musical line-up.

In addition to Franklin, the Los Angeles-based pop band Foster the People (“Pumped Up Kicks”), country blues artists North Mississippi Allstars and the “gypsy punk” Gogol Bordello will be playing the festival’s main stage.

Three more acts will be announced later to complete the seven-act lineup. Likewise, acts for the festival’s Second Stage will be announced closer to the date of the

13

Gogol Bordello

North Mississippi Allstars

Foster the People

Details What: Saturday in the Park When: Noon to 10 p.m., Saturday, July 4 Where: Grandview Park, Sioux City Online: saturdayinthepark.com

show.

“As always, we’ll have something for practically every musical taste,” Bernstein said. “Foster the People will be a huge draw for the new generation of SITP fans, while Aretha’s popularity will be pretty universal.”

Bernstein is quick to give props to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (this year’s overall sponsor) and Great Southern Bank (the sponsor for Franklin) for their contributions as well as to the local volunteers who turn Saturday in the Park into a reality, year after year.

“Our volunteers are the unsung heroes of the festival,” he noted. “We wouldn’t have been around for the past quarter-of-acentury without their help.”

Mostly, it’s the music that continues to draw people to the Grandview Park Bandshell, every Fourth of July weekend.

Do you know SITP? Who headlined the first SITP? Blue musician Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown had the honors in 1991. Other acts included Bad Manners and Buckwheat Zydeco.

Who has had the most SITP encores? Winnebago, Neb.-based blues singer Curt St. Cyr, who has performed the festival at least eight times between 1991 and 2005.

Haven’t we seen you before? Some acts who’ve appeared at more than one SITP have included the Neville Brothers, Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers and Santana, who headlined the show in both 1994 and 2010.

Does SITP run in the family? At 1997, reggae royalty Rita Marley and her Maccabee Band played SITP. Her son, Ziggy Marley (along with the Melody Makers) played the festival in both 1999 and 2014.

Source: saturdayinthepark.com

Reflecting over 25 years of acts, Bernstein regrets never being able to book such seminal musicians as the late Albert Collins or the late Stevie Ray Vaughan.

But he will always cherish the incredible array of talent he has been able to book.

Over the years, they’ve included Wilco, Melissa Etheridge, Cee Lo Green, B.B. King and Santana, just to name a few.

Plus the singer who revved up the

“Freeway of Love” will soon be headlining Saturday in the Park’s 25th year.

“Aretha has played inaugurations, White House concerts, Lincoln Center and, now, SITP,” Bernstein said, shaking his head.

“It’s going to be a great year for Saturday in the Park.”

official 2015 visitors guide

13

14

Mardi Gras celebration moves back to the Tyson Events Center DOLLY A. BUTZ

dbutz@siouxcityjournal.com‌

Sioux City and sister city Lake Charles, La., are teaming up to bring a touch of the Big Easy to downtown July 2.

The Mardi Gras celebration, which is expected to draw more than 1,500 people, is staged by the Krewe de Charlie Sioux - a group made up of 25 members from each locale.

The Gala is a highlight of the festival, which also includes the Big Parade through downtown and a Cajun meal. This year’s theme is “The Games People Play,” according to Julie Peterson, captain of Sioux City’s Krewe de Charlie Sioux delegation.

“I think this is an opportunity for people in the Midwest to get to see something they wouldn’t normally see,” she said. “It’s not every day you get to see a 16-foot back piece with feathers.”

The hour-long Mardi Gras Costume Gala showcases costumes created by Louisiana designer John Chavanne.

The costumes consist of sequins and rhinestone-covered outfits, accessories and back pieces - plywood boards filled out with Styrofoam, decorated with more sequins and rhinestones and topped with feathers. Chavanne also uses bamboo and feathers to craft these one-of-a-kind creations that tower several feet into the air.

The parade and festival will change locations this year, according to Erika Newton, executive director of the city’s Events Facilities Department.

“The Convention Center is going to be undergoing renovations this summer, so we’re not able to use the large gallery for our Mardi Gras Festivale like we have in the past,” Newton explained.

The Costume Gala will move back to the Tyson Events Center, where it was held several years ago. The Big Parade will still travel down Fourth Street, but Newton said this year it will move west rather than east.

“The direction was changed because it made more sense with the Tyson Events Center being the endpoint,” she said. “We would start around Iowa Street and head west on Fourth Street to get closer to where the Tyson Events Center is.”

Newton said the final parade route hasn’t been approved yet. The Big Parade kicks off 14 visitsiouxcity.org

Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal

The annual Big Parade travels along Fourth Street in Downtown Sioux City.

The Duke of Coffee and Doughnuts struts along the walkway during the 2014 Mardi Gras Festivale at the Sioux City Convention Center.

at 6:15 p.m.

The Mardi Gras Festivale will follow at the Tyson Events Center with a Cajun dinner prepared by chefs Al Clark and Bob Dowd. The meal features chicken and sausage gumbo, rice and more.

Newton said tickets can be purchased for the meal and a reserved Gala spot. Free general admission seating to the Gala will be available for those who don’t wish to purchase tickets.

“If you want to come and have a free night the whole night, you can most definitely do that,” she said.

A fireworks show by Lantis Fireworks at 10 p.m. will conclude the festivities.

Newton said the fireworks, which will be shot from the riverfront, will be visible from the Tyson Events Center’s parking lot, where a band will play music.

The Krewe de Charlie Sioux was established in 1995 when Lake Charles and Sioux City became sister cities. Its purpose is to promote Mardi Gras, share cultural experiences and develop tourism in both cities.

Members from Sioux City travel to Lake Charles in February to choose a court and plan the festival in Sioux City. They also participated in Lake Charles’ Mardi Gras celebration.

15

official 2015 visitors guide

15

GLANCE

16

info at a

JUNE

find more events at visitsiouxcity.org

10

WEDNESDAY Jerry Seinfeld

EVENTS CALENDAR | SIOUX CITY . SOUTH SIOUX CITY . NORTH SIOUX CITY Jerry Seinfeld

7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10 Orpheum Theater America’s premier comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, has been hailed for his uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere.

Tickets, $47, $65, $80 and $125, are on sale at the Tyson Events Center Box Office, online at www.OrpheumLive.com, exit.com or by calling 800-514-3849.

Devon Allman Band

8 p.m., Thursday, June 4 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 111 Third St. The son of the legendary blues artist Gregg Allman, Devon continues to wow crowds with his insightful and refreshing blues tunes. Must be 21 or older to attend.wTickets, starting at $15, are available by calling 844-22227625 or visit www.hardrockcasinosiouxcity.com

16 visitsiouxcity.org

Sioux City Farmers Market

8 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday through Oct. 21 Tyson Events Center Suite Parking Lot, corner of TriView Avenue and Pearl Street Enjoy the bounty of the locally grown produce, delicious baked goods and beautifully handcrafted items.

Call 712-870-0436 or visit www. siouxcityfarmersmarket.com for more information

Sculpt Siouxland 10-Year Celebration 5:30 p.m., Thursday, June 4 Sioux City Art Center, 225 Nebraska St.

Celebrate 10 years of Sculpt Siouxland with drinks, food and entertainment. This annual fundraising event helps support the sculpture in Downtown Sioux City. This year’s event will be outdoors (weather permitting) on the Sioux City Art Center lawn and include a live auction of works by Sculpt Siouxland artists.

Tickets are $30. Call 712-279-6272 or visit www. sculptsiouxland.org for more information.

17

Awesome Biker Nights 2015

Nature Playscape

Thursday-Saturday June 18 - 20 Historic Fourth Street

There’s a roar louder than thunder and lots of leather as the streets of downtown Sioux City fill with motorcycles of every kind. It’s Awesome Biker Nights, the 15th anniversary of Northwest Iowa’s top regional motorcycle event with attendance of more than 25,000!

Of course, even those who aren’t traveling on two wheels are welcome at the event. The Awesome experience includes three stages of live music from national and regional bands, motorcycle stunt performances, a poker run through

Live Birds of Prey Nature Programs

the beautiful countryside, a bike show, tattoo contest, poker tournament, bike raffle, vendors and more. Motorcycle enthusiasts with all makes and models of bikes are welcome, along with the general public.

Dorothy Pecaut

Nature Center 4500 Sioux River Rd. Sioux City, IA 712-258-0838 www.woodburyparks.com

For more information call 712-224-2759 or visit www.awesomebikernights.com

The Gala of The Royal Horses

RE-LIVE AVIATION & GROUND TRANSPORTATION HISTORY

7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 6 Tyson Events Center, 401 Gordon Dr.

Experience the excitement, splendor and majesty of The Gala of the Royal Horses for the first time ever in Sioux City.

Tickets are available by calling 800-514-3849 or visiting www.tysoncenter.com

OPEN: Sunday 12-4, Mon-Tues-Thurs-Fri-Sat 10-4; ClosedWednesday ADMISSION: Adults $6.00 • Seniors $5.00 • Children $3.00 Group Rates /Motor Coach &TractorTrailer Parking Gift shop is open same hours as museum 2600 Expedition Court • Sioux City, Iowa 51111

712-252-5300 / e-mail: airmuseum@longlines.com / www.midamericaairmuseum.org

Free Yoga in the Park

9-10:10 a.m., Saturdays, June through August Chris Larsen Park, 1280 Larsen Park Road

Alabama

8 p.m. Friday, June 12 Tyson Events Center Alabama is Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry and Jeff Cook, a trio of young cousins who left Fort Payne, Alabama, over 40 years ago, ultimately altering the fate of country music. A portion of the night’s proceeds will benefit the Boys Club of Sioux City. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is proud to present the evening’s show.

Tickets, $51.50, $81.50 and $127.50, are available at the Tyson Events Center Box Office, online at TysonCenter.com, or by calling 800-514-3849.

Classes will be structured for everyone from first-timers to regular yoga practitioners. Participants should bring their own yoga mats and a bottle of water. No yoga class will be held on July 4 or July 18.

North Sioux City

Come to Play - Come to Stay

For more information call 402-404-8439 or visit nwsymca.org/free-yoga-in-park/

Cardinal Festival Days June 12-14 Citywide, South Sioux City

The three-day festival includes the Dirty Bird Run, Family Fun Night, Mud Volleyball Tournament, Exhibits, Displays, Musical Entertainment, Classic Car Show, Fireworks, complete with Beer Garden and much, much more!

*Adams Homstead & Nature Preserve* *Over 180 Hotel Rooms* *Veterans Memorial* *Six Miles of Waling & Biking Trails* *Five Parks* *Variety of Dining Options* *Video Lottery and Bingo*

official 2015 visitors guide

17

18

EVENTS CALENDAR JULY

2

THURSDAY

Rib Fest

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 27 Tyson Events Center parking lot Love running, love ribs, love both? Then, this family friendly festival is perfect for you, and admission into the Rib Fest festival area is free! We’ll have mouth-watering BBQ items ready to eat on the spot and more you can purchase to take home. A 5K Rib Run, a 1K Piglet Dash, a Piglet (Kid) Zone full of free, fun activities for kids, a beer tent and live music.

1K Piglet Dash start at 9 a.m.; 5K Rib Run start 9:30 a.m.; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Piglet (Kid) Zone; 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. race awards, BBQ picnic, beer tent and live music.

Registration for the races and to place BBQ To-Go pre-orders at camphighhopes.givezooks.com/events/ rib-fest-2015

Holiday Pops Concert

8:15 p.m., Saturday, June 27 Buhler Outdoor Performance Center, 1501 Morningside Ave. Get in the mood for the Fourth of July holiday by attending this bang-up concert that features the Sioux City Symphony and a fantastic fireworks display. Free and open to the public. Rain location: Eppley Auditorium.

WinnaVegas Casino Resort Presents: The Big Parade and Mardi Gras Festivale 6:15 p.m., Thursday, July 2 Downtown Sioux City

Join the FREE fun when the Big Parade kicks off at 6:15 p.m. on downtown Fourth Street!

When the Parade is over, head straight to the Tyson Events Center for the Mardi Gras Festivale. There will be an authentic Cajun sit-down dinner and handmade Mardi Gras costumes direct from Louisiana. Chefs Al Clark and Bob Dowd will prepare the famous “Taste of Louisiana” dinner featuring chicken and sausage gumbo, rice, Cajun potato salad, dinner rolls and sugar cookies. Free seats for the show are also available on a first-come, firstserved basis, no tickets required!

And the night wouldn’t be complete without fireworks around 10 p.m. This year’s fireworks show will be provided

by Lantis.

River-Cade Festival July 12-18 Various locations

Visit www.river-cade.com for more information.

18

visitsiouxcity.org

Saturday in the Park 2015

Noon to 10:30 p.m., Saturday, July 4 Grandview Park This free music festival draws tens of thousands of people each year. The Saturday in the Park Festival was founded in 1991 by Dave Bernstein and Adam Feiges. In addition to a line-up of world class artists, the 25th Great Southern Bank’s Saturday in the Park Festival also will feature the return of Arts Alley, the KCAU Kids Zone, and some of the best festival food anywhere, and two beer gardens. The festival wraps up with a fireworks finale that continues to impress year after year. http://saturdayinthepark.com/

19

RAGBRAI

Saturday, July 18 Sioux City Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Welcomes Sioux City RAGBRAI RAGBRAI is the longest, largest and oldest touring bicycle ride in the world.

The Iowa tradition is so popular that the number of daily riders in a specific stretch can exceed 20,000. Add support vehicles loaded with friends and families and the week draws thousands more from all 50 states and many foreign countries for seven days of cycling a route averaging 472 miles.

JULY

18

With the 30,000+ people expected to flood into Sioux City on July 18, there will be plenty of food vendors and entertainment.

Sioux City will host RAGBRAI overnight on July 18. The ride will leave Sioux City for Storm Lake on the morning of July 19. http://ragbraisiouxcity.com/

SATURDAY

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Welcomes Huey Lewis & The News Saturday, July 18 Tyson Events Center

Huey Lewis & The News will headline at this year’s Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) kick-off party.

RAGBRAI registered rides with their wristbands will get into the concert for FREE. Non-rider admission is $20.

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Sioux City will have Collective Soul at its outdoor concert venue Friday, July 17. www.hardrockcasinosiouxcity.com/ For more information on Sioux City’s RAGBRAI event, please visit www.ragbraisiouxcity.com

Bill Diamond Antique & Classic Car Show

Noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, July 12 Sgt. Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center, 100 Larsen Park Road “Show and Shine” event with live entertainment. Concessions available.

Free to the public. Sponsored by the Sioux City Museum and Historical Association.

Dakota/Thurston County Fair

Plymouth County Fair

The fair is a wholesome and educational place to build lasting family memories.

Featuring a parade, rodeo events, tractor pulls, live animal displays, a carnival and much more. midnight 712-259-2305. www.dakotathurstonfaironline.com.

Five days of fun with live music, carnival, royalty and more. www.plymouthcountyfair.org/

July 12-18 Dakota-Thurston County Fairgrounds, 1547 Stable Drive, South Sioux City

July 29-Aug. 2 Plymouth County Fairgrounds, 500 4th Ave. NE, Le Mars, Iowa

official 2015 visitors guide

19

20

EVENTS CALENDAR Woodbury County Fair

Aug. 5-9 Woodbury County Fairgrounds, 206 Fair St., Moville, Iowa Find full schedule and more information at www.woodburycountyfair.com

Shinedown

7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 5 Orpheum Theatre

JULY

23

A rare and intimate evening with Shinedown with special guests Nothing More will be coming to the Orpheum Theatre on Wednesday, August 5th, 2015 at 7:30 pm.

THURSDAY

Winnebago Pow-Wow

July 23-26 Veterans Memorial Park, Winnebago, Neb. Annual homecoming celebration honors Chief Little Priest and 75 of his Winnebago warriors who served with the US Cavalry in 1865. The Pow-wow features traditional songs, dances and food. Visitors come from throughout the US and foreign countries. A one-time admission charge covers the fourday event. Camping available. Concessions available on the grounds.

2015 Rockstar Uproar Festival

2:25 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 6 Tyson Events Center, 401 Gordon Drive Lineup includes Godsmack and Seether along with Buckcherry, Pop Evil, Escape The Fate, Within Reason and Sons of Revelry.

Tickets, $28, $45, $55 and $75, are available at Etix.com, by calling 800-5143849 or visit tysoncenter.com

Tickets, $29.50 and $39.50, are available online at etix.com, by phone at 800-5143849, and at the Tyson Events Center Box Office.

‘Cat Attack’ Catfish Tournament

Aug. 8 South Sioux City Public Boat Ramp, South Sioux City $5,000 guaranteed in cash and prizes.

Drawings for additional door prizes.

Door prizes include trolling motor, reels, tackle boxes, gift certificates, etc. midnight 402-494-1626. visitsouthsiouxcity.com/.

Sioux City Explorers

Lewis & Clark Park, 3400 Line Drive • 712-277-9467 • www.xsbaseball.com May 21-23 May 29-30 May 31 June 1-3 June 11-15 June 16-18 June 25-27 June 28 July 3-4 July 5 July 15-18 July 20-22 Aug. 1

20

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

6:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

6:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

6:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

visitsiouxcity.org

Sioux Falls Canaries Quebec Les Capitales Quebec Les Capitales Kansas City T-Bones Winnipeg Goldeyes Lincoln Saltdogs Amarillo Thunderheads Amarillo Thunderheads Sioux Falls Canaries Sioux Falls Canaries Laredo Lemurs Lincoln Saltdogs Grand Prairie Airhogs

Aug. 2 Aug. 3 Aug. 5-7 Aug. 11-13 Aug. 14-15 Aug. 16 Aug. 17 Aug. 24-26 Aug. 27-30

6:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

6:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

7:05 p.m.

Grand Prairie Airhogs Grand Prairie Airhogs Fargo-Moorehead RedHawks St. Paul Saints Kansas City T-Bones Kansas City T-Bones Kansas City T-Bones Gary SouthShore RailCats Wichita Wingnuts

Tickets, $7-$13, are available at the Lewis & Clark box office or by calling 712-277-9467.

21

Blackbird Bend Casino is the friendliest gaming experience you’ve ever imagined with all of the best amenities: • Hundreds of the latest and hottest slots • Table games including Blackjack, Poker, Craps and Roulette • An exciting Bingo Hall • Great dining in the Upstream Café • Regularly scheduled promotions and fun • Live entertainment Wednesday through Saturday nights

Your free membership in Club Blackbird will make your experience at Blackbird Bend even more exciting. Join our premier rewards program that gives you the ability to earn benefits for every dollar you spend. The more you play, the more you earn! When you sign up for the Club, we will give you $10 in Free Play just for joining.

ONLY 35 MILES SOUTH OF SIOUX CITY 1-29 SOUTH TO ONAWA EXIT 112 1.844.622.2121

·

Proudly hosted and operated by the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa

Management reserves the right to alter or cancel promotions at any time without prior notice.

Gambling problem? Call 1.800.BETS OFF

official 2015 visitors guide

21

22

HISTORY Early Sioux City History In 1804 and again in 1806 the Lewis & Clark Expedition traveled through the area on the Missouri River. Theophile Bruguier, a French fur trader, married local Indian chief War Eagle’s daughter and settled in the Riverside area in 1849. Sioux City was platted in 1854 by Dr. John K. Cook and incorporated in 1857. The town developed around the mouth of Perry Creek on the Missouri River.

Steamboats brought the first settlers and supplies to the area and helped to make Sioux City a retail and wholesale center for the region.

The Combination Bridge spanned the Missouri River and connected Sioux City and South Sioux City. Built in 1895, the bridge carried or combined railroad, wagon and pedestrian traffic. It was replaced in the 1980s by the Siouxland Veterans Memorial Bridge.

The Romanesque-styled Federal building of 1897 was converted to City Hall in 1948 and restructured and modernized in 1995.

Boom Period Sioux City boomed in the late 1880s and early 1890s. Many people thought Sioux City would become another “Chicago” on the great plains. The Panic of 1893, however, stopped the city’s growth. The city did recover and became the business and recreational hub for the tri-state region.

Pearl Street was city’s first “main” street and ran north from the docks on the Missouri River levee toward the residential north side.

22

visitsiouxcity.org

The 1891 Corn Palace was so large that it spread across Pierce Street and featured a large archway that allowed traffic to pass through. The palace featured a balcony atop the main 200-foot tower. There, visitors could take in a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding three states.

23

The nation’s third elevated railroad system provided transportation from the suburb of Morningside to downtown businesses in the 1890s. The “el” went out of business in 1901 and was replaced by automobiles and buses.

20th Century Growth The city recovered after the Panic of 1893 with a renewed spirit and a building boom. The Prairie School and Art Deco and Modem styles of architecture can be seen in many buildings and houses in Sioux City built in the 20th century. WPA projects in the 1930s included a Bandshell, park shelter houses, a football stadium and roads and bridges.

The Woodbury County Courthouse stood out on Sioux City’s skyline from 1878-1918, on the southeast corner of Sixth and Pierce streets.

The Floyd Monument was built in 1901 to honor Sgt. Charles Floyd, the only member of the Lewis & Clark Expedition to die. It became the nation’s first Historic Landmark in 1960.

official 2015 visitors guide

23

exit 2

L

KOA

Graham Field

W. 19

exit 151

St.

A

Soccer Field

Retail Cluster

College Campus

G Gambling site

Public/Private Golf

Cemetery

Stadium

Pool & Waterslide

Campground

C Convention Center

Medical Facility Martin Field

W. Villa Ave.

21st St.

77

Atokad Park

Crystal Cove Park

L

on e

St Bl vd .

Memorial Field

Grandview Park

LAMB Theatre

L

L

L

4th St.

36th St.

St. Lukes Medical Center

L

27th St.

4th St.

129 20

75

O ut er D riv e No

29

Leech Ave.

Tra ns it

exit 144B

Dr ./

Lincoln Way

Olsen Stadium

Se

L

rg ea nt Rd .

Graceland Cemetery

B20

Morningside College

rd on

Go

Correctionville Rd.

First Bride’s Grave

A

12th St.

75

. vd Bl

Dr .

12

$

exit 2

Sunnybrook Dr.

Morningside Ave.

East High School

75

M Le

s ar

exit 3

20 exit 4A

20

exit 4B

exit 97

75

exit 99

To

Memorial Park Cemetery

Bacon Creek Park

Stone Ave.

ter

.

ss ne

i us

St

B

46 th

Ou

Western Iowa Tech

Sioux City

d oy Fl

Central St.

Floyd / Mt. Carmel Cemetery

Av e.

Sgt. Floyd Monument

A

18th St.

41st St. r th

33rd St. Trinity Heights Queen of Peace

A

Indian Hills Dr.

6th St.

11th St.

Dace St. exit 147A

Cancer Center

C

Mercy Medical Center

S. Sioux High School

29th St. 33rd St.

39th St.

exit 147B

31st St.

North High School

South Sioux City

9th St.

G 6th St. L

L

C

14th St. Heelan High School

A

Pa rk

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Welcome Center Center exit 148 exit 149

W. 1st St.

W. 4th St.

Briar Cliff University

Plum Cr eek Rd.

Logan Park Cemetery

W. 19th St.

Military Rd.

Calvary Cemetery

West High School

War Eagle Monument

Kirk Hanson Park

L Lodging Cluster

Riverside Park

Sioux City Community Theatre

th

Railroad Museum

Boat Launch

G

A

12

A Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center

Major Park

exit 1

29

G

River Dr.

Big Sioux River

Ball Field

Airport

L

Siouxland Surgery Center

G

29

Dakota Dunes

Adams Nature Center

Riverside Blvd. . d ide Blv Rivers

North Sioux City

Rebecca St.

Stone State Park

Casselman St.

Nebraska St. Jackson St.

A

s Blv d.

Myrtle St. Center St.

Hamilton Blv d.

Douglas St.

Pierce St.

exit 4

Jones St.

Dakota Valley High School

Wesle y Blv d.

To K-2 2 Court St.

A

une

Dak ota D

Hamilton Blvd.

Dakota Ave.

G St.

Fl

Blvd.

Glenn Oaks

Bl vd . oy d Cunningham Dr.

Flo y d Riv er Lew is

.

Rustin St.

d Point R

Fairmount St.

75 sin ess

24 visitsiouxcity.org

Sioux

Bu

s all xF

.

Rd Blv d. /

iou

M

y ar ilit S. St. Aubin

d. tR lbo Ta

S. Palmetto

S To

ter ee Str

Dr.

. ne Blvd Cheyen

S. Lakeport

Park Jefferson Speedway

24

5 D2

is B Lew . lvd

k

& Visitors Bureau m 1

HILTON GARDEN INN

IA

enter

-2228 ekends during

nter n Jones St. s

m

& Welcome rk, on the Iowa r (use I-29’s

ion Centers

MAP

A

A

A

A

P

29

P

STONEY CREEK INN

PR

P

P

A

A

P

PR

RAMADA CITY CENTRE

P

PR

PR

P

A

P

29

A

L

exit 141

e dg

.

Rd

SBL

1st St.

Ri

Strikers Park

Warrior Rd.

D38

L

Sergeant Bluff

Southern Hills Dr.

$

Memorial Park Cemetery

Sioux City Convention Center in Downtown Sioux City on Jones St. between 3rd & 5th Streets 801 4th St. at Jones St. (use I-29’s Exit 147B) Sioux City, IA 51101 712-279-4800 or 800-593-2228 Open M-F 8:00 - 4:30, weekends during special events www.siouxcitytourism.com

Sioux City, IA 51101 712-279-0198 Open daily 10 - 4 www.sioux-city.org/museum

(use I-29’s Hamilton Blvd. Exit 149)

Sgt. Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center in Chris Larsen Park, on the Iowa shore of the Missouri River 1000 Larsen Park Rd.

Iowa

South Sioux Convention & Visitors Bureau 3900 Dakota Ave., Suite 11 So. Sioux City, NE 68776 402-494-1307 Open M-F 8:30 - 4:30 www.visitsouthsiouxcity.com

Nebraska

Downtown Partners 418 Pierce St., 712-252-0014 • Open M-F 8- 5 www.downtownsiouxcity.com

Southern Hills Mall Info Center 4400 Sergeant Rd. Food Court • 712-224-3065

Siouxland Information Centers

L

Ogden Ave.

29

.

Sioux Gateway Airport

185th Refueling Wing

Blvd Lewis

Expedition Ct. Air Museum

L

illsBlvd. ing H Sing

IBP Ice Center

Lewis & Clark Stadium

exit 1

East High School

exit 2

d. kR

e re

AND

Highway

Transit Routes

75

Line Dr.

rg ea nt Rd .

5 D2

A

Interstate

Blvd. of Champions

Dr.

MLK Transit Center

Cottonwood Cove Park

L

exit 144A

bor Har

Interchange

77

35

exit 143

Softball Complex

exit 144B

. lvd

Municipal Skywalk

River

State Line

Municipal Parking

Dakota City

L

75

Se

C Elk

PR Parking Ramps

P

Visitor Information

A Visitor Attraction

Theater

Ice Center

High School

Grandview Park

Soccer Field

129 20

Miss o u r i Rive r

G Gambling site

Atokad Park

S. Patton St.

Stadium

Park tauq ua Chau

Stadium Dr.

C Convention Center

39th St.

port Rd.

Cove Park

en R d. n Ell

Retail Cluster

Old Lake

is B Lew Glen

College Campus

25

official 2015 visitors guide

25

26

Antiques & Flea Markets

• Shop Siouxland for the beSt buyS! • ***www.secondhandfinds.com***

Open 7 days a week

712-233-2345 • 4400 s. york st., sioux City, Ia 51106

I-29 exit 143 @ singing Hills Blvd • 1/2 Block south of sam’s Club

2452 Transit Ave., Sioux City, IA

Rod McFarland

(712) 560-7382 • (712) 301-6182

Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-6 • Auctions every Sunday

Antiques on Historic Fourth

Siouxland’s Newest Antique Mall 1016 4th St. • Sioux City, IA 712-258-3530 Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm • Sun. 12-4pm

Randy Peters Proprietor

J & J COINs We Buy aNd sell

For Antiques, Collectibles & Unique Items

406 S. Lewis Blvd., Old Hwy. 75 Sergeant Bluff, IA 712-943-1222 • Open Tues.-Fri. 9:30-4 • Sat. 9:30-5

Coins • Currency • Bullion Antiques • Postcards • Estates 901 S. Cecelia St., Sioux City •712-274-9195 800-397-9053 • www.coindealeronline.com

SECOND CHANCE FLEA MARKET

Furniture Fur niture • Antiques Antiques Collectables And Much More Vender Space Available 514 Nebraska St. • Sioux City, IA • 712.212.5486 www.ourcheckeredpasts.com

4029 Floyd Blvd. Sioux City, IA

712-255-0455

Tues.-sun. 10-5 • Closed Monday Tues

Antiques, Uniques and a little of everything!

Open 7 days a week, Monday - Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-4.

1401 Tri View Ave, Sioux City, Iowa 51103

26 visitsiouxcity.org

Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm

506 Nebraska St. Sioux City, IA 712-224-2088

One block North of the Sioux City Museum

Always buying/selling: Vintage/Classic Video Games, Action Figures, Vinyl Records, Cassettes, Books, Magazines, Stereo Equipment & Many Other Collectible Items. Watch batteries and small watch repairs available as well as video game, turntable and small electronic repairs are done.

1420 Villa Ave., Sioux City, IA 51103 • Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30am until 4:00pm dewolfs.net for more information

Old Grocery Storee Antiques Antique 233 Cedar St., Lawton, IA

(712) 944-5319 1-5pm Tues.-Fri., most Saturdays, call. Tues. & Thurs. Evening 7-9pm.

Bailey Says…

"Buy Resale, Not Retail"

home accessories & furniture 1307 Pierce St. Sioux City, IA 51105

712-255-7095

Iowa Native Wines, Wine Making and Home Brew Supplies, Vintage Furniture & Gifts 611 5th St., Sioux City, IA 51101 • 712-574-6862

www.wineandotheroldthings.com

27

Ready for a record

TIM GALLAGHER

tgallagher@siouxcityjournal.com‌

When RAGBRAI last visited Sioux City in 2010, it was widely speculated the Sunday ride to Storm Lake was the single largest day of cyclists and followers in the history of one of the world’s best-known biking events.

A few factors played into that historic day: No. 1: Sioux City’s spot on the Missouri River, which provides the best access for cyclists to dip their back tire into the water at Mlr Tym Landing near Bev’s on the River before cycling up Hamilton Boulevard on the way to the first “town” that dots the route, Leeds.

No. 2: At 82,179 people, Sioux City is the largest city on the western side of Iowa.

No. 3: Both Sioux City and the economy were in the midst of bouncing back from the 2008 recession five years ago, putting people in the mood to celebrate.

Celebrate they did, packing downtown Sioux City with at least 25,000 people for events downtown in 2010, highlighted by a SmashMouth concert.

“We estimated an economic impact of $2.5 million for that one day, the day RAGBRAI started,” said Erika Newton, executive director of the city’s Events Facilities Department.

“That doesn’t count the full week or weekend.”

Much has changed in Sioux City since 1973, the year the initial RAGBRAI began in the Woodbury County seat, and the first of eight Sioux City cycling stops. The changes have been sweeping since Historic Fourth Street was saved and redeveloped.

The Sioux City Arts Center, an architectural marvel, became a downtown fixture. The $52 million Tyson Events Center and the $12 million renovated Orpheum Theatre opened and continue to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors into Sioux City each year.

Other, smaller, though not insignificant developments, have breathed even more life and revenue into a robust downtown sector; things like Palmer’s Old Tyme Candy Shoppe,

RAGBRAI

Sioux City public, private investment helps roll out the RAGBRAI red carpet Cyclists ride on the Missouri River waterfront in Sioux City on the first day of the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa in July 2010. RAGBRAI returns to Sioux City this July, bringing upwards of 30,000 visitors.

Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal file

official 2015 visitors guide

27

28

BeSt HAppy HOur everyDAy! It’s

Monday - Thursday 3- 7pm Friday 2-8pm In Here... Saturday 11-7pm & Sunday All Day & All Night!

HOT

1211 5th St. Sioux City, IA • Block Off Hist 4th Open 7 Days A Week

Des Moines Register

A scene from the 1973 RAGBRAI, the first venture across Iowa.

Jones St

Jackson St

Nebraska St

Pierce St

4th St

3rd St Art Center

225 Nebraska Street • Sioux City, IA 51101 • 712.279.6272 www.siouxcityartcenter.org HOURS: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 10 am–4 pm | Thurs 10 am–9 pm | Sun 1–4 pm | Closed Mon

28 visitsiouxcity.org

which opened in 2007, the $13 million Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, which began welcoming visitors in 2009, and the new Milwaukee Wiener House, on Douglas and Third streets, which opened in 2014.

The Sioux City Public Museum relocated to the former JCPenney store downtown since RAGBRAI’s last stop. The $12.5 million redevelopment is sure to please cyclists and their friends and families, as well as wellknown staples like the Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Betty Strong Encounter Center, all located along cycleand pedestrian-friendly paths that line the riverfront.

The big addition since RAGBRAI’s last visit has to be the development and opening of the $128 million Hard Rock Casino & Hotel, an anchor for the city’s entertainment district, one boasting 839 slot machines, 25 table games and all sort of music guests and more.

Collective Soul is a headliner at the Hard Rock’s Battery Park on the Friday night before RAGBRAI’s launch.

Huey Lewis and The News sweeps into town on Saturday, July 18, rocking downtown in a concert that promises to put thousands in the Tyson Events Center parking lot, near the Long Lines Center.

“We’ll have an Expo and a Second Stage running throughout Saturday just south of the Tyson Events Center Box Office,” Newton said.

RAGBRAI officials, who did a site visit in January, met with Sioux City leaders at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Beyond the bright lights and activity at the casino, RAGBRAI’ers were impressed with how

29

consumers have joined the city and private businesses in jump-starting activity all along the Pearl Street corridor.

Commercial developer Rick Bertrand has developed and opened four businesses along Pearl Street, all newbies since RAGBRAI last rolled here.

He started with McCarthy & Bailey’s in 2011. He then added the Big Snug, Pearl’s Wine & Booze and topped it off with his Blue Ribbon Tap. Nearly 20 years ago, Bertrand rode RAGBRAI as it pulled away from Sioux City. This year, he plays host.

“This time around, you can even add a swirl of politics to it,” says Bertrand, a Republican state senator who notes the presence of the Iowa Caucuses on Feb. 1, 2016, and the fact a presidential candidate mulls the prospect of riding border to border.

“The political flair will add some fun to the ride,” he says. “And Huey Lewis is sooooo Sioux City and soooo appropriate to kick this off. It’s going to be a huge street party to showcase Sioux City.”

Street party? The term fits, according to Bertrand, who lauds the city of Sioux City for digging up and replacing the infrastructure that supported a weakened Pearl Street as it sagged the last several decades.

What’s now happening above the street

$5 beer Garden

Provided

Huey Lewis and the News will headline an outdoor concert at the Tyson Events Center on July 18, the night before RAGBRAI leaves Sioux City.

came about because of the investment below ground, he says.

“Who would have thought that five years ago, you’d see all this happening on Pearl

Street?” he asks.

Come mid-July, thousands will see it happening. Maybe enough for another record RAGBRAI day.

JUNE 12-14, 2015

Sponsored by

@ SCENIC PPARK,, SOUTH SIOUx CIT CITY JOE MORTEN & SON, INC.

Partners Horseshoe Tourney

Driven to Serve

SATURDAY JUNE 13TH

PRACTICE 10a.m. - 10:45a.m. | START 11 a.m.

REGISTRATION @ SCENIC PARK

EARlY REGISTRATION $10 | DAY Of EvENT $15 1280 RIvERvIEw DRIvE, SOUTH SIOUx CITY, NE 68776

1ST PlACE - $40 CHAmbER CHECKS 2ND PlACE - $30 CHAmbER CHECKS 3RD PlACE - $20 CHAmbER CHECKS

NO OUTSIDE fOOD OR bEvERAGES

lImITED TO 24 TEAmS! PRACTICE

fRIDAY JUNE 12TH fREE wIll OffERING

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m........Coffee Hour 5:00 p.m. .............................Beach Ball - Middle School Tourney 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ........BINGO 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m..........Bobo Hippie Clown 5:00 p.m. ............................Commercial & Food Vendors 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m..........iZZon Photo Booth 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. ........Kids Fun Zone & Family Night 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m..........Teen Night Pool Party 7:00 p.m. .............................Nature Show by Dorothy Pecaut 9:00 p.m...............................Glow in the Dark 5k Run/1k Walk Dusk......................................Drive Inn Movie - Big Hero 6 After Movie ........................Fireworks Extravaganza 10:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.......$5 Foam Fest Dance/Beer Garden

To register go to www.visitsouthsiouxcity.com/events or contact South Sioux City Area Cvb on 402-494-1307

SATURDAY JUNE 13TH

8:00 a.m............................ Amazing Cardinal Chase 8:00 a.m............................ Soccer Tournament 9:00 a.m............................ Commercial & Food Vendors 9:00 a.m............................ Mud Volleyball 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.... Antique Fire Equipment Display (15th& Dakota Ave) 10:00 a.m. - Noon.......... Fishing Derby 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.... SSC Volunteer Fire Dept. 100 Year Open House (Fire Hall - 201W 16th St) 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.... Bobo Hippie Clown 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.... BINGO 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.... Chainsaw Artist- Runaway Saws 11:00 a.m. ........................ Beer Garden Opens 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.... $5 Inflatables 11:00 a.m.......................... Horseshoes Tourney 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m....... Bunker Gear Softball Tournament 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m....... BBQ Contest 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ..... SCGO - Minute to Win It! 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.... iZZon Photo Booth 5:00 p.m. - Midnight..... Entertainment 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m....... Acoustic Set by No. 7 Band 6:00 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. ..... No. 7 Band

9:00 p.m. - Midnight..... Locked N Loaded

SUNDAY JUNE 14TH

10:00 a.m. ........................ Outdoor Church Service 10:00 a.m. ........................ Commercial & Food Vendors Noon - 4:00 p.m. ........... Show & Shine 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ..... Geocaching

www.visitsouthsiouxcity.com/events | South Sioux City Area Cvb on 402-494-1307

LP GILL, INC

Addison Electric Aventure Staffing H2O4U- Your Water Store South Sioux City Community Foundation Siouxland Ethanol, LLC Summit Dental A-Team Heating and Cooling Earl Miller Construction Gill Hauling Heartland Counselling Services JEO Consulting Kiwanis Club Lite-Form Technology

Mercy Medical Mid-American Energy Regency Square Siouxland Youth for Christ Stephan Welding Shop Inc. Wendy’s

official 2015 visitors guide

29

30

DINING

Journal file photo

Castle Pub & Grill executive chef Miguel Vargas adds brightly colored peppers to his restaurant’s King’s Feast Pasta.

Bob Roe’s Point After

2320 Transit Ave., Sioux City 712-276-3689 Where Good Times Gather. Serving up delicious pizza, wings and so much more to Siouxland for over 30 years. Open Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight. and Sun. noon to 10 p.m. www.bobroespointafter.com

Castle Pub & Grill

4400 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City 712-271-8699 Come in and watch the game at Castle Pub & Grill! Offering 99 different varieties of beer, delicious appetizers and burgers, and wireless internet all combined in one fun atmosphere to hang out? Visit us today! Open 2 p.m.-2 a.m. Mon.-Fri., noon-midnight Saturday. www.castlepubandgrill.com

Chick-Fil-A

4428 Sergeant Road, Sioux City 712-276-4233 Fast-food chain serving chicken sandwiches, strips & nuggets along with salads & sides. Open 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Mon.-Sat., closed Sundays. www.chick-fil-a.com 30 visitsiouxcity.org

31

Clyde’s Grill & Pub

2320 Transit Ave., Sioux City 712-276-3689 Whether you’re craving a fun night on the town or a tasty meal after the big game, Clyde’s Grill & Pub will have you leaving full. Enjoy our great service, cool atmosphere and delicious food that goes with whatever you’re wearing.

Famous Dave’s

3828 Stadium Drive, Sioux City 712-252-4545 Outlet of a barbecue chain serving wood-smoked meats & sides in an American West-themed space. www.famousdaves.com

Golden Corral

5230 Sergeant Road, Sioux City 712-276-3333 Family-friendly buffet chain featuring allyou-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars. www.goldencorral.com

Kahill’s Steak-Fish & Chophouse

featuring fresh seafood, pasta, extensive wine list and chef features. Distinctive dining atmosphere.

Olive Garden

4930 Sergeant Road, Sioux City 712-266-0766 Lively, family-friendly chain featuring Italian standards such as pastas & salads, with a full bar. Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday.-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday www.olivegarden.com

Minervas Restaurant

2945 Hamilton Blvd., Sioux City 712-277-0800 Siouxland’s premier dining. A traditional upscale steak and chop house also

1024 Historic Fourth, Sioux City 712-258-3434 Whether it’s a business lunch, an after work cocktail with friends, dinner on your way to a movie or celebrating a special occasion, SoHo Kitchen & Bar is the place to go.

Best RiBs Legendary L d Pit B Pi Bar-B-Que BQ

®

WINNER OF OVER 600 AWARDS

201 Pierce Street • Sioux City • 712-277-8800 20

Fourth & B St., South Sioux City 402-494-5025 Siouxland’s premier restaurant! Inviting restaurant and bar offers early and late night Happy Hours, steaks, chops and pastas in a gorgeous setting.

SoHo Kitchen & Bar

4428 Sergeant Road | Sioux City

712-276-4233 Sergeant Road

www.chick-fil-a.com

• Breakfast • Lunch • Catering • Play Area • Online Ordering Available

• Dinner • Large Dine-In Area • Award Winning Drive-Thru

Store Hours: 6:30am to 10:00pm | Closed Sundays

© 2014 CFA Properties, Inc. Chick-fil-A Stylized® is a registered trademark of CFA Properties, Inc. All other trademarks shown are properties of their respective owners.

Follow Us On Facebook & Twitter

Order Online at ogtogo.com Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal

Clyde’s Grill & Pub has introduced a healthier menu, including a quinoa bowl, approved by the Blue Zones Project.

Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:00am - 10:00pm Fri-Sat: 11:00am - 11:00pm

4930 Sergeant Road Sioux City, IA 51106 712.266.0766 official 2015 visitors guide

31

32

NIGHTLIFE AND ENTERTAINMENT Hard Rock Hotel and Casino

Morningside College

111 Third St. 712-226-7600 hardrockcasinosiouxcity.com

The 30,000-square-foot Hard Rock Sioux City casino features games, slots, luxury hotel, theater, several restaurants and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia.

Betty Ling Tsang Summer Fine Arts Series 3625 Garretson Ave., Sioux City 712-274-5000 • www.morningside.edu Enjoy FREE music and theatrical performances in the beautiful Buhler Outdoor Performance Center on the Morningside College Campus.

YOU CAN TRAVEL THE GLOBE FOR GOURMET INGREDIENTS. OR YOU CAN DRIVE ACROSS TOWN. Shop Palmer Specialty Foods!

405 WESLEY PARKWAY SIOUX CITY, IA LOCATED IN PALMER CANDY

One StOp At the CAStle!

ShOp, Dine, Be entertAineD! 4400 SinGinG hillS BlvD. SiOux City, iA

712.271.8697

tOyS & GiftS frOm Birth tO 104!

712.271.8699

Orpheum Theatre

528 Pierce St., Sioux City Ticket Info: 800-745-3000 Symphony Info: 712-277-2111 www.orpheumlive.com The magnificently renovated 1927 Orpheum Theatre is now the home of the Sioux City Symphony, the Broadway Series and outstanding national and local performances.

Tyson Events Center / Gateway Arena

401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City 800-745-3000 • tysoncenter.com Admission: See individual event Hours: See individual event The Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena features a 10,000-seat arena, and offers an extremely flexible venue for a wide variety of entertainment and sporting events. The facility includes a full-size ice hockey rink, and is home to the Sioux City Musketeers Hockey Team and Sioux City Bandits Indoor Football Team.

nOt yOur AverAGe puB fOOD & 99 BeerS!

Family Sports Bar “Where gooD timeS gather!” take out or Delivery availaBle ailaBle Bob roe’s Point after 2320 transit avenue

712-276-5902

32

visitsiouxcity.org

Bob roe’s North end Zone 4100 Floyd Blvd

712-522-2834

take out or Delivery only

Westside Pizza W W. 4th Street 1200 W

712-252-3864

In the Lakeport Commons

5230 Sergeant Rd. • Sioux City

712-276-3333

33

SHOPPING Cardinal Plaza

Dakota Ave. between 19th & 20th streets, South Sioux City, Neb. (Tobacco Hut, EZ Payday Advance, Multi Care Clinic, Fitch & Stahle Law Office, Little Caesar’s Pizza, United Real Estate Solutions, Lewis & Clark Title and Escrow, JEO Consulting, Qaran Communications)

Cardinal Point

Hwy. 77 & W. 21st St., South Sioux City, Neb. People walk past memorabilia on display at Hard Rock Casino and Hotel.

(Alltel Wireless, Green Tea Salon, Payless Shoes, Dollar Tree, Super WalMart, Wendy’s, Rose Nails, Burger King, Walgreens, China Super Buffet, Rent A Center, Cash Spot, Tan World, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Power Wash Car Wash, Sunheat, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Game Stop)

Cornhusker Mall

Casino marquees are shown on the “strip” in North Sioux City, S.D.

‘The Strip’ in North Sioux City North Sioux City, S.D. 605-232-4276

More than 300 gaming machines can be found in a two-block area known as “The Strip” in North Sioux City. Billed as the “mini-Vegas of the Dakotas,” North Sioux offers dining and nightly entertainment as well as gambling on video poker, blackjack or keno machines.

Open year-round

WinnaVegas

Located 3 miles west exit #127 off I-29, Sloan, Iowa 712-428-9466 or 800-468-9466 www.winnavegas.biz With more than 668 slot machines, bingo and 20 table games. WinnaVegas Casino provides top live entertainment.

Open 24 hours. Must be 21 years of age or older for casino floor.

Galley Gift Shop

Sergeant Floyd Welcome Center 1000 Larsen Park Road, Sioux City 712-279-0198 www.sioux-city.org/museum Find local and tri-state souvenirs in the Galley Gift Shop aboard the Sergeant Floyd. Mugs, T-shirts, Books, Postcards and more!

Lakeport Commons

Lakeport Street & Hwy. 20, Sioux City Easily accessible from S. Lakeport Street or Sergeant Road. The perfect mix of stores & shops saves you time.

You can get it all done in one place, in mere moments.

Marketplace Shopping Center

2500 Cornhusker Drive, South Sioux City, Neb.

28th & Hamilton, Sioux City 712-239-6565 www.marketplacehamilton.com

(Hy-Vee, Panda Palace, EZ Check Cashing, SSC Housing Agency, Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits, H & R Block, I-wireless (located in Hy-Vee), Dakota County State Bank (located in Hy-Vee).

A delightful collection of fine fashion, specialty shops, salons, food and cocktails in this fun-to-shop friendly center.

Downtown Sioux City

Southern Hills Mall

712-252-0014 www.downtownsiouxcity.com

4400 Sergeant Road, Sioux City 712-274-0109 www.southernhillsmall.com

Downtown Sioux City offers unique shopping for him, for her, for the family and the home with many locally owned specialty shops.

110 stores in an enclosed center and anchored by JC Penney, Sears, Scheels All Sports and Younkers.

Arianna Sloan, 7, and her mother Marcy Potts, right, both of Sioux City, shop for a free pair of shoes at Payless ShoeSource in Southern Hills Mall.

Dawn J. Sagert, Sioux City Journal

official 2015 visitors guide

33

34

Hard Rock livens up outdoor venue with beer garden, concert series ALLY KARSYN

akarsyn@siouxcityjournal.com

On a hot day, if you’re looking for a cold drink, barbecue and bands, look no further than the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Earlier this year, casino officials unveiled an $850,000 redesign of the venue’s outdoor entertainment space. Plans call for more parking and seating, new landscaping and a beer garden.

The twoacre space extends northeast of the Battery Building.

The century-old, four-story brick warehouse was extensively renovated

34

visitsiouxcity.org

as a centerpiece of the $128 million gaming and entertainment complex, which opened on Labor Day weekend last year.

Formerly known as The Backyard, the outdoor venue has been rebranded as Battery Park, paying homage to the building’s history.

Eight blockbuster concerts are planned for the re-imagined outdoor space.

“We have something for everyone in those shows,” said general manager Todd Moyer. “Classic rock, modern rock, contemporary to country. Everyone is going to find a show that they like.”

The series kicks off July 11 with 3 Doors Down and Seether.

Other performers include REO Speedwagon, Collective Soul with Dishwalla, Colbie Caillat and Christina Perri, Elvis Costello, Three Days Grace, Deep Purple with Black Oak Arkansas and Gary Allan with Joe Nichols.

“We do great entertainment inside, too,

Provided

Gary Allan with Joe Nichols will be performing at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Sioux City on Aug. 14.

35

Three Days Grace

but something about seeing shows outside – people just love outdoor shows,” Moyer said.

Also, more than 20 special events are in the works like the First Bean Bag Tournament, sponsored by Sioux City Professional Fire Fighters IAFF Local 7. Proceeds benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

The event, planned for Aug. 31, is open to adults and children, ages 12-17.

Moyer said there will be other activities where the casino teams up with local nonprofit organizations to host fundraising events from the annual chili cook-off to a new competition called the Beer Mile, which combines drinking with running a race.

“I’ve talked to a couple people and they

Collective Soul

said they’re training, at least, for the beer part of it and the mile will come later,” Moyer said.

Reconfiguring the outdoor space adds about 1,000 seats, increasing capacity to 4,200. The venue will continue to have rows of VIP seats in front of the stage, as well as elevated bleachers in the back.

It also adds more than 100 parking spaces on days when there are no outdoor events.

Decorative pavers and stamped concrete will be used to mark the spaces in the new lot in Battery Park. The paving will create a more level, reliable surface for concerts and other special events, Moyer said, since torrential rains during a series of events on Labor Day weekend left the grassy area a muddy mess.

The overall vision is to bring life to that side of the building.

“When you are driving down Wesley Parkway and you see the Hard Rock from behind, you see the back of the guitar and maybe a lit building. But it truly doesn’t look that much different than it did five years ago,” Moyer said. “We want to make our back door the front door. That’s what this project really does. It shifts the whole focus to that entrance and we get the foot traffic there.”

He sees Battery Park becoming a hub of activity in a revitalized district that’s

Elvis Costello

Seether

Battery Park Concert Series 3 Doors Down & Seether on July 11 REO Speedwagon on July 14 Collective Soul with Dishwalla on July 17 Colbie Caillat & Christina Perri on July 22 Elvis Costello on July 24 Three Days Grace on July 31 Deep Purple with Black Oak Arkansas on Aug. 7 Gary Allan with Joe Nichols on Aug. 14

added a number of shops, restaurants and bars in recent years.

One of the newest dining options will be the Hard Rock’s Biergarten, an open-air space with barbecue grills, fire pits and a bar, focusing on craft beer. The restaurant will serve more casual fare, compared to the adjoining gastropub, Main & Abbey.

Inside, the Hard Rock’s 30,000-squarefoot casino floor has 839 slot machines and 25 table games, along with a 54-room hotel, four bars, three restaurants, a retail shop and a venue for concerts, comedy shows and other live entertainment.

Visit hardrockcasinosiouxcity.com or call 712-224-ROCK for more information.

REO Speedwagon

official 2015 visitors guide

35

36

Explorers clubhouse manager considers job a

home run 36 visitsiouxcity.org

MICHELLE KUESTER

mkuester@siouxcityjournal.com‌

There’s more to a successful baseball team than scoring runs and having a strong defense. The Explorers’ clubhouse manager Mike Ward can attest to that.

Ward takes care of day-to-day operations, such as laundry and cleaning, in addition to running errands for the players and prepping the clubhouse on game days.

“I pretty much take care of everything for them,” he said. “I’m kind of like their mom.”

Ward also helps with the visiting teams and the umpires.

“It’s pretty easy work, but there’s a lot of

37

Mike Ward, clubhouse manager for the Sioux City Explorers, takes care of day-today operations for the team.

Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal

it so it keeps me busy,” he said.

Working with the players so directly has its benefits, such as learning different quirks and secrets to playing a good game. Some of the players have strict rituals before a game, trying to inspire a good performance.

“I think it’s kind of odd,” he said. “Some guys will take like three showers before games. Also, if a guy has a pretty good game, he’ll come in the next day and do the exact same thing he did the day before to try and recreate the day.”

Team rituals are also common, to help bond before games and relax afterward.

“Guys will be cutting each other’s hair,

giving each other fancy haircuts,” Ward said. “After a win, they pick a player to put on this horse head mask and chug a beer.”

Video and card games, putting golf balls throughout the clubhouse, and shooting arrows at targets set up on the field are all common game day activities.

The team is more like a family than anything, said Ward, which is why everyone is treated well.

“There really isn’t any hazing of the new guys because we want to grow as a team,” he explained. “We might tease the new guys by calling them rookies, but we want them to feel like they belong.”

Game days mean long hours for Ward, filled with preparing for the game and cleaning up afterward.

“I’ll get here at like 9:30 or 10 in the morning and I won’t leave until probably 2 a.m.,” he said.

He is busy getting food and drinks for the clubhouse and running errands for the teams and umpires. After the games, he has to do the player’s laundry, which takes time as the uniforms are often stained with dirt.

The team also comes together to pay it back to the community.

“Last year we had a kid that came in with pretty bad cancer and we shaved his head and gave him steps (a way of shaving hair into a design) and 10 or 15 of our guys did it, too,” Ward said. “We were trying to make him feel special.”

When problems arise, however, there is a system in place to take care of the problem. Enter: Kangaroo Court, a.k.a., a mock judicial program created to fine players for funny or embarrassing offenses committed

Details Tickets can be purchased at the Sioux City Explorers Box Office located at Lewis & Clark Park, 3400 Line Drive, or over the phone by calling 712-277WINS (9467).

on and off the field.

“One time I got kicked out of a game and I went to kick clay on home plate, but I couldn’t kick up any,” said Steve Montgomery, manager. “I got fined for that.”

The fine is usually around $5 and goes toward funding an end-of-the-season party.

“During court, the guys will wrap towels around their heads and cut them so it looks like those wigs from, like, the 1800s,” Ward said.

The “court cases” are serious business, complete with plaintiffs, defendants and witnesses.

“It’s a fun thing,” Ward said.

He is currently in his fourth season working with the Explorers, having inquired about the job while playing for Morningside College’s baseball team.

“I saw Shane (Tritz, general manager) out on the field and I ran up to him and asked if I could work for him,” Ward said, recalling a practice at Lewis and Clark Park. “He told me to call him in January, so I did and I got the job.”

Doing his job well and earning the respect of the players is the most valuable thing to Ward.

“When they see you care, the players treat you well,” Ward said. “They’re all a big family to me.” official 2015 visitors guide

37

38

SPORTS & RECREATION

Duncan Feiges, 16, of Sioux City, climbs the rock wall at Long Lines Family Rec Center in Sioux City.

Dawn J. Sagert, Sioux City Journal

38

visitsiouxcity.org

39

Climbing Wall

Long Lines Family Rec Center 401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City 712-224-5127 www.sioux-city.org More than 5,000 sq. ft. of climbing space with a 13-foot free standing boulder, heights of 12, 20, 30, 42 and 52 feet. Two auto-belays and 7 belay stations. The 42-foot competitive section has a 12-foot overhang. Cost is $7 for a two-hour session. Call in advance for availability.

Dible Soccer Complex South Sioux City

Dible Soccer Complex is home to the Siouxland Soccer Foundation. It has 17 full-size fields that can be converted to varying sizes. The soccer complex sits along the bank of the Missouri River and Al Bengtson Trail.

IBP Ice Center

3808 Stadium Drive, Sioux City 712-279-4880 or 800-593-2228 www.visitsiouxcity.org $5 Adults, $2 Children 5 & under Skate Rental: $2 Skate Sharpening: $3 Hours: 7-10 p.m. Fri. & Sat. The 38,000-square-foot ice center is open year-round for youth hockey programs, public ice-skating, and tournaments.

Loess Hills National Scenic Byway Experience the great outdoors like never before. Hike, bike, play and stay in Western Iowa’s Loess Hills.

Long Lines Family Rec. Center

401 Gordon Drive, Sioux City 712-224-5124 www.sioux-city.org Hours: Varies Admission: Adults $3, Youth $2 The Long Lines Family Rec. Center provides recreational facilities for individuals and organized recreational associations. Courts for open gym, soccer, basketball, volleyball, inline hockey, dodge ball, wrestling, batting cage and special events. The centerpiece of the Center is the climbing

Lifeguard Kayla Inlay watches over swimmers at Riverside Pool.

Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal

facility. Conference rooms for meetings, parties and other small events.

Riverview Complex

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission

Is home to 5 baseball/softball fields, two 300-foot fields and three 200-foot fields. Batting cage facilities, press box with concessions and restrooms.

Home to Cardinal Little League, SSC girls softball and have hosted many State and Regional softball & baseball tournaments. All fields are agri-lime and 3 fields are lit, two 200-foot and one 300-foot.

2200 N. 33rd, Lincoln, Neb. 402-471-5481 Relax amid our rolling hills! Watch the wildlife, swim, hike or fish. Outdoor programs, visitor’s center, cabins and campsites available.

Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA

South Sioux City

601 Riverview Drive, South Sioux City 402-404-8439 www.nwsymca.org

Riverside Park / Family Aquatic Center / Recreation Complex

Hours: 4:45 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon.-Thurs., 4:45 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri., 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., noon-6 p.m. Sun.

The Riverside Recreation Complex provides six youth softball fields and six soccer fields. Adjacent Riverside Family Aquatic Center offers water slides and a sand play area. Riverside Park features six picnic shelters, playground equipment, and open spaces.

Located on the banks of the Missouri River, this 60,000 square-foot facility opened on the riverfront in Scenic Park in 2008 and is plentiful with rooms of generous sizes. Windows bring the Missouri River and Sioux City skyline into the double gym, fitness room and two swimming pools. The vista extends from the Veterans Memorial Bridge to the riverboat casino. With nearly 300 parking spaces, there is always room for residents and visitors to enjoy.

1201 Riverside Blvd., Sioux City 712-279-6126 or 712-279-6250

South Sioux City Convention and Visitors Bureau South Sioux City 866-494-1307 www.visitsouthsiouxcity.com

Give us a call today for your convention, sports or group tour, hunting or family vacation needs.

official 2015 visitors guide

39

40

PARKS

Ziggy Marley performs during Saturday in the Park at Grandview Park in 2014.

Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal

Albertsen’s Bridgeview Park Sixth St. & Dakota Ave., South Sioux City

cable TV (60 channels) & guest Laundry, Free WI – FI, Affordable Daily/Weekly/ Monthly Rates, Microwave Refrigerator Available, Family Room Available, Pet Friendly With Permission, electric Hookup - Truck Parking, One Block To Marina Inn exhibit center. Just A Two Minute Drive to Downtown Sioux city!

Regency Inn 400 Dakota Avenue South Sioux city, ne. 68776

402-494-3046

40

visitsiouxcity.org

The idea of 50 flags representing each state, was conceived out of patriotic pride in honor of all the servicemen and women during the Desert Storm War.

Bacon Creek Park

5015 Correctionville Road, Sioux City

Free High Speed Wireless internet 32” Flat Screen TVs 24-Hour Fitness Center Pet Friendly Free Deluxe Breakfast

This 240-acre park has a pond with great fishing. Trout are stocked from November to March. A four-mile trail takes you around the pond and through the trees. Shelters, grills and picnic tables await your next family outing.

Bring your dog along to play in the fiveacre Dog Park. There are separate large and small dog areas.

Boundless Playground 1100 31st St., Sioux City located at Leif Erickson Park

www.choicehotels.com 4230 South Lakeport Street, Sioux City, iA 51106 P: 712-274-1400 | F: 712-276-2136

The Boundless playground serves the needs of children with special needs.

Accessibility along with a rubberized safety surface makes this playground a delight. Stimulation to all the senses makes this playground special.

41

Chris Larsen Park

The BEST overall value on your vacation!

Larsen Park Road, Sioux City Features a public boat ramp, an outdoor pavilion, a scenic trail, and a state-ofthe-art children’s play area. Hikers enjoy the three-mile Gateway 2000/River’s Edge Trail, which begins in Chris Larsen Park. The trail hugs the Missouri River and then turns to follow the Big Sioux into Riverside Park. Follow Riverfront Trail for two miles through Chris Larsen Park to access Floyd Trail. Users may hike, bike, or in-line skate on this four-mile trail overlooking the Floyd River and linking the Missouri riverfront to Leeds.

AMERICINN LODGE & SUITES SIOUX CITY — AIRPORT 4230 South Lewis Blvd | 712.255.1800

AmericInn.com

Experience the real value of genuine comfort: • Free, hot, home-style breakfast • Comfortable, quieter guestrooms • Whirlpool & fireplace suites • Free hotel-wide high-speed internet • 32” Flat screen TVs • Cozy Serta Perfect Sleeper® Beds • Indoor Heated Pool & Hot Tub • Guest Laundry Facilities • Easy Rewards loyalty program

Cottonwood Cove Park

14th & Hickory, Dakota City, Neb. A 4.5-acre park located on the banks of the Missouri River features a public boat ramp, camping, shelter and play equipment.

Crystal Cove Park

End of W. 29th St., South Sioux City 402-494-7540 www.visitsouthsiouxcity.com A beautiful park located on the Southwest corner of South Sioux at the end of West 39th Street. Crystal Cove is a 60-acre park with lake, 1.5 miles bike/ hike trail, nature trails, fishing & shelter for rent. The park is home to more than 200 species of birds and wildlife. The lake is stocked three times yearly with fish for summer and winter ice fishing.

Emerson City Park Emerson, Neb.

• Free Internet • Cooked-to-Order Breakfast • Full Service Restaurant & Bar

Camping available including camper hookups. This small town is the only town in Nebraska that is located in three counties simultaneously. Contact City Hall 402-695-2662

Grandview Park

24th St. & Grandview Blvd.,Sioux City Award-winning music pavilion dedicated in 1935 features an impressive rose garden and a natural amphitheater with a band shell. Home to Saturday in the Park and summer Sunday evening concerts by the Municipal Band.

712.225.4200 Just off Exit 149 on I-29 1132 Larsen Park Rd. Sioux City, Iowa 51103

official 2015 visitors guide

41

42

Welcome to Sioux city!

PARKS Graves Park

Wakefield, Neb. By proclamation of Gov. Ben Nelson, Wakefield is the Baseball Capital of Nebraska. The park has three ball fields that are the site of several annual tournaments. The park also has shelter houses, playground equipment and a heated swimming pool.

Free Wireless Internet • Free SuperStart® Breakfast Business Center • Elevator In-room Microwave/fridge, Coffee & Hair Dryer Children 17 & Under Free with Adult Flat Screen TV/HBO • Guest Laundry Pet Friendly with Fee • Large Vehicle Parking

Free Wireless Internet • Free DayBreak® Breakfast Indoor Pool, Spa & Fitness Center • Whirlpool Suites In-room Microwave, Fridge, Coffee & Hair Dryer Business Center • Flat Screen TV/HBO Children 17 & Under Free with Adult Pet Friendly with Fee • Guest Laundry

Sioux City/South

I-29 Exit 143 • 3000 Singing Hills Blvd.

I-29 Exit 143 • 2530 Singing Hills Blvd.

3 mi. E. Macy, Neb. 402-837-4389 or 402-837-5301 www.rezhunter.com

Camping areas and 21 miles of trails for horseback riding and ATVs. Hunting and fishing allowed with Tribal permits.

Sioux City (712) 258-8000

(712) 255-8888

1-800-800-8000 www.super8.com

Hole in the Rock Recreation Area and Big Elk Park

1-888-440-2021 www.daysinn.com

• Free Wireless Internet • Free Full Hot Breakfast Buffet • Bar & Restaurant • Pool • In-Room Microwave • Fridge • Coffee Maker & Hair Dryer • Business Center • Ball Room • Flat Screen TV/HBO • Fully Equipped Fitness Center • Handicap Accessible Rooms • Weekly Rates Available

Near Historic Fourth Street in Downtown Sioux City 707 Historic 4th Street • Sioux City, Iowa P: 712-277-4101 F: 712-277-3168 42 visitsiouxcity.org

• Free Wireless Internet • Free Full Hot Breakfast Buffet • Pool • In-Room Microwave • Fridge • Coffee Maker & Hair Dryer • Business Center • Flat Screen TV/HBO • Fully Equipped Fitness Center • Handicap Accessible Rooms

130 Nebraska St. Sioux City, IA 51101 Ph: 712-277-1550 I F: 712-277-1120

43

Klasey Park

South Sioux City Klasey Park is located one block off of Dakota Ave. It is home to Voss Fields & the SSC Legion Baseball. Voss Fields host multiple tournaments each summer including District and State Tournaments.

The park also has two shelters for rent, basketball court, playground equipment and green space.

Latham Park

1915 South Lemon, Sioux City www.lathampark.com The park is located in a traditional, residential area of the Morningside section of Sioux City. Occupying almost a full acre of ground, it is home to an endless variety of flowering plants, warbling songbirds, a wonderful fountain, quiet sitting areas and one or two friendly squirrels.

Lewis & Clark Wayside

14th & Hickory, Dakota City, Neb.

• Complimentary Hot Breakfast • All Rooms Non-Smoking • Indoor Swimming Pool • Free Highspeed Wireless Internet • 24/7 Business Center • Fridges Available • Quite Location • 10 Minutes to Downtown • Conveniently Located Near Southern Hills Mall, Lakeport Commons, Restaurants and Shopping • Flat Screen 32” TV’s with cable & HBO

Fairfield Inn®

by Marriott

Let’s Get It Done

4716 Southern Hills Drive Sioux City, IA 51106 www.meriott.com/suxfi

Free Wireless internet Free SuperStart Breakfast Business Center In-Room Microwave/Fridge Coffee & Hair Dryer Children 17 & Under Free With Adult Flat Screen TV/HBO Guest Laundry Pet Friendly with Fee Large Vehicle Parking

Destination Super Sioux City Morningside 4307 Stone Ave., Sioux City, IA 51106 P: 712-274-1520 | F: 712-274-1820

official 2015 visitors guide

43

44

WHEN STAYING IN SIOUX CITY

REST, UNLIKE THE REST. We understand that it takes more than amenities to make a great experience. Our team employs a “People First” attitude, and will provide you with world class hospitality.

This spacious urban lodge offers a whole new kind of hotel experience that includes many of the unique Stoney Creek comforts you love, but with distinctive amenities and accommodations, including: • • • • • • • • • • •

161 Guest Rooms Extended Stay Suites Whirlpool/Fireplace Suites Complimentary Hot Breakfast Palmer’s Pub Indoor/Outdoor Heated Pool Fitness Center Business Center 19,000 sq. ft of Conference Space 6,500 sq. ft. Ballroom Variety of Breakout Rooms

300 3rd St., Sioux City, IA 51101 712-234-1100

Call 800.659.2220 to book your reservation or visit StoneyCreekHotels.com.

44 visitsiouxcity.org

45

•

•

AmericInn 4230 S. Lewis Blvd., Sioux City

57/11

5

•

•

•

coming

Bennett’s Motel 5227 Military Road, Sioux City

37/0

1

•

•

•

Budget Host Inn 1201 First Ave., South Sioux City, Neb.

51/0

51

•

•

•

Comfort Inn at Southern Hills Mall 4202 Lakeport St., Sioux City

58/11

1

•

•

•

Comfort Inn-North Sioux City 115 River Drive, North Sioux City

45/418

2

•

•

•

Corey Motel 1724 Rock St., Sioux City

18/0

18

•

County Inn & Suites by Carlson-Dakota Dunes 151 Tower Road, Dakota Dunes

69/15

2

•

•

•

Days Inn 3000 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City

52/5

5

•

•

•

Econo Lodge I-29 Airport Exit, Sergeant Bluff

52/0

2

•

•

Economy Motel 2921 Gordon Drive, Sioux City

15/0

0

Elmdale Motel 2200 N. U.S. Highway 75, Sioux City

15/0

Fairfield Inn Sioux City By Marriott 4716 Southern Hills Drive, Sioux City

•

•

•

1

•

•

6

•

•

•

10

•

•

•

4

•

•

0

•

•

5

•

3

•

•

•

0

•

•

•

•

0

•

0

•

•

0

•

62/4

2

•

•

•

•

0

•

•

Hampton Inn 101 S. Sodrac Drive, North Sioux City

65/4

4

•

•

•

•

•

4

•

•

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino 111 Third Street, Sioux City

54/12

5

•

•

coming

•

•

0

•

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 4723 Southern Hills Drive, Sioux City

85/24

5

•

•

•

•

•

0

•

Haven Inn Motel 2901 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City

41/0

0

•

•

•

•

0

Restaurant

Fitness Center

•

Pool

Business Services

•

Pets

Breakfast

1

Whirlpool Suites

Psarking

59/1

Internet

Wheelchair Accress Rooms

America’s Best Value Inn 4402 Dakota Ave., South Sioux City, Neb.

Airport Shuttle

Rooms/Suites

LODGING

•

•

official 2015 visitors guide

•

•

•

45

46

Wheelchair Accress Rooms

Psarking

Breakfast

Business Services

Fitness Center

Airport Shuttle

Internet

Whirlpool Suites

Pets

Pool

Hilton Garden Inn 1132 Larsen Park Road, Sioux City

123/32

7

•

•

•

•

•

•

2

•

•

Holiday Inn, Downtown 701 Gordon Drive, Sioux City

114/6

5

•

•

•

•

•

•

3

70/4

1

•

•

•

•

•

4

•

•

181/13

4

•

•

•

•

•

5

•

•

New Victorian Inn & Suites 3101 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City

66/8

2

•

•

•

•

•

8

Palmer House Motel 3440 Gordon Drive, Sioux City

59/2

2

•

•

•

•

•

0

•

Ramada Inn City Centre 130 Nebraska St., Sioux City

112/2

2

•

•

•

•

•

0

•

•

Red Carpet Inn & Suites 110 Sodrac Drive, North Sioux City

34/7

2

•

•

•

•

•

3

•

•

Regency Inn 400 Dakota Ave., South Sioux City

25/0

2

•

•

0

•

Rodeway Inn & Conference Center 1401 Zenith Drive, Sioux City

156/1

2

•

•

•

•

•

1

•

Sioux City Hotel and Conference Center 707 Fourth St., Sioux City

193/32

1

•

•

•

•

•

0

Sioux City Super 8 Motel 2503 Singing Hills Blvd., Sioux City

56/2

5

•

•

•

•

0

Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center 300 Third St., Sioux City

161/9

9

•

•

•

•

18

Super 8 Motel 4307 Stone Ave., Sioux City

57/0

3

•

•

•

•

0

•

Super 8 Motel I-29, North Sioux City

45/2

2

•

•

•

•

2

•

Town & Country Motel 1910 Court St., Sioux City

18/0

18

•

•

1

•

Quality Inn & Suites 4230 S. Lakeport, Sioux City

51/6

3

•

•

0

•

The Knights Inn 2829 Dakota Ave., South Sioux City Marina Inn Conference Center Fourth & B streets, South Sioux City

46

visitsiouxcity.org

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Restaurant

Rooms/Suites

LODGING

•

•

•

•

•

• •

• •

•

47

official 2015 visitors guide

47

48 visitsiouxcity.org