Located at the head of the Missouri River, "Successful, Surprising, Sioux City" is the motto of this successful western Iowa city. And it's no wonder people are moving to Sioux City – it consistently ranks in the "Top Places to Live" lists in the media. It's a great place to be, and plenty of things to do, whether you're into golf courses, city parks, or water activities – there's something for everyone here. The quality of life is truly outstanding, and there's a convergence of business, employment, industry, retail trade, medical care, educational opportunities and tourism in this fine city.
Economy:
Sioux City has a very diverse economy. Tyson Fresh Meats and the American Pop Corn Company call this place home. The next biggest employers are the public sector, with the school district and hospitals, employing 8 percent of the workforce in the city. There's a lot of redevelopment going on, with the former John Morrell packing plant being updated and bringing it new business. Global Foods is planning to inject over $10 million and an expected additional 200 jobs will be brought to Sioux City. The project is set to start in late 2011, and will bring even more industries to Sioux City.
Tourism:
Arts, history and the great outdoors – these are just some of the things Sioux City can offer its visitors. A visit to Sioux isn't complete without a tour of the Sioux City Art Center, which features a rich collection by famous American and International artists like Thomas Hart Benton, Salvador Dalí, Käthe Kollwitz and Robert Motherwell. The Sioux City Public Museum has a lot of great exhibits on Native Americans, early pioneer life, as well as natural history. There's a lot of outdoor space in the form of parks, but for a unique experience, visit the butterfly garden at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center. Looking for something a little more exciting? "The Riverfront" is where the action is – an entertainment complex with the launching point for the riverboat casino, a dance pavilion and other establishments. The Sioux Gateway Airport is the nearest airport to the city.
History:
For thousands of year, Native Americans inhabited the area that is now Sioux City. They had their first contact with white men when fur trappers from Spain and France came near the Missouri River. In 1803, Sioux City (and a large part of the area) was "sold" to the United States in what is now historically known as "The Louisiana Purchase." Famous explorers Lewis and Clark set up their base camp in the area, for their exploration at the behest of President Thomas Jefferson. There were many attempts for a settlement in the area, but it wasn't until 1854 that Dr. John Cook, a United States Federal Government surveyor, started staking out the land. He plotted streets and roads, and bought the land from the current owner. It took only three years before the town became a certified city. Later on, with the railroads came progress and all types of businesses began to sprout, including factories, stockyards meatpacking plants, retail stores to name a few. Population continued to rise, throughout the 19th and 20th century, through the wars, depression and industrial revolution, Sioux City remained and today it is one of the best places to live in America, outranking other cities of the same size.