Local Lou

Local Lou
  • 5.0 (27)
  • History
  • Updated Weekly

A South Dakota local that would like to let you know a little about the history of the Sioux Falls (and surrounding) area by going around and reading historical markers I find, then looking into them a little and presenting them to you with a personal story or two along the way. Get to know Sioux Falls South Dakota with a gal that is interested in history, lets explore new things together! For pictures of historical markers and daily life in South Dakota follow Local Lou on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/localloupodcast/

  1. 1d ago

    Butter, Brick, and Big Dreams: The Story of the Tri‑State Creamery

    534 N Main Once a bustling creamery in the early 1900s — where farmers delivered fresh milk each morning to be churned into butter and cream — this building has lived many lives. Today, it stands proudly restored, repurposed, and filled with the creative energy of modern Sioux Falls businesses. Katz Creem — Small‑Batch Ice Cream 🍨 Website: Home | Katz Creem  Explore Downtown Sioux Falls 🌆 DTSF Official Site:   Downtown Sioux Falls | Things to Do, Events, and Attractions

    13 min

  2. 1d ago

    Welcome to the State Theatre: The Story Behind the Marquee

    Let's enjoy the inspiring history of Sioux Falls’ iconic State Theatre, celebrating its century‑long journey from early grandeur to decades of silence, and finally, its revival. This episode blends Sioux Falls history with personal stories from the people who helped bring the theater back to life. About - Sioux Falls State TheatreGive - Sioux Falls State Theatrehttps://youtu.be/8mrYv4IPFS0?si=2vsWlkQAYN0jOeX9 Throwback Thursday: Sioux Falls State Theatre

    10 min

  3. Jun 16

    Sioux Falls Uncovered: Glaciers, Railroads & the City’s Surprising Past

    On the Local Lou Podcast, I explore the city one story at a time historic markers, forgotten corners, pioneer landmarks, neighborhood legends, and the surprising moments that shaped Sioux Falls into the place we love today. Some stories are familiar. Some are hidden in plain sight. All of them help you see the city with fresh eyes. In this episode, we dig into the layers beneath Sioux Falls: ancient glaciers that carved our pink quartzite, the early communities who lived along the Big Sioux River, the railroad hustle that built downtown, and the unexpected era when Sioux Falls became the “divorce capital of America.” It’s a quick, curious walk through the past that explains the Sioux Falls we know now. If you follow my Throwback Thursday history segments with Byalee Peterson on Dakota News Now, this podcast is the deeper dive — more stories, more context, and more chances to explore the city at your own pace. You can find even more Sioux Falls history, photos, and episodes on the Local Lou website. Sioux Falls isn’t just a place to live. It’s a place to explore — again and again. Experience Sioux Falls https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com Downtown Sioux Falls https://www.dtsf.com

    12 min
  4. Digging Out of Neglect: Restoring Mount Pleasant and Remembering Dr. Richard Lamb

    Jun 1

    Digging Out of Neglect: Restoring Mount Pleasant and Remembering Dr. Richard Lamb

    Inside the remarkable comeback of Sioux Falls’ oldest cemetery, a place where history was nearly lost, then lovingly revived. After Mount Pleasant Cemetery fell into disrepair and lost its nonprofit status, volunteers and a brand‑new board stepped in, transforming wild grass and leaning stones into a restored, transparent, community‑driven landmark in just six months. In this episode, we walk through revival efforts from new leadership and funding strategies to the hands‑on projects that brought dignity back to the grounds. You’ll also meet Dr. Richard Lamb, a pioneering Black barber‑surgeon whose life and legacy reveal a powerful, often overlooked chapter of early Sioux Falls. His story, along with other early Black residents like Louisa Mitchell, shows why preserving Mount Pleasant matters: because when we restore a place, we restore the people and memories it holds. Perfect for history lovers, preservation fans, and anyone who believes community action can change a city, this episode reminds us that forgotten stories aren’t gone they’re just waiting for someone to bring them back into the light. Mount Pleasant CemeteryThrowback ThursdayLocal Lou Podcast

    20 min
  5. From Holland to the Heartland: Orange City’s Story — Local Lou Podcast 

    May 14

    From Holland to the Heartland: Orange City’s Story — Local Lou Podcast 

    Discover the rich Dutch heritage of Orange City, Iowa in this special Tulip Festival episode of the Local Lou Podcast. For nearly 90 years, Orange City’s Tulip Festival has celebrated the traditions, culture, and history brought to Northwest Iowa by Dutch immigrants in the 1800s. In this episode, we explore how Dutch settlers traveled from Pella to Sioux County in 1869, founded Orange City in 1870, and built a thriving community rooted in faith, education, and tradition.  You’ll learn about the origins of the Tulip Festival, the early challenges of prairie life, and the legacy of Henry Hospers, the founder of Orange City and one of Northwest Iowa’s most influential leaders. From authentic Dutch costumes and wooden shoes to parades, tulip gardens, and replica windmills, this episode dives into everything that makes Orange City’s Tulip Festival an internationally recognized celebration.  Perfect for history lovers, festival‑goers, and anyone curious about Dutch American culture in the Midwest, this episode brings the story of Orange City to life—just in time for Tulip Time.  Biography of Henry Hospers | Henry Hospers | Northwestern College, Iowa History – Vibrant Orange City, Iowa Henry Hospers (1830-1901) - Find a Grave Memorial Dutch Immigrate to Iowa | Iowa PBS  Keywords: Orange City Iowa, Tulip Festival, Dutch heritage Iowa, Henry Hospers, Sioux County history, Dutch settlers Midwest, Northwestern College history, Iowa festivals, Dutch American culture, Local Lou Podcast, Tulip Time Orange City.

    16 min
  6. State Theatre at 100: Blake Ginithan on Why Movies Still Matter

    May 3

    State Theatre at 100: Blake Ginithan on Why Movies Still Matter

    Discover the magic of Sioux Falls' iconic State Theatre, where history meets modern movie magic! We kick off with a nod to the beloved Clifford Knoll, whose passion for film and service set the stage for this cinema's legendary status. Join Blake Ginithan as he shares how this century-old gem is redefining the movie-going experience and stay tuned to hear from Assistant Manager Nancy Jorgensen and Andy Heller from Fat Dude Digs Flicks who all help us remember the State Theatre isn't just a place to watch movies—it's a community hub where film lovers unite. Whether you're a cinephile or just love a good story, this episode is your ticket to understanding why theaters like the State are essential. Perfect for anyone who loves movies, community vibes, and a touch of nostalgia. Dive in and see why the State Theatre is more than just a screen—it's the heart of storytelling in the heart of Downtown Sioux Falls.   #dtsf #downtownsiouxfalls #siouxfallshistory #localloupodcast Learn More About the State Theatre  https://siouxfallsstatetheatre.org  Fat Dude Digs Flicks Podcast  https://fatdudedigsflicks.com  Local Lou Podcast Homepage  https://LocalLouPodcast.com  Follow the State Theatre on Facebook  https://facebook.com/siouxfallsstatetheatre

    39 min
  7. Saving the State Theatre: The 1991 Hanson Fire + 2026 Milestone with Steven Dahlmeier

    Apr 22

    Saving the State Theatre: The 1991 Hanson Fire + 2026 Milestone with Steven Dahlmeier

    In this episode of the Local Lou Podcast, we revisit the 1991 Hanson Building fire. What started as a dumpster fire turned into a massive blaze that destroyed 16 businesses and came dangerously close to taking out the State Theatre next door. Thanks to the work of 110 firefighters, the State Theatre survived with only smoke and water damage — a lifesaving moment that made its 2026 centennial possible. We also rewind to the early days of the Paulton Block, built by Marion and William Paulton in 1905, and trace how the corner of 11th & Phillips evolved from “Pride of the City” to the site of one of Sioux Falls’ biggest fires. Then I sit down with Steven Dahlmeier, General Manager of the State Theatre, to talk about the theater’s revival, its 100th birthday, and what’s ahead for this downtown landmark. Learn more about the State Theatre at: https://siouxfallsstatetheatre.org #LocalLouPodcast #SiouxFallsHistory #StateTheatre #StateTheatre100 #DowntownSiouxFalls

    1h 12m
  8. Inside the State Theatre Experience with Sioux Falls’ #1 Movie Fan, Derrick

    Apr 5

    Inside the State Theatre Experience with Sioux Falls’ #1 Movie Fan, Derrick

    We’re keeping the celebration rolling as the State Theatre hits its 100‑year milestone. And who better to join the conversation than Derrick Veurink — movie lover, history buff, and the unofficial number‑one patron of the State Theatre. If you’ve ever caught a film there, you’ve probably seen Derrick. He’s as essential to the experience as butter is to popcorn.  Before Lou and Derrick dive into movies, memories, and the theater’s legacy, Lou kicks things off with a look back at the Henry Carlson Construction Company, the firm that built the State Theatre more than a century ago. Henry Carlson, a Swedish immigrant who started his construction business just a few years before taking on the project, could never have imagined that his company would still be thriving today — still building across South Dakota and still creating structures meant to last.  In this extended episode, Lou and Derrick go deep. They talk about the evolution of film, the charm of historic theaters, and why the State Theatre continues to matter to Sioux Falls. Derrick brings his signature enthusiasm and encyclopedic movie knowledge, making this conversation a treat for film fans and history lovers alike.  If you want more of Derrick’s movie takes, you can catch him on the Fat Dude Digs Flicks podcast, where he digs into Criterion Collection gems, or follow him on Letterboxd, where he shares thoughtful reviews of his latest screenings.  This episode is all about celebrating community, cinema, and the people who keep Sioux Falls’ stories alive — and Derrick Veurink fits right into that legacy 🎧 Fat Dude Digs Flicks Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fat-dude-digs-flicks-movie-podcasts/id1448218409 (podcasts.apple.com in Bing) 🎞️ Derrick Veurink on Letterboxdhttps://letterboxd.com/dervdude 🏛️ Sioux Falls State Theatrehttps://siouxfallsstatetheatre.org 🏗️ Henry Carlson Constructionhttps://www.henrycarlson.com

    1h 45m
See All (91)

5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

A South Dakota local that would like to let you know a little about the history of the Sioux Falls (and surrounding) area by going around and reading historical markers I find, then looking into them a little and presenting them to you with a personal story or two along the way. Get to know Sioux Falls South Dakota with a gal that is interested in history, lets explore new things together! For pictures of historical markers and daily life in South Dakota follow Local Lou on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/localloupodcast/

Information

  • Creator
    Local Lou
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Local Lou
  • Show Website
    Local Lou

You Might Also Like