My boyfriend, my brother & I all had fun here last weekend! I love the different selections of Sioux City history they have here!

A beautifully maintained facility. The greeter at the desk warmly welcomed each visitor this Thursday. The building is large enough to host a huge antique road builder but small enough to see everything in a morning. I'd guess you'll spend two hours looking at fossils and nostalgic Sioux City memories. There's a medium-sized native American; fair exhibit that didn't quite pop. But I'm nitpicking; this 5 star museum is beautifully put together. Then again, not everything can be a life-size tyranasaurous rex skull. That thing kind of steals the show in over in that part of the building. In fact, when I was looking at dino stuff, I wished I'd seen that skull last. I'll put a selfie of it; I look ugly but I need you to see this head. The rex's, not mine. Once you see that, most of the other fossils are forgettable. Except to the 13 year old children who are so knowledgeable about paleontology! Apparently, The Hard Rock Hotel donated some of the coolest pieces, including the t. rex, an unforgettable gift to the Sioux City community. Finally, speaking of community is what I think of as a Community Room. It's a behind the scenes facility, also beautifully maintained, where significant events can be shared. In fact, that was how I wound up at the Sioux City Museum. It was the location for the Juneteenth celebration in Sioux City. As a freedom loving American and a military veteran who believes in "justice for all," I've had an interest in this holiday for years. In most communities I've been to, Juneteenth either doesn't get seriously recognized, it gets a mention in the schools or, at best, it was celebrated in church with prayer, a program and, downstairs at Second Baptist Church of Ottumwa, a feast. In Sioux City, after a multi-year absence, the historic holiday of Juneteenth was celebrated in the museums community room. As a wild guess, at least a hundred people were there to listen and to eat soul food. The program explained how slavery ended in the US after the Civil War. But the landowners of Texas refused to let their slaves hear the news; those victims actually weren't slaves, they were free. The white "slave" holders of Texas kept the secret, working these free people for TWO YEARS, until a Federal military unit showed up to break the news: You're all free. read more

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When I wandered past the museum on a walk when I was staying in Sioux City for the day, my expectations were low. How much could there really be to say about Sioux City? I had a bit of time, so decided to find out. I left with a changed tune. For a free museum, I was impressed with the Sioux City Public Museum. They packed a LOT of history of the city into the space. There are displays and artifacts everywhere you look. Major city events, sports, famous residents, industry, history of the area, geological features - they're all covered. The displays look nice with lots of detail, words to read, items to look at, and even a short video or two. There's a little gift shop at the entrance if you need some Sioux City items (I did need a souvenir). Along with the many Sioux City displays, there were also two spaces that look like rotating display areas. One of them had a pretty cool fossils display with many different minerals, some raw and some cut or polished. The other was an entire room of art - paintings and sculptures - themed around wild animals. There were some incredibly beautiful pieces there, and it was a nice bonus to the public museum. read more

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This is a MUST SEE!! I was thoroughly impressed with the museum displays and artifacts. My kids, ages 12 and 9, loved it as well and didn't want to leave until we saw every corner. Don't skip the short introductory film in the theatre when you enter. Any Sioux City resident or visitor will benefit from the well-made and entertaining history it provides. Something I was pleasantly surprised to see in the museum was the Sue Bee Honey Ale display. I hope the museum gives a shout out and credit to the original artwork on the bottles, created by a Sioux City native as well--my dad, Mick McGinty. read more

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I've been here a small handful of times and there's different exhibits every time I've gone. I've also noticed it's become more hands-on and kid-friendly than it's been in the past. It's free! That's super nice. Of course they accept donations. There's a small gift shop and they do events every once in awhile. They must have an event room because I've recently been invited to a baby shower there! The shower hasn't happened yet so I can't comment on it. Maybe I'll update my review later. A couple video areas, a lot of reading, and some really cool unique antiques. Parking isn't the best. Pretty much all street parking. I like to go 1-2 times a year and see what's up. Nice stop that you can make quick or long, depending on your personal interest. Not very big, but neither is Sioux City really. read more

If you're looking for something to do in Sioux City, this is a great option. Entry is free. I didn't know it was free, but the kind people in the front were so accommodating, they offered to allow me to pay (I declined but was very impressed with their flexibility). However, there is a donation place in the cow at the front. Parking is metered, but if you go Saturday/Sunday the meters are free. It was interesting to learn about Sioux City history here. read more

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One of my favorite places to visit. I always enjoy the stories behind the story. When we have visitors from out-of-town, I always take them! Something for everyone! The programs are great too-like History at High Noon. -Go early, it is a full house! (Don't miss the Sioux City video in the small theater.) read more

This local history museum showed the limitations and historical insignificance of Sioux City. Seems like a cruel joke that the airport code for the Sioux City airport is SUX, but sadly appropriate considering downtown Sioux City is consumed by a Hard Rock Casino and Hom (not a typo) Furnishing store. To be fair, my local airports are the frenetic hellhole LAX for Los Angeles that is not relaxing in any way and BUR for Burbank which is rarely cold. The museum still showed plenty of effort to achieve the best they could. It's not like they can make up an exciting and highly relevant history. The most interesting displays were not about Sioux City but geodes in the "fossil discovery zone" that were not specific to Iowa and a temporary exhibit of Chicago-based artists Margaret and Alfonso Iannelli. At least the museum curators smartly borrowed good content even though it might not be permanent. It's good that the entry is free because we otherwise wouldn't have walked here from the Sioux City Art Center. We spent 30 minutes here. read more

This is the best, free, city museum I have seen. I went in wondering how much Sioux City history I wanted to know, but left thoroughly entertained. Start out with the video in the theater off the lobby. Visually entertaining and informative, the presentation gives a quick history of the city. Most of the exhibits are interactive and were enjoyed by all in our group, including the three-year old we call "The Mad Tapper" since he loves to push buttons. Whether you live in the area or are visiting, the museum is worth your time. I bet you will be humming Sioux City Sue when you leave. read more

What a treasure! There are tons of suprise interactive moments. Make sure you look it all over carefully. Whoever curates does a beautiful display, and the staff are so friendly and informative. Even my 5 year old loved it, for a full hour read more

This museum is a must see! It represents siouxland culture and history extremely well. We highly recommend the introductory video. It is so much more than just a video, it is a whole interactive display. This is one of the best I have seen and I have traveled across the country. The museum is also very kid friendly with lots of interactive activities. The favorite on our trip was "the dig" where kids can be a junior archeologist and dig for fossils. The best part of it all ... was that it was FREE! Don't pass this one up.... read more