Old hydroelectric plant (Sioux Falls)

This was built in the early 1900s - H.M. Byllesby designed this powerhouse for Sioux Falls Light and Power (which was later incorporated into Byllesby's holding company empire as part of the Northern States Power system). To the south, the remnants of the original dam and penstock can be seen - one serving the Queen Bee mill, one serving the powerhouse. By the 1920s, increasing electrical demand and low river levels spurred NSP to build a large steam plant addition to the north and east (where the parking lot is today) - this plant was retired by the 1970s and removed in 1989. Only within the last couple years has the old powerhouse been restored to serve as a restaurant overlooking the falls.