Falls Park

This picture was taken looking South from the five (5) story Observation Tower of Falls Park in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  One can see the Queen Bee Mill (middle left), Millrace and Dam (middle center) and the upper and lower Sioux Falls (center) along with the rest of the Park.  It was quite interesting to know that the Queen Bee Mill was in operation for just two years from 1881-1883, a victim of inadequate water and a short supply of wheat.  Several companies tried in vain to make the mill a success until 1929 when it was converted to a warehouse.  In 1956 fire swept through the structure, destroying the wooden roof and the interior floors.  As one can see from the photo the upper walls were knocked down.  This being for safety reasons.