Sioux Falls, South Dakota is named for the falls of the Big Sioux River. Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota and the most important industrial and distributing center in the state. The settlement of what today is Sioux Falls started in 1839 when the Canadian government took an interest in the area and sent a representative to make treaties with the several tribes of Indians. In 1856 and 1857, settlers from Minnesota and Iowa started plotting land sites in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. Sioux Falls struggled through Indian up rises, drought, and grasshopper plagues and became one of the first town developments in the State. Today, Sioux Falls is consistently listed as one of the Top Ten Best Places to Live in America. This is due to a remarkable low crime rate, an abundance of jobs, clean air, and a friendly Midwestern atmosphere does make this city a wonderful place to live or visit. Sioux Falls has been called a mini-Minneapolis. This is definitely a stopping off place that you would want to plan at least two or three days to just be able to take in diversified sites that Sioux Falls, SD has to offer; art galleries, museums, symphony orchestra, playhouses, dance companies, theaters, sporting events, 62 parks, boutiques, five golf courses, amusement parks, zoo, and more than 150 restaurants.