Discover Sisseton: History, Art and Nature

Sisseton combines insights into the history of Norwegian immigrants and local art with nearby destinations. This lets you choose different focuses for your trip: get to know historic places and artworks in Sisseton, or make time for nature and trails in Sica Hollow State Park.

History and Art in Sisseton

Roberts County Courthouse is a striking point of interest for anyone interested in architectural history. The building was constructed in 1902 in the Neo-Classical Revival style and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Its construction and its later addition to the register are distinct milestones in its history; the style identifies the architectural tradition that can help you place the building in context.

The Stavig House offers a different perspective on the past. This immigrant museum explores the history of a Norwegian immigrant family. The Stavig Letters Collection comprises more than 150 letters spanning five decades. It offers insights into immigrants’ experiences from Norwegian and American perspectives. Thus, alongside the history of one family, the museum focuses on different views of immigration. In summer, the Stavig House Museum is open daily from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; admission is by donation.

Public art is another cultural point of interest in Sisseton. The Art Walk features works by local artists, including artists from the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe. The mural “Keeping Watch” is located near Veterans Avenue. It was commissioned by GrowSD and created by local artists Alexis Monroe and Nicholas Blaske. If you would like to combine your trip with art, these works offer a distinctive way to connect with local creativity.

Views and Trails Nearby

Nicollet Tower is located near Sisseton. From there, visitors can see South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota, as well as the continental divide, six counties and eleven communities. This expansive view makes the tower a different kind of destination from the historical and artistic attractions in town: here, the focus is on the broader perspective and the landscape.

The Nicollet Tower and Interpretive Center adds several features to your visit: it includes the Great Nicollet Map, ten murals by John S. Wilson and the film “Dakota Encounters.” The map, murals and film offer different ways to explore the area.

Sica Hollow State Park is located 15 miles northwest of Sisseton along South Dakota Highway 10. The park has ten miles of multi-use trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking. The Trail of the Spirits is a self-guided interpretive trail within the park and was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1971. The park therefore offers trails for a range of activities as well as a named interpretive trail with its own designation. The distance helps you factor the park into your day’s plans as a destination outside Sisseton; it does not indicate how long the drive will take.

Another cultural experience nearby is the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Wacipi, a social gathering where families and friends nurture and experience Native American culture. It takes place at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Ceremonial Grounds in Agency Village, seven miles south of Sisseton. This destination differs from the museums and artworks in town both in location and in subject matter.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Trip

When looking for a vacation rental in Sisseton, consider which of these experiences you would like to shape your trip. If you are most interested in immigration history, architecture and art, focus on the attractions in Sisseton. If you would also like to include the trails at Sica Hollow State Park, take into account its location 15 miles northwest of town. The tower, Interpretive Center and Wacipi offer additional, distinct experiences in the surrounding area.

For the broader travel overview: Roberts County.