As its name implies, Sioux County in northwest Iowa has a history extending back to the Sioux tribe. But starting in 1869, Dutch immigrants settled the area. Several of the county's most famous places celebrate Dutch heritage, culture and traditions. Sioux County -- characterized by rolling, forested hills and rich farmland -- also has outdoor attractions that draw visitors from throughout and beyond the region.
Orange City
- Orange City, named for the Dutch royal House of Orange, celebrates its heritage through the Dutch Storefront Program. In the downtown business district, many structures have been built or renovated to look like buildings in the 18th- and 19th-century Netherlands -- reflecting the architectural trends brought by early settlers. Complete with a windmill, this district provides a cultural backdrop for the town’s Tulip Festival held each May. Dating to the 1930s, this three-day event includes Dutch folk dancing, an evening concert, parades, and a Tulip Queen and Court.
Heritage Village
- In 1990, the town of Sioux Center celebrated its centennial. Heritage Village, built for this event, contains replications of historic structures from throughout Sioux County, including a blacksmith shop, sod house, church, sawmill and -- in keeping with the area’s Dutch heritage -- windmill. Visit Heritage Village during the county youth fair every July, during the mid-September Harvest Festival and at other times by appointment.
Oak Grove and Rivers Bend Parks
- Oak Grove Park, near Hawarden in Sioux County, encompasses Big Sioux County Park and Oak Grove State Park. With more than 430 acres, the park provides opportunities to fish, hike, picnic and camp. Rivers Bend Park in the town of Rock Valley occupies more than 90 acres that previously served as a gravel and sand quarry. Visitors can camp, fish, swim and play sand volleyball. In a region characterized primarily by rich farmland, these two parks are famous throughout the area for their natural and recreational offerings.
Sioux Golf & Country Club
- Alton, another Sioux County town, is home to a historic nine-hole golf course -- Iowa’s oldest continuously operating golf course held under private ownership. It dates to 1888 when a local farmer set up a few holes in his pasture, and the course expanded over the years. The clubhouse was constructed in 1949 but has recently been renovated to include a 250-seat banquet hall. Amongst Iowa golf aficionados, the course has garnered fame as one of the state's classics.
Northwestern and Dordt Colleges
- Many of the area's Dutch residents belonged to the Reformed and Christian Reformed traditions, and adherents of both started colleges in Sioux County. Dordt College, operated by the Christian Reformed church, opened in Sioux Center in 1955. In Orange City, the Reformed church established Northwestern College, which graduated its first class in 1961. While these colleges may not be nationally prominent, they remain well-known within their respective denominations.
