This beautiful and tranquil oasis nestled into the historic Heights Neighborhood, is the only park on my list. Our very own Grandview Park, has to be one of the most influential and recognized parks in
This beautiful and tranquil oasis nestled into the historic Heights Neighborhood, is the only park on my list. Our very own Grandview Park, has to be one of the most influential and recognized parks in Sioux City.
Saturday in the park
Each year it hosts the Saturday in the Park outdoor concert, which brings in artists from all around the nation and world. Free to the public, this event has been a local favorite since it began in 1991. Aretha Franklin, B.B. King, The Black Crowes, Buddy Guy, The Wallflowers, and Blues Traveler are among the many, many names who have performed at Saturday in the Park.
movies in the park
The park also hosts Movies in the Park, an outdoor family-oriented evening where films such as Minions and Toy Story are played on a huge projection screen. Blankets sprawled out on the grass, lawn chairs strategically placed, and friendly chattering amongst neighbors are common sights and sounds every Saturday night during the summer months. Beginning around mid-June, and running up until mid-August, this movie night is free to the public, so come early to score the best seat in the house!
over 100 years old!
I’ve been to one wedding here, and it was so beautiful. You really don’t need any decorations when the gardens themselves do all the work. Building of this park began in 1907, which included the planting of 2,200 trees and multiple flower gardens. Finished a year later, in 1908, the park also includes winding drives through a hilly landscape. I used to come drive through this park quite often, park at the top of the hill, roll down my windows, relax, and read a book for an hour.
the bandshell
Designed by local architect, Henry L. Kamphoefner, construction of the bandshell began in 1930, and received international fame. Completed in 1934, it required 52 tons of reinforced steel, 300 bags of white cement, and 4,200 bags of Portland cement, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service in 2009. Grandview Park truly is one of the best places to come and enjoy learning about Sioux City history. Plus, I could not believe when I read that the seating in the park’s natural amphitheater accommodates 5,000!
the rose garden
The Rose Garden was created in 1937, and encompasses more than 100 varieties of roses. Designed by landscape architect Newell Guernsey, this has become one of the most recognizable gardens in all of Sioux City. Weaving my way along the brick path, I was amazed at the diverse assortment of roses, I never knew there could be so many! In fact, the day I took these pictures it was actually lightly raining, so I had the entire park to myself, and I was able to take my time…and smell the roses…sorry, I had to…
host your next event here
Renting this venue out is not as difficult or as expensive as you might think. A mere $400 will allow you access to the park from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. But don’t be surprised if curious neighbors come over to see what all the fun is about. I remember seeing sideline spectators sitting in the grass watching the wedding I attended back in 2005. But honestly, that is something I would do if I owned a home nearby. I’d pack a sack lunch, and make my way over for some free entertainment any chance I got!
activities for all
Play a round of disc golf, admire the graffiti art on the park’s water tower, and spend a day with your kids on the playground jungle gym. This is the perfect venue for nature enthusiasts, energetic children, and history buffs.
So, if you’re wanting to host your niece’s graduation party, organize a family reunion, plan your wedding, or even throw a surprise birthday party for your spouse, keep the Grandview Park on your radar. Also, check out Sioux City’s Parks and Recreation Website for more rental options, including half day, and hourly. (https://www.sioux-city.org/government/departments-g-p/parks-recreation-department/parks)
learn more about Grandview park
Finally, read up on the correlation the park has to the Sioux City Municipal Band, Lincoln’s Statue, and view archived pictures of the park on Sioux City’s History website: http://www.siouxcityhistory.org/historic-sites/110-grandview-park-a-the-band-shell.
For rental agreements and payments contact Parks & Recreation, or visit their offices at the Long Lines Family Rec Center.
712-279-6126
401 Gordon Drive
Sioux City, Iowa 51102