On our last blog post we visited the most recognizable landmark in Sioux Falls, the famous Falls Park. Today we are venturing over to the nearby Fawick Park. You may be asking what is so
On our last blog post we visited the most recognizable landmark in Sioux Falls, the famous Falls Park. Today we are venturing over to the nearby Fawick Park. You may be asking what is so special about this park? Well! Residing in this outdoor oasis is one of only 30 full-size replicas of Michelangelo’s Statue of David in the world.
A gift of stoic proportions
The park is named after Thomas Fawick, a local celebrity of Sioux Falls, who became the first person to assemble the nation’s first four-door automobile (more on that when we visit the Courthouse Museum). Along with a slew of other transportation inventions, Fawick also is credited with over 200 patents pertaining to golf club grips, violins and sound systems.
After becoming a multi-millionaire, Fawick eventually settled back down in Sioux Falls, and in 1971 decided to donate his money and time to producing an internationally recognized gift to the city, an exact replica of David.
For all to see
You and I both know the biblical story of David going up against Goliath with just his sling-shot, well in 1504 Michelangelo wanted to capture this bravery in all its splendor. The original still resides in its birthplace, Florence, Italy, but I have seen one of the most iconic replicas while visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris, France.
Knowing how influential this celebrated statue is to the art community, Fawick did not want to stray away from any composite or aesthetic changes to the original appearance. Meaning, shield your eyes if you are sensitive to nudity! In fact, many uneducated and artistically tone-deaf individuals petitioned to not have this legendary statue erected out in the open. But Fawick won, and on display in all his glory is the iconic Statue of David.
Plan your visit
And while you’re admiring this centerpiece, check out the landscape of the surrounding park, enjoy a picnic, watch the geese, and sit on a park bench listening to the river gently flow by. And finally, during the Summer, check out a “Moonlight Movie” in Fawick Park by keeping up to date on events via Downtown Sioux Falls’ Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/downtownsf). In addition, to read more about Fawick Park and the Statue of David, visit Roadside America’s article here: (https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/3330).
Park hours:
Mon – Sun: 5am to 10pm
605-367-8222
200 S 2nd Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
