Sioux City Park is located in Barranco del Águila, a canyon in the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, in the south of the island. The rugged landscape is perfect for recreating classic films set in the American Wild West. In fact, the theme park is actually on the site of some old film studios. Sioux City is a magnificent reconstruction of a classic cowboy town, and the facilities are second to none.
The theme park is 54 kilometres from Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, and just a ten minute drive from Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. Prepare to be amazed. On arrival, your surroundings suddenly change and you find yourself in an authentic Western town. It’s all there: the sheriff’s office, the saloon, the blacksmith’s… Children and adults alike will have the time of their life pretending they are in a western. Take part in in the many fun activities, and enjoy the live shows where actors perform authentic western scenes.
Sioux City Park. The movie history of Gran Canaria
Many films were recorded at Sioux City Park in its heyday. Film buffs and western lovers alike will remember hits like Take a hard ride, a production by Twentieth Century Fox. Filmed in 1975, it featured Lee Van Cleef and Jim Brown, and tells the strange story of a man transporting a cargo of gold over the Mexican border. During his journey he suffers many trials and tribulations as he is pursued by bandits and bounty hunters.
Over the years, the facilities of this Wild West town have been used to film adverts, television programmes and short films. Concerts have been held there by famous artists such as Gloria Gaynor and James Brown, and shows have been put on by artists of the calibre of flamenco dancer Joaquín Cortés. Quite a history that adds a touch of glamour to this modern theme park.
Famous Western scenes in Sioux City
The golden age of the western may have long since passed, but the Wild West continues to attract all ages. It is often revisited in original films and television series, and forms part of our collective imagination. This explains the attraction of places like Sioux City. Its ficticious scenes seem strikingly real, and the buildings actually are real — with many iconic western scenes having been filmed in them.
The quirks of the original ‘tough guys’ like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Gary Cooper and James Stewart are echoed by different actors today. Bands of outlaws and villains, like Billy the Kid and Jesse James, move menacingly from set to set. On arrival, you will encounter a main street. In the surrounding area you will find the blacksmith’s, the barber’s shop, the sheriff’s office, the church, the cemetery and the jail. There is, of course, also a magnificent saloon, with the typical swing doors. Dare to enter and you will find a show in full swing with rousing country music playing.
There is also a Mexican village, an Indian reserve, and much, much more from this historical period that has been so thoroughly documented and filmed. There are chases on horseback, and livestock stampedes. You may witness a bank robbery and an exciting gun battle. There are fights and shots fired. It may look like a film, but it is actually a live show. The performance is humorous throughout, and audience participation is encouraged. The Grand Saloon hosts dances and among the patrons you will recognise the whole range of typical western characters, even the town drunk.
What to see and do in Sioux City Park
Sioux City Park’s different shows captivate spectators. Events take place in quick succession in the main street and the surrounding buildings. With your admission ticket, you will be given a leaftlet with the times and places so you don’t miss out. The recreations of traditional Wild West stories are a big hit with visitors, but there are many other fun activities to do as well. The livestock and horse display is truly amazing. Among the participative activities, the cowboy lasso sessions are particularly popular. There are also whip handling, and axe and knife throwing demonstrations.
The horse whisperer demonstration is hugely popular thanks to the bestselling novel The Horse Whisperer, by Nicholas Evans. You may remember the story from the film directed by Robert Redford. You can even have a go at horseriding yourself, accompanied by expert monitors. There is also a zoo where you can see animals such as goats, sheep, buffalo, ponies, meerkats, strange crocodiles, and snakes.
Sioux City Park Museum and food options
Carriages, not taxis, are on hand to take you around Sioux City Park. The facilities are well kept and you can explore all the buildings. There is also a small museum with photographic displays on the films made in the studios back in the day. It also has an exhibition of typical clothing from the period — cowboy, Indian and saloon-girl outfits —, as well as everday utensils and weapons used in the Wild West.
Children will enjoy the bouncy castles, the foam parties and the clown acts. Fancy dress parties are often organised. At lunchtime, head to the Sioux City American saloon reastaurant for delicious hamburgers, pizzas, hotdogs, and a variety of other western-themed dishes. A buffet barbecue is held at the weekend.
