Exploring Pierre

The capital city of South Dakota Pierre is the second-least populous state capital in the U.S.

In the heart of the city is Historic Downtown Pierre. You can start your journey at the South Dakota Heritage Center. The museum has exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the region.

The Sioux Trading Post is a historic building. It specializes in Native American arts and crafts. Visitors can purchase jewelry, pottery, and artifacts.

Continue on to the State Capitol. Built between 1905 and 1910 the South Dakota State Capitol was constructed of native stone, Indiana limestone, and Vermont and Italian marble. Sixty-six Italian artists laid the terrazzo tile flooring. Walking up the marble staircase you come to a display of miniature gowns that have been worn by each First Lady at the Inaugural Balls. There is a bronze sculpture of the first governor of South Dakota, Arthur Mellette, in front of the State Capitol. On the second level, the open rotunda is 96-foot-high and is decorated with the sixteen images of the Tree of Life, acanthus leaves, and the South Dakota state flower, the pasque flower. On the third floor is the House of Representatives and the Senate. Visitors enjoy seeing the four memorials on the grounds of the building.

See the Governor's Mansion that was built in 1883.

The Historic Downtown district also has many shopping and dining options.

La Framboise Island Nature Area is on a picturesque island that is located along the Missouri River. There is lush greenery and many different kinds of birds and wildlife. There are beautiful nature trails shaded by such trees as Russian olive, cedar, ash, and native cottonwood trees. For those who enjoy fishing there is the fishing dock and a boat ramp. You can take along a picnic and enjoy it in the great outdoors.

Oahe Dam lies along the Missouri River to the north of Pierre. The dam helped to create Lake Oahe. This project offers irrigation, flood control, and a source of electricity. Oahe Dam was dedicated by the 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy when the production of electricity began. Visitors will find about 51 recreational areas around the dam.

South Dakota Missouri River Tourism invites you to explore the four large Missouri River Lakes among them Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case, and Lewis and Clark.

You can get information inside the Oahe Dam Visitor Center at the Oahe Dam.

The Fighting Stallion Memorial commemorates the deaths of eight citizens of South Dakota who died in a plane crash on April 19, 1993, while on a state mission. The sculpture is made of bronze and depicts two stallions fighting. The sculpture stands on an artificial hill with eight plaques that honor the fallen heroes.

On the shores of Capitol Lake, you'll find the Flaming Fountain Memorial. This is dedicated to the local South Dakotans who fought during the war. The stone memorial has a fountain and a waterfall with an eagle statue honoring the members of the great Sioux Nations who lost their lives in the country's modern war. In the past flames would rise above the water and would begin a dance above the water when gas was directed into the memorial.

The Fort Pierre Chouteau Site is a tribute to the relationship between Native Americans and Euro-Americans. It was established in 1832 and became a trading center where locals and travelers could purchase furs. The U.S. government bought the fort in 1855 and turned it into a military installation. In recent years, the fort has dilapidated. Excavations at the fort have turned up many Native Indian artifacts.

SD Discovery Center and Aquarium offers children of all ages, science opportunities. Interactive programs offered are Family Festivals, Legos and Robotics, Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Environmental Education.

Dakota Spirit Distillery opened in Pierre as the first legal distillery in the state. It is a family-operated business using local products to produce quality spirits. The distillery sits on a plateau a few miles north of the Missouri River. Spirits are aged in American Oak barrels.

Among the spirits produced are Bickering Brothers Brandy, Blended Whiskey, Coyote 100 Light Whiskey, and Bickering Brothers Vodka.

Farm Island Recreation Area is the place to enjoy the great outdoors. The area has prairies, rolling hills, and wildlife. Native animals in the area are deer, elk, and bison. Hikers and bikers find lots of trails to explore as well as a loop around the lake. Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and camping. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and restroom facilities.