As South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls gets a lot of love, and it’s well deserved; it’s really beautiful. But there’s another South Dakota city that’s pretty amazing – and it’s often overlooked.
Pierre is nestled on the banks of the Missouri River. Founded in 1880, this city was chosen as South Dakota’s capital because it’s in the geographic center of the state. While it may be one of the most important cities in the state, it’s nowhere near the largest. In fact, with an estimated 14,000 residents, it’s only the eighth largest city in South Dakota.
Here are some ways to explore this underrated city:
- Tour South Dakota’s State Capitol.
stillmanroad/Tripadvisor No expense was spared for our state’s capitol building, which was completed in 1910. This beautiful building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm; weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Take a look at Oahe Dam.
limey52/Tripadvisor The Oahe Dam was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. It spans the Missouri river, and created Lake Oahe, which is the fourth-largest reservoir in the country. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn all about the history of the dam. You’ll also enjoy an excellent view of the dam and river,
- Learn about South Dakota’s first residents at the Cultural Heritage Center.
management/Tripadvisor A visit to the Cultural Heritage Center will spark your imagination as you see artifacts from some of South Dakota’s first residents. The purpose of this center is to interpret and preserve cultural artifacts, and you’ll learn all about South Dakotans throughout the years - from thousands of years ago to more contemporary figures. The Cultural Heritage Center is located at 900 Governors Drive.
- Take a stroll along the river.
City of Pierre Parks and Rec/Facebook You’ll find plenty of walking paths in the riverfront parks in Pierre. Enjoy great views while getting some exercise.
- Splash in the Pierre Municipal Outdoor Pool.
City of Pierre Parks and Rec/Facebook Cool off in this fun city pool, which is open from June through August. Adults and kids swim for just a few dollars.
- Say hello to South Dakota’s governors on the Trail of Governors.
Trail of Governors Foundation/Facebook This ongoing project will eventually honor all of South Dakota’s past governors. There are currently 15 statues, which sit on a trail that stretches from the State Capitol to downtown Pierre.
- Pay your respects at the Flaming Fountain.
Natalie Britt/Tripadvisor You’ll find the Flaming Fountain at 500 E. Capitol Avenue, on the shores of the lake. It’s a memorial to all South Dakotans veterans, and features a unique fountain that once included a flame. For more information about this unique monument, click here.
- Enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding the city.
Keith Ewing/flickr Pierre enjoys some beautiful scenery, thanks to the Missouri River and the many parks here. Get out and see this pretty city!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Pierre?
stillmanroad/Tripadvisor
No expense was spared for our state’s capitol building, which was completed in 1910. This beautiful building is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm; weekends and holidays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
limey52/Tripadvisor
The Oahe Dam was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. It spans the Missouri river, and created Lake Oahe, which is the fourth-largest reservoir in the country. Stop by the Visitor Center to learn all about the history of the dam. You’ll also enjoy an excellent view of the dam and river,
management/Tripadvisor
A visit to the Cultural Heritage Center will spark your imagination as you see artifacts from some of South Dakota’s first residents. The purpose of this center is to interpret and preserve cultural artifacts, and you’ll learn all about South Dakotans throughout the years - from thousands of years ago to more contemporary figures. The Cultural Heritage Center is located at 900 Governors Drive.
City of Pierre Parks and Rec/Facebook
You’ll find plenty of walking paths in the riverfront parks in Pierre. Enjoy great views while getting some exercise.
Cool off in this fun city pool, which is open from June through August. Adults and kids swim for just a few dollars.
Trail of Governors Foundation/Facebook
This ongoing project will eventually honor all of South Dakota’s past governors. There are currently 15 statues, which sit on a trail that stretches from the State Capitol to downtown Pierre.
Natalie Britt/Tripadvisor
You’ll find the Flaming Fountain at 500 E. Capitol Avenue, on the shores of the lake. It’s a memorial to all South Dakotans veterans, and features a unique fountain that once included a flame. For more information about this unique monument, click here.
Keith Ewing/flickr
Pierre enjoys some beautiful scenery, thanks to the Missouri River and the many parks here. Get out and see this pretty city!
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