Pierre, South Dakota

1. South Dakota State Capitol

• What is the South Dakota State Capitol?
  • The South Dakota State Capitol was constructed between 1905 and 1910 with native stone, Indiana limestone, Vermont, and Italian marble.
• What is unique about the flooring?
  • Admire the terrazzo tile flooring laid by 66 Italian artists.
• What is displayed on the marble staircase?
  • A marble staircase leads to the display of miniature gowns worn by each First Lady at the inaugural balls.
• What can visitors see in the rotunda?
  • The 96-foot high open rotunda on the second level has decorations of the sixteen images of the Tree of Life, acanthus leaves, and the South Dakota state flower, the pasque flower.
• Where are the House of Representatives and the Senate located?
  • The House of Representatives and the Senate are located on the third floor.
• What memorials can be found on the Capitol grounds?
  • Visitors simply have to explore the four memorials on the grounds of the Capitol building.
• Why is the South Dakota State Capitol significant?
  • The South Dakota State Capitol is one of the top Pierre attractions.

Address: South Dakota State Capitol, 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD, Phone: 605-773-3765

2. La Framboise Island Nature Area

• What is La Framboise Island Nature Area?
  • The picturesque island of La Framboise Island Nature Area is located along the Missouri River and is one of the best things to do in Pierre, South Dakota.
• What makes the island special?
  • This scenic island is resplendent with its lush greenery, and it is home to numerous species of wildlife and birds.
• What historical site can be explored on the island?
  • Explore the Fort that Joseph La Framboise constructed towards the western part of the island.
• What kind of nature experience can visitors enjoy?
  • Visitors will enjoy nature trails under the shade of trees like Russian olive, cedar, ash, and native cottonwood trees.
• What recreational activities are available?
  • The fishing dock attracts fishermen, while families can enjoy a day out in the open at the designated picnic area close to the boat ramp.

3. South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center

• What is the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center?
  • The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center was inaugurated in 1989 to interpret and preserve the heritage and unique culture of the people of South Dakota.
• What does the center house?
  • This center houses the State Archives, a museum, historic preservation efforts, and research and publishing offices.
• What can visitors see at the museum?
  • On display at the museum are three permanent galleries that highlight the cultural history of South Dakota from the Native Tribes to the present day.
• What does the State Archives contain?
  • The State Archives has records and documents that showcase the heritage of this region.
• Who frequently uses the archives?
  • Visitors will notice that government officials, teachers, students, and historic preservationists regularly mention and reference these records.

Address: South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governors Dr, Pierre, SD 57501, Phone: 605-773-3458

4. Oahe Dam

• What is Oahe Dam?
  • Oahe Dam is located to the north of Pierre along the Missouri River, and it is responsible for the creation of Lake Oahe.
• What purposes does the dam serve?
  • This project offers irrigation, flood control, and electricity.
• When was Oahe Dam dedicated?
  • Oahe Dam was dedicated in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy when it began producing electricity.
• How much electricity does the dam generate?
  • Today, it provides electricity for most of the northern central states of the nation.
• What are the dam’s dimensions and discharge rate?
  • With a height of 245 feet and a lake depth of 205 feet, this impressive dam has a plant discharge of 56,000 cubic feet per second.
• What recreational opportunities are available near the dam?
  • There are about 51 recreational areas around the dam that will impress and delight visitors.

5. SD Discovery Center & Aquarium

• What is the SD Discovery Center & Aquarium?
  • SD Discovery Center & Aquarium offers science opportunities to children of all ages, inspiring teachers and the public to seek out scientific knowledge and create a healthy world.
• What are the center’s main programs?
  • Outreach and events are their signature offerings, and these programs are interesting and affordable.
• What is the Women in Science program?
  • Women in Science engages young women grade 12 and younger, encouraging them to pick a career in science.
• What are the South Dakota History Adventures?
  • South Dakota History Adventures are fun field trips that highlight the history of the region.
• What other interactive programs does the center offer?
  • Other interactive programs include Family Festivals, Legos and Robotics, Nutrition and Physical Activity, and Environmental Education.

Address: SD Discovery Center & Aquarium, 805 W Sioux Ave, Pierre, SD 57501, Phone: 605-224-8295

6. Fighting Stallions Memorial

• What is the Fighting Stallions Memorial?
  • The Fighting Stallions Memorial was constructed in 1994 to commemorate the death of eight citizens of South Dakota who died in a plane crash on April 19, 1993, while on a state mission.
• What does the memorial feature?
  • This bronze sculpture shows two stallions fighting and stands on an artificial hill with eight plaques honoring the fallen heroes.
• Who created the Fighting Stallion sculpture?
  • The Fighting Stallion was recreated in bronze from the 1935 mahogany creation by renowned local sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski.

7. Flaming Fountain

• What is the Flaming Fountain Memorial?
  • The Flaming Fountain Memorial is located on the shores of Capitol Lake. This spectacular monument is dedicated to the local South Dakotans who fought during the war.
• What features are part of the memorial?
  • There is a stone memorial, a fountain, and a waterfall with an eagle statue that honors the members of the great Sioux Nation who lost their lives in this country’s modern war.
• Why is the fountain unique?
  • The fountain is unique as in the past, flames would rise above the water.
• How did the fountain produce flames?
  • Water is sourced from a nearby well that flows into Capitol Lake, and flames would begin to dance above the top of the fountain when gas was directed into the memorial and lit.

Address: Flaming Fountain, 500 East Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD, Phone: 605-773-3765

8. South Dakota National Guard Museum

• What can visitors see at the South Dakota National Guard Museum?
  • The historical memorabilia of the National Guard of this state is on display at the South Dakota National Guard. Visitors will learn about the historical information of both the Army and Air National Guard.
• What outdoor exhibits are at the museum?
  • The South Dakota National Guard Museum has a large area for visitors to explore. Outside the museum, visitors will find a Sherman Tank, a 75mm Cannon, an A-7-D Jet, Anti-Aircraft guns, and a 105mm Howitzer.
• What is showcased inside the museum?
  • Admire the collection of the heritage and accomplishments of the National Guard that are showcased inside the museum.
• What is the historical range of the museum's artifacts?
  • The memorabilia and artifacts date from the 1860s up to the present day.

Address: South Dakota National Guard Museum, 301 East Dakota, Pierre, SD 57501, Phone: 605-773-2475

9. Country Farmer's Market

• What is the Country Farmer's Market?
  • Locals and visitors can browse through a variety of handmade crafts, fresh foods, and South Dakota-grown produce at the Country Farmer's Market.
• Where and when is the market held?
  • The market is held at the Pierre Mall upper deck parking lot on Saturdays from May to June.
• Is the market family-friendly?
  • If you are wondering what to do in Pierre with kids, this is a great place to visit.
• What is the address and contact information?
  • Address: 30711 169th Street, Gettysburg, SD 57442
  • Phone: 605-769-0269

10. Pierre Players Community Theater

• What is Pierre Players Community Theater?
  • Pierre Players Community Theater is a community theater that entertains and educates the community with theater presentations that involve the audience.
• When did Pierre Players begin?
  • The first full season of Pierre Players began in 1967, and throughout the years they have produced over 180 shows and sponsored several touring productions.
• How has the community contributed?
  • Over 14,000 locals from the community have volunteered their talent and time.
• What can visitors expect at the theater?
  • Visitors will enjoy the opulent ambiance of the theater and should definitely catch a show to experience the commitment of the longest-running community theater group in South Dakota.

Address: Pierre Players Community Theater , 109 S. Pierre Street, Pierre, SD 57501, Phone: 605-224-7826