Pierre Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of South Dakota, Pierre is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and Midwestern charm. As the state capital, Pierre is not only a political hub but also a hidden gem for travelers seeking an authentic American experience.

One of the city's main attractions is the South Dakota State Capitol, an architectural masterpiece that dominates the skyline. Built in the early 20th century, the Capitol boasts stunning neoclassical design and offers guided tours that provide insight into the state's rich history and government functions.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the region's heritage, the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is a must-visit. This state-of-the-art museum showcases exhibits that chronicle the history and culture of South Dakota's Native American tribes, settlers, and pioneers. From ancient artifacts to interactive displays, visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating stories that shaped the region.

Nature enthusiasts will find solace in Pierre's natural wonders. The Oahe Dam and Lake, located just north of the city, is a breathtaking sight. Stretching over 231 miles, this reservoir offers ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. The serene beauty of the lake, surrounded by rolling hills and abundant wildlife, creates a picturesque backdrop for outdoor adventures.

To truly experience Pierre's Midwestern charm, a visit to the South Dakota Discovery Center is a must. This hands-on science center is perfect for families and curious minds alike. With interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and outdoor trails, visitors can explore the wonders of science while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding Missouri River.

No trip to Pierre would be complete without savoring the local cuisine. From hearty Midwestern dishes to fresh farm-to-table fare, the city's restaurants offer a diverse culinary scene. Whether you choose to dine in a historic building or enjoy a meal with a view of the river, Pierre's dining options are sure to satisfy any palate.

Alternative names: Founded: 1880 (144 years ago)Population: 14 thous. (2019)Area: 13.07 mi²Elevation: 1473 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 44°22'9"N, 100°21'7"W

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South DakotaUnited States

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Pierre Top Attractions

Pierre Attractions - What to See and Explore

Pierre offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: South Dakota State Capitol, South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, Dakota, Oahe Dam. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Architecture • History museum
South Dakota State Capitol
The South Dakota State Capitol is the state capitol building of the U.S. state of South Dakota. Housing the South Dakota State Legislature, it is located in the state capitol of Pierre at 500 East Capitol Avenue.
Museum • History museum • Historical place
South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center
The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre, South Dakota, is the headquarters of the South Dakota State Historical Society. Opened in 1989, the center houses the State Historical Society’s administrative, historic preservation, and research and publishing offices.
Bridge
Dakota
The Chicago and North Western Railroad Bridge is a bridge on the National Register of Historic Places in Pierre, South Dakota. The Pennsylvania through truss bridge is 2,200 feet long and has two spans. The bridge's second span is a swing span; the bridge is the only extant swing bridge in South Dakota.

Large dam with a recreational reservoir
Oahe Dam
The Oahe Dam is a large earthen dam on the Missouri River, just north of Pierre, South Dakota, United States. The dam creates Lake Oahe, the fourth-largest man-made reservoir in the United States.
Museum • Art museum • History museum
South Dakota State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society is South Dakota's official state historical society and is located in Pierre, South Dakota at 900 Governors Drive. It is a part of the South Dakota Department of Education.
Church
Methodist Episcopal Church
The Methodist Episcopal Church built in 1910 is an historic Methodist church located at 117 Central Avenue, North in Pierre, South Dakota. The original congregation, which dates from 1880, moved in 1881 from rented halls to its first building on Fort Street. In 1883 it moved to a building on the present Central Avenue site.
44°22'6"N • 100°20'60"W
St. Charles Hotel
St. Charles Hotel may signify: St. Charles Hotel, originally called the Bella Union Hotel St. Charles Hotel Rector Hotel, known as the St. Charles Hotel from 1917 to 1931.
44°22'5"N • 100°21'18"W
Hilger Block
The Hilger Block is a historic commercial building located at 361 S. Pierre St. in Pierre, South Dakota. J.D. Hilger built the building in 1883 to use as a clothing store. The building was the first brick commercial block in Pierre.
44°22'10"N • 100°21'4"W
Horner-Hyde House
The Horner–Hyde House is a historic house located at 100 W. Capitol Ave. in Pierre, South Dakota. Henry Horner started building the house in 1889 and continued adding to it until 1913. The Queen Anne house features shingle siding in its gables, a cross gabled roof, and a bay window on its east side.
44°22'9"N • 100°20'46"W
Karcher-Sahr House
The Karcher–Sahr House is a historic house located at 222 E. Prospect St. in Pierre, South Dakota. Built in 1910, the house was designed in the Classical Revival style.
44°21'53"N • 100°20'28"W
South Dakota Governor's Residence
The South Dakota Governor's Residence is the official residence of the governor of South Dakota. The first resident, Governor Mike Rounds, lived in the house after its dedication on August 3, 2005. Its current resident is Governor Kristi Noem.
44°22'9"N • 100°20'53"W
John E. and Ruth Hipple House
The John E. and Ruth Hipple House is a historic house located at 219 N. Highland in Pierre, South Dakota. Built in 1913, the Prairie School house features a roof with a low pitch and overhanging eaves, a front porch, and a horizontal emphasis throughout its design.
44°22'17"N • 100°20'56"W
Farr House
The Farr House is a historic house located at 106 E. Wynoka St. in Pierre, South Dakota. Built in 1904, the house was designed by architect E. J. Donahue in the Colonial Revival style.
44°22'23"N • 100°20'10"W
Peter Hansen House
The Peter Hansen House is a Lustron house located at 1123 E. Capitol St. in Pierre, South Dakota. Built in 1949, the house is a Westchester Deluxe model Lustron house, the most popular model of the homes.
44°21'49"N • 100°20'10"W
Crawford-Pettyjohn House
The Crawford–Pettyjohn House is a historic house located at 129 S. Washington St. in Pierre, South Dakota. The Queen Anne style house was built in 1885. The house's design features a porch that wraps around the south and east sides, a hipped roof with cross gables, and a corner turret. Coe I.
44°22'9"N • 100°21'4"W
Hughes County Courthouse
The Hughes County Courthouse, located on Capitol Avenue in Pierre, is the center of government of Hughes County, South Dakota. The courthouse was built from 1934 to 1935, replacing a building built in 1883.
44°21'57"N • 100°21'14"W
Karcher Block
The Karcher Block is a historic commercial building located at 366 S. Pierre St. in Pierre, South Dakota. Businessman Henry Karcher commissioned the Commercial style building in 1884.
44°21'56"N • 100°21'18"W
Central Block
The Central Block is a historic commercial building located at 321–325 S. Pierre St. in Pierre, South Dakota. The Commercial style masonry building was constructed in 1884 and was one of Pierre's earliest masonry commercial buildings.
44°22'44"N • 100°20'56"W
Brink–Wegner House
The Brink–Wegner House is a historic house located at 110 E. 4th St. in Pierre, South Dakota. The house was built in 1904 for Andrew C. Brink, a real estate contractor. The house's Shingle style design features a gambrel roof and a bay window with a cone-shaped roof on the second floor.

Day trips

Pierre – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Pierre, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Verendrye Site (Fort Pierre), Fort Pierre Congregational Church (Fort Pierre), Fort Pierre National Grassland.

1.7 miSW
Memorial
Verendrye Site, Fort Pierre
The Verendrye Site is an historical archaeological site off Verendrye Drive in Fort Pierre, Stanley County, South Dakota, United States.
1.6 miSW
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
Fort Pierre Congregational Church, Fort Pierre
The Fort Pierre Congregational Church is a historic church in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. It was built in 1908–09 and was added to the National Register in 1977 as the United Church of Christ, Congregational.
16 milesS
National park
Fort Pierre National Grassland
Fort Pierre National Grassland is a United States National Grassland in central South Dakota, south of the capital city Pierre and its neighbor Fort Pierre. The national grassland is primarily a mixed-grass prairie and has a land area of 115,890 acres. In descending order of area it lies in parts of Lyman, Stanley, and Jones counties.
38 milesSW
City
Murdo
Murdo is a city in and county seat of Jones County, South Dakota, United States. The population was 488 at the 2010...

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Best Time To Visit Pierre

Learn when is the best time to travel to Pierre weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and December. Most of it rains in June.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Pierre?

The top attractions to visit in Pierre are:

What is the best time to visit Pierre?

June is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in July. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.