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Pierre

Pierre, South Dakota, United States

Welcome to Pierre, the charming capital city of South Dakota located in the heart of the United States! Known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality, Pierre offers a unique blend of cultural e…

#Capital city#South Dakota#Missouri River#Historic landmarks#Government buildings

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Pierre.

Top Hotels in Pierre

Top Flights to Pierre

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Pierre.

Tours

Explore the State Capitol

Visit the impressive South Dakota State Capitol building, an architectural gem with beautiful gardens surrounding it.

Visit the Cultural Heritage Center

Explore the history and culture of South Dakota.

Pierre Players Community Theatre

Enjoy local theatre productions in the heart of Pierre.

Shopping

Shopping at Hyde Stadium

Browse through local vendors for unique craft items and souvenirs.

Outdoor

Fishing at Lake Oahe

Enjoy fishing at one of the largest reservoirs in the United States.

Discover La Framboise Island

A small island perfect for hiking and birdwatching.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Pierre.

Currency

$ | USD | US Dollar

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Pierre, South Dakota is 14,000.

Languages

French, French

Average weather

Pierre

Jan

-1°-12°

Feb

1°-10°

Mar

8°-4°

Apr

16°2°

May

22°8°

Jun

28°14°

Jul

33°17°

Aug

32°16°

Sep

26°10°

Oct

17°3°

Nov

7°-5°

Dec

0°-11°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Pierre.

What people love

Pierre, South Dakota, offers several advantages for travelers:

Scenic Beauty: Pierre is situated along the Missouri River, providing stunning views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking. The city is surrounded by prairies and rolling hills, making it a picturesque destination for nature lovers.
Historic Sites: Pierre has a rich history, with several historical sites and landmarks to explore. Visitors can learn about Native American culture at the Cultural Heritage Center, tour the historic State Capitol building, or visit the Oahe Dam for a glimpse into the region's hydroelectric history.
Outdoor Recreation: The Pierre area offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, golfing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe provide opportunities for water sports such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Cultural Events: Pierre hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, showcasing local art, music, and cuisine. Visitors can immerse themselves in South Dakota's culture by attending events like the South Dakota State Fair or the Capital City Band Concert series.
Central Location: Pierre's central location in South Dakota makes it a convenient base for exploring other attractions in the state, such as the Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore, and the Black Hills. The city's proximity to major highways also makes it easily accessible by road.

Overall, traveling to Pierre, South Dakota, offers a mix of natural beauty, history, outdoor recreation, cultural experiences, and convenient access to other attractions in the region.

What to know

There are a few potential cons of traveling to Pierre, South Dakota, especially when compared to more tourist-heavy destinations. Some of the drawbacks may include:

Limited Tourist Attractions: Pierre is not as well-known or popular as other cities in the United States, so it may have fewer tourist attractions and activities to offer compared to larger cities.
Remote Location: Pierre is located in a relatively remote area of South Dakota, which may make it more challenging to access compared to cities with major airports or transportation hubs.
Seasonal Weather: South Dakota can experience extreme weather conditions, with very cold winters and hot summers. Travelers should be prepared for varying weather conditions depending on the time of year they visit.
Limited Dining and Entertainment Options: Due to its smaller size, Pierre may have fewer dining and entertainment options compared to larger cities, which could limit the variety of experiences available to travelers.
Limited Public Transportation: Pierre may have limited public transportation options, so travelers may need to rely on personal vehicles or taxis to get around.

Overall, while Pierre may offer a unique and off-the-beaten-path travel experience, travelers should be aware of these potential drawbacks and plan accordingly to make the most of their trip.

Pierre is the capital city of South Dakota, located in the central part of the state along the eastern bank of the Missouri River. Here is a detailed history of Pierre, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History:

Native American Inhabitance: The area around Pierre was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Arikara and later the Sioux.
Exploration: The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area in 1804, marking one of the earliest interactions between European Americans and the local Native American tribes.

Founding and Development:

Founding of Pierre (1880): Pierre was founded in 1880 following the extension of the Chicago and North Western Railway. It was named after Pierre Chouteau Jr., a prominent fur trader and businessman instrumental in the area's development.
Becoming the State Capital (1889): When South Dakota achieved statehood on November 2, 1889, Pierre was chosen as the temporary capital. In 1890, it was selected as the permanent state capital due to its central location.

Significant Events:

Construction of the South Dakota State Capitol (1905-1910): The construction of the state capitol building was a significant event for Pierre. The building, completed in 1910, features a neoclassical design and remains a central landmark.
The Oahe Dam (1948-1962): The construction of the Oahe Dam on the Missouri River was a major engineering project that significantly impacted Pierre. Completed in 1962, the dam created Lake Oahe, which is used for flood control, irrigation, and recreation.
Floods: The city has experienced significant flooding events, particularly in 1952 and 2011, due to its location along the Missouri River.

Historical Figures:

Pierre Chouteau Jr.: Although never a resident, Chouteau played a crucial role in the area's early development as a fur trade hub.

Important Landmarks:

South Dakota State Capitol: The capitol building is a centerpiece of Pierre, known for its beautiful architecture, including a copper dome and ornate interior.
Cultural Heritage Center: This museum and research center offers insights into South Dakota’s history, including exhibits on Native American culture and the pioneer era.
Oahe Dam and Lake Oahe: This dam is one of the largest earth-rolled dams in the world and provides recreational opportunities and environmental benefits.
La Framboise Island Nature Area: Located in the Missouri River, this nature area offers trails and opportunities to view local wildlife.

Pierre serves as a political and cultural hub for South Dakota, with a rich history influenced by its Native American heritage, early exploration, and development as a state capital.