Things to do & places to visit in Pierre, South Dakota, United States

If historical pursuits like following in the footsteps of famous explorers Lewis and Clark, unraveling the engineering intricacies of a famous dam or meandering around a museum that uncovers the culture of Native Americans, are your bag, Pierre is only a getaway away. The laid-back capital city of South Dakota boasts a number of interesting attractions and outdoor pursuits. Visit the illustrious State Capitol or peruse relics at the Cultural Heritage Center. Pack a picnic and spend the day walking or bicycling around Steamboat Park. Take the kids to the aquarium, for ice cream at an old-fashioned parlor and finish the day with a leisurely cruise on the Missouri River.

Pierre city in South Dakota, United States. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 3:12.

Top things to do (24)

Top places to visit (23 attractions)

5.0 Cultural Heritage Center (115 reviews)
- A walk through history
Historic Sites • History Museums

Not your typical museum structure, this one is built into the side of hill, and much of it is underground. A contemporary version of a traditional Native American dwelling, this beautiful building features Native American (mostly the Sioux tribes) and pioneer exhibits, with many rare artifacts tracing the history of South Dakota. See more..
5.0 South Dakota State Historical Society Museum (8 reviews)
- Great!
Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums

We were here going some family research. The archive staff were just incredible! We helpful and knowledge and polite. We cant thank the enough. See more..
5.0 Prairie Pages Bookseller (1 review)
- Outstanding private bookstore
Speciality & Gift Shops
We had an absolutely great visit, the owner took great care of us. She was very knowledgeable about local authors and made special orders so our books were at home before we were. Definitely deserved the Retailer of the Year award that was displayed by the cash register. Terrific customer service! See more..
5.0 Dakota Spirit Distillery (1 review)
- Great fun
Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries
Definitely worth checking out. Bickering Brothers or Dakota Spirit Distillery is a must see local attraction. If you just want to check out how Whiskey is made or have a great conversation with the local Distiller or try any of their fabulous products (Whiskey, Vodka, Brandy or Coyote 100) stop by. We had a great time touring the facility, learning the whole process and of course trying some of the different products that they make. Ended up buying a few bottles to share with friends. I highly recommend the Whiskey. See more..
5.0 Hyde Stadium (1 review)
- Beautiful newly renovated baseball stadium!
Sports Complexes
Beautiful views to the hills on the west side of the Missouri River. Ample stadium seating for baseball games with your choice of covered seating or open to the sun. Bring your stadium chairs to the covered seating as they are concrete open seats. Concessions and bathroom facilities very nice. Hopefully your team wins and it will be a day of perfect weather! Take a walk around the adjacent Capitol Lake while your team warms up and you'll get your exercise too. See more..
4.5 State Capitol (241 reviews)
- State Capitol building a must see!
Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings

This stunning Greek Revival building completed in 1910 was at first modernized and later, in 1989, restored to its original magnificence, making it the most fully restored capitol building in the U.S. Self-guided and free guided tours are available. See more..
4.5 Oahe Dam (81 reviews)
- big cool dam
Dams

Dam and power plant. See more..
4.5 La Framboise Island (23 reviews)
- A Nice Escape Close to Town!
Islands

A causeway connects downtown Pierre with this scenic island where only foot-traffic is allowed. See more..
4.5 Trail of Governors (15 reviews)
- Governor Samuel Elrod.
Monuments & Statues

Governor Samuel Elrod in front of the Historic St Charles Hotel. On the base is a QR code that will display his biography on your phone. See more..
4.5 South Dakota National Guard Museum (11 reviews)
- Awesome
Saturday: Military Museums

In 1862, twenty-seven years before statehood, Governor Janyne petitioned the War Department for authority to raise two companies of soldiers. These soldiers would act as a territorial defense while the Active Army was fighting in the Civil War. The first company to muster in was Company A, First Dakota Cavalry in Yankton and the second was Company B, First Dakota Cavalry in Sioux City. The First Dakota Cavalry are the ancestors of the South Dakota National Guard. Here at the South Dakota National Guard Museum we honor our Guard members both past and present. Stop by today and learn of the history and hero's of our South Dakota Guard. See more..
4.5 Grifin Park (5 reviews)
- Great park to walk in
Sports Complexes • Parks

This little park in next to the Mighty Missouri River, most people just drive by and that is great for me, nothing like have a park to yourself See more..
4.5 St Charles Lounge (3 reviews)
- Refreshing drink
Spent 1-2 hours Bars & Clubs

The bartender "Nate" makes excellent cocktails. My favorites are the Cucumber Collins & the Mai Tai. See more..
4.0 Flaming Fountain (48 reviews)
- Beautiful Tribute to South Dakota WW II Veterans
Fountains

Beautiful monument and fountain to the Veteran's who served our country during WW II who hailed from the great state of South Dakota...it depicts all branches of the service to include a WAC/WAVE all saluting their respective flags and those of the state of South Dakota and the US flag. It was extra special to me as the Marine aviator was my great uncle, Joe Foss, who was a Medal of Honor winner, is the #1 Marine Ace of WW II, former Governor of South Dakota...and the list goes on, quite an accomplished man and I am proud to call him family! Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area and don't forget to visit the Capitol building, too! See more..
4.0 South Dakota Discovery Center (41 reviews)
- Great place of the little ones to burn up some energy
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Science Museums • Children's Museums

Everyone gets to try things out at this "science playground for the whole family" where "please touch" interactive science and nature exhibits provide a fun and educational experience. The center is housed in a huge converted city power plant and includes aquariums stocked with walleye, gar, trout and other Missouri River fish. See more..
4.0 Fighting Stallions Memorial (31 reviews)
- Lovely tribute
Monuments & Statues

I'm old enough to remember when Governor Mickelson and others were killed in a plane crash. The story goes that the Fighting Stallions statue was on his desk at the time of his death and it was replicated for this memorial. It's a beautiful tribute. It is found on the grounds next to the Capitol. See more..
4.0 Bob's Lounge Inc (5 reviews)
- The best locals place in Pierre
Bars & Clubs

Bob's has been an institution in Pierre for over 50 years. The place for locals and visitors to hang out after work or on weekends. They have the best popcorn in the area and it's free. Come from out of town and the prices will seem like - free, currently under $12 for a bucket (5) beers, your call! Have fun. See more..
4.0 Bill of Rights Brewery (5 reviews)
- Enjoyable Visit
Breweries

Our family stopped here to try their beer and enjoyed both the place and the beer. The woman working the bar was very friendly as were the customers. They have a nice variety of beers which we sampled via flights. They had some unusual styles with spices and other flavorings that were very good. Overall, a very good experience. See more..
3.5 Long Branch (4 reviews)
- Really Good Lunch!
Bars & Clubs

Looks like a great place for evening entertainment - pool tables and more!! For lunch it was a great place for a ruben sandwich!! Service was great! Kinda wished I was in town for another night to go see the nightlife here...... See more..
River Charters (0 review)
Boat Tours
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Major League Adventures - Day Tours (0 review)
Fishing Charters & Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

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Episcopal Diocese Of South Dakota (0 review)
Churches & Cathedrals
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Capitol Lake (0 review)
Bodies of Water
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (0 review)
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Sunday worship services will be held at 10:00 AM The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that through Jesus Christ all humankind may enjoy eternal life with their families in God’s kingdom (see John 3:16). We also believe that we lived with God as spirits before we were born (see Romans 8:16) and that according to His plan of happiness we came to earth to receive physical bodies in order to learn and grow. We also believe that, through the work done in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, family relationships can last forever. In order to receive these blessings, we must seek to know and follow God’s will, as revealed by holy scriptures and living prophets, and live righteously. See more..