Location: Pierre
Top Things to do in Pierre
Top 10 Things to do in Pierre, 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.
Restaurants in Pierre
1. Cultural Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 90 reviews
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.
Reviewed By ralph099 - Albuquerque, New Mexico
Stunning architecture set into the side of a hill. The museum is worth at least an hour. Extensive sections on both the Native Americans and the pioneers. Lots of artifacts and the explanations of what you are looking at and why you should care are...MoreWow! Thank you very much for your excellent review. We do appreciate your feedback, and invite you to come back and visit with us anytime. Exhibits are changed regularly and we always have a new slate of public programs in the works.
2. State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Go2theZoo - Layton, Utah
We were passing through Pierre and spent the night at the Clubhouse Inn and Suites, which we would highly recommend. Before journeying on to Rapid City, we decided to make a stop at the capitol building. It is a beautiful building. Our favorite thing was the rotunda, the first lady dolls and the very interesting gold and marble drinking fountain. The grounds are beautiful as well, with the fountain and horse statue. We are glad we made a stop and wish we would have had time to do the whole self guided tour.
3. Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By OTR_Again_IM - Iowa
CTSDRM is located high on a bluff overlooking Fort Pierre and the Missouri River valley. Even though it's a relatively new museum, I was surprised to find no one had yet added this place to Tripadvisor's Things To Do in Fort Pierre; so I did. OK, it's not on par with the National Cowboy Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City or the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum, but if you are at all interested in rodeo history and legend, this place is definitely worth a stop.
CTSDRM is mainly an extensive collection of memorabilia, awards, statues and photos of South Dakota native Casey Tibbs, nine time World Champion Saddle Bronc Rider, a record still unchallenged. There are alot of interesting articles about his life growing up in S. Dakota, how he started rodeoing at age 14, his rise to fame in the rodeo profession winning his first PRBC saddle-bronc championship at age 19 and his Hollywood career starring in & producing several movies. Also information and exhibits for other South Dakota rodeo figures: Mattie Goff, a 1920's world champion female trick rider and later ranch owner, other cowboy & rodeo queen pageant winners, rodeo clowns/bullfighters, stock contractors, judges, Indian National Finals, Little Britches, SD High School and 4-H rodeos,etc.
An interactive Bronc room provides visitors (kids) a virtual experience of an 8 second ride on a rodeo bronco. There is also a large conference room upstairs with full catering services for meetings, receptions, banquets etc and a gift shop. See their website for info on hours and admission.
4. Oahe Dam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Dam and power plant.
Reviewed By stlcathy - st louis, mo
it has a lot of information about he rest of Pierre and the state, the other dams and fishing/hunting laws. great view of the dam as well.
5. Verendrye Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By etweeden - London, United Kingdom
Located in Fort Pierre SD, the museum is named for the Verendrye brothers (Louis and Chevalier) who reached this approximate location in 1743 and promptly buried a lead plate in a hillside claiming the entire Missouri watershed for France. The museum contains many plains artifacts, but no lead plate has ever been found! Worth a visit to see what 'the real America' finds valuable and memorable. Open Monday's-Saturday's 9-5. Sunday's 11-4.
6. South Dakota Discovery Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 34 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Dawson L - Pierre, South Dakota, United States
This is a small family/child science center. Lots of hands on things for kids to play with. Many of the exhibits will engage adults but it is the kind of place where mom and dad can sit while the kids play.
7. Fort Pierre Chouteau
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Fort Pierre Chouteau was one of the most important fur trade forts of the western frontier. The town of Fort Pierre is named after Pierre Chouteau Jr, the founder of the fort. Photo: Ft. Pierre Chouteau Watercolor by Frederick Behman 1854 State Archives of the South Dakota State Historical Society
Reviewed By Leroy F - Fort Pierre, South Dakota
There are many informational displays at the site describing the history of the early fur traders. It is very interesting if you take the time to read.
8. Flaming Fountain
9. Verendrye Site
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Leroy F - Fort Pierre, South Dakota
On March 30, 1743 the Verendrye brothers buried a lead plate at this location claiming this area for France. In 1913 a group of school children found the plate.
10. Fighting Stallions Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By Skeney57 - Sydney, Australia
It is not every day that you lose the Governor of a State but this moving Memorial in the Capitol Grounds doesn't just pay tribute to Gov. George Mickelson but also to his ill fated 7 companions, State Employees , Business Leaders , the Pilot etc. The bronze statue is a re-working of a 1930's wooden statue and symbolizes the SD Spirit ! A really nice reminder for Family, Friends & All !
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