South Dakota

The South Dakota State Capitol is the highlight of a stop in Pierre, the state capital (pronounced PEER). It is the second smallest state capital with a population of around 14,000 in a remote state so it was good to sample life in an out-of-the-way town despite its central location in the state.

I drove three and a half hours on US 83 from Bismarck, ND to get to Pierre, and it was a lonely, but direct, backroads drive (you turn onto US 14 right outside of town). From I-90, Pierre is a 45-minute drive north.

Once you get to the capitol in downtown Pierre near the Missouri River, the drive feels worth it. I found driving and parking in Pierre easy.

The capitol is a gorgeous, tastefully designed building. Learn more about South Dakota State Capitol history or plan your visit. There is also a virtual tour that brings this capitol to life anywhere. For a bit of fun for the kids (or the kids at heart), download and print the Capitol Activities (PDF) brochure for a scavenger hunt and fun facts about South Dakota and the capitol.

The adjoining park near Capitol Lake is beautiful, with striking monuments. The Fighting Stallions Memorial honors eight South Dakota residents, including Governor George S. Mickelson, who died in an April 1993 plane crash in Iowa. If the weather is good, the park is a good place for a walk around the lake and a picnic lunch.

The capitol is home to the South Dakota Governor and South Dakota Legislature, which includes the Senate and House of Representatives. The Governor’s office is on the first floor. The Legislature chambers are on the third floor (the gallery is on the fourth).

The First Lady Gown Collection display cases feature miniature replicas of every gown (or tux for First Gentleman Byron Noem) worn by South Dakota First Ladies to the state inaugural ball. Beside each doll is a picture of the governor’s spouse and information about the family.

The gift shop, Heritage Store, is operated by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation and located on the first floor.

When you are finished visiting the capitol, you can move to the best of South Dakota: the Badlands National Park and Black Hills in the west.

Just north of the Badlands on I-90 is Wall Drug in the town of Wall. It is a sprawling shopping center with some amazing shops that make for a restful, unique shopping experience. I personally love the camping store where you can find travel tools for a great price.

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