Pierre: Recreation

Sightseeing

A must-see for Pierre visitors is the beautiful 1910 state capitol, one of the most fully restored in the nation. Its rotunda reaches 96 feet and features a brightly colored Victorian glass top. Pillars flank the marble staircase, and the terrazzo tile floor includes 66 blue tiles, each representing one of the artisans who worked on laying it by hand. Finishing touches are provided by marble water fountains and brass door fixtures, art murals and sculptures. Out on the capitol grounds is a fountain fed by an artesian well with a natural gas content so high it can be lit. The glowing fountain serves as a memorial to war veterans.

At the Cultural Heritage Center, South Dakota history is brought to life through museum exhibits and publications, educational programming and research services. High-tech exhibits feature early Native American cultures, an early history of white settlement, the river boat era, and the railroad period. Among the Native American exhibits are a teepee visitors can walk through, a rare Sioux horse effigy, and a full headdress. The Verendrye Museum in Fort Pierre, across the river from the city, provides an eclectic display of exhibits and items of historical interest.

The Discovery Center and Aquarium is a hands-on display of 50 self-guided science activities in the areas of sound, vision, light, electricity, and motion. Its Aquatic Education wing has three aquariums featuring Missouri River fish. The planetarium provides a look at the skies overhead.

The South Dakota National Guard Museum displays a wide range of military weapons and other items such as an A-7D jet fighter plane, a Sherman tank and several artillery pieces, military uniforms, small arms, and helicopter and jet engines.

Six miles north of Pierre, tours of the Oahe Dam are available. The dam is the second largest rolled-earth dam in the world. A visit to the Oahe Dam and Powerhouse and Oahe Visitor Center, dedicated in 1962, tells the story of the dam and has displays on such topics as the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the dam itself. On site is the Oahe Chapel, removed from its original site at the old Arikara Indian Village, which was flooded when the dam was built.

Arts and Culture

Pierre Players, the longest running community theater group in South Dakota, offers productions throughout the year. The Pierre Concert Series presents a variety of musical and dance productions by professional touring troupes.

Festivals and Holidays

September activities in Pierre center on statewide softball tournaments held in the city and Goosefest, an outdoor festival that features a South Dakota Arts Showcase, craft and Native American pottery and food booths, and Lewis and Clark reenactments. October brings the Native American Day festival and the Annual Governor's Hunt. The holidays are heralded by the Pierre Players' Christmas Pageant and the Capitol Christmas Tree display. June's many events include softball tournaments, band concerts, and concerts in the parks. July is highlighted by the Independence Day celebration, including a rodeo and parade, baseball and softball tournaments, concerts, summer theater, and the governor's Cup Walleye Tournament. August is enlivened by the 4-H Rodeo and the three-day Riverfest Festival, which features music; water ski, car, and air shows; water events; and a kids' carnival.

Sports for the Spectator

Pierre's Expo Center features indoor hockey and skating events. In nearby Fort Pierre, pari-mutuel horse racing is offered in the springtime; rodeos and stock shows are also held there.

Sports for the Participant

Farm Island and the La Framboise Island offer such activities as biking, hiking, camping, and wildlife observation. Pierre's city parks system boasts 11 parks, 11 tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, a Frisbee course, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, two swimming beaches, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a band concert shell, an assortment of playground equipment, fishing piers, seven little league baseball fields, baseball diamond, pony league field, eight softball fields, eight soccer fields, an outdoor skate park, and 3.5 miles of bike path. Griffin Park, the major park area, is located in a riverside setting and has a swimming pool and newly renovated camping facilities.

Five miles upstream from Pierre, Lake Oahe's 2,250-mile shoreline offers swimming, boating, water skiing, scuba diving, snorkeling, camping and picnicking. Anglers come to Lake Oahe in search of a variety of sport fish, including walleye, northern pike, Chinook salmon, channel catfish, small mouth bass, white bass, sauger, bluegill, and crappies. Public hunting grounds offer excellent waterfowl and upland game hunting, featuring Canada geese, mallards, pheasants, and grouse. Whitetail and mule deer and antelope also abound, offering challenges to the big game hunter. Knowledgeable guides and game lodges are available to provide enjoyable and successful hunting experiences.

Shopping and Dining

The city's main shopping center is the 34-store Pierre Mall, which is anchored by JCPenney, Sears, and Kmart. There is also a Wal-Mart in the city.

Pierre's variety of restaurants primarily offer American cuisine and include Smokees BBQ, Classy's, Outpost Lodge, and Jake's Good Times Place.

Visitor Information: Pierre Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800 West Dakota Ave., Pierre, SD 57501; telephone (605)224-7361