Pierre, South Dakota

South Dakota State Capitol The Capitol was built during 1905-1910 and showcases Greek and Roman designs. Self-guided tour brochures are available inside the north door. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Capitol is decorated with approximately 100 Christmas trees. The Capitol is located at 500 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre.

Capitol Lake This man-made, warm-water artesian lake serves as a year-round haven to thousands of migratory mallard ducks and Canada geese. The lake never completely freezes over because it is fed by 92-degree water from an underground spring. It is adjacent to the State Capitol.

South Dakota Korean and Vietnam War Memorial. The memorials, which are located next to the Flaming Fountain, are a tribute to South Dakotans who died in the Korean and Vietnam wars. Names of the veterans are engraved in granite. This memorial is on the northwest shore of Capitol Lake in Pierre.

World War II Monument Six bronze statues, all saluting the American flag, pay tribute to the 65,000 South Dakotans involved in World War II. South Dakota artists --Lee Leuning and Sherry Treeby-- created the sculptures dedicated in 2001. This memorial is also located on the north shore of Capitol Lake.

Fighting Stallion Memorial This memorial is dedicated to Gov. George S. Mickelson and seven other South Dakotans who perished in a 1993 airplane crash. The statue is a replica of a piece by the late sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, designer of the Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills. This Memorial is located on the east lawn of the State Capitol grounds.

The Governor's Residence In 2005 an all new residence was completed. This beautiful new residence was completed by craftmans from throughout the state. The residence is not open to the public, but may be viewed from the south lawn. The Governor's residence is on the east side of Capitol Lake.

South Dakota Cultural Hertage Center The center, headquarters for the South Dakota State Historical Society, is an offical site along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. It houses an original Jefferson Peace Medal, along with an exhibit detailing The Corps of Discovery's 1804 and 1806 journeys through what would one day be South Dakota. The facility also has a public research room and a gift shop. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Admission fee for visitors 18 and older. Located at 900 Governors Drive, Pierre.

Hilger's Gulch Park A 1.1 mile lighted walking trail, colorful flower gardens, and a scenic view of the Capitol are highlights. A flag display adorns the park during special events. Higler's Gulch is on Church Street, north of the Capitol Building.

South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium The science playgroud features more than 50 hands-on exhibits and activities and a freshwater aquarium. 805 W. Sioux Avenue, Pierre

South Dakota National Guard Museum The museum is one of only 20 such museums in the nation. Displays include a World War II Sherman tank, Gen. George Custer's dress sword, and military memorabilia from 1862 to the present. 301 E. Dakota, Pierre

Fort Pierre Chouteau Monument The monument marks the site where the fort was built in 1832 by the American Fur Company. It once was a trading post for nine Sioux tribes, with an average of 17,000 buffalo robes traded annually. The Chouteau Monument is on Highway 1806 towards the Oahe Dam.

Historic Trails Modern highways follow the routes taken by Lewis and Clark on their journey along the Missouri River. Hwys. 1804 and 1806 Pierre

Triple U Buffalo Ranch Visitors are welcome to this 60,000 acre spread that was a filming location for the movie Dances with Wolves. More than 3,000 buffalo roam here. The gift shop offers buffalo souvenirs, and hunts and meat available. The ranch is located 30 miles north of Fort Pierre on Highway 1806

Verendrye Monument The monument marks the site where schoolchildren discovered a lead plate that was buried by Louis La Verendrye in 1743 to claim the land for French King Louis XV. The plate was unearthed in 1913 and is on display in the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center. The monument is on Verendrye Drive in Fort Pierre.



Pierre Inn & Suites205 West Pleasant DrivePierre, South Dakota 57501
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