Attractions and Places To See around Pierre - Top 7

You can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities along the Missouri River. The Forest Trail offers a gentle, multi-use path along the shoreline with views of the river, perfect for a relaxed walk or bike ride. For a paved option, the Riverwalk Bicycle Path in downtown Pierre provides scenic views of the river and LaFramboise Island. Additionally, LaFramboise Island Nature Area and Farm Island State Recreation Area offer extensive hiking and biking trails, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities.

Yes, Pierre offers several family-friendly attractions. Steamboat Park provides over 350 acres of green space with picnic areas and a camping area right on the Missouri River. The Forest Trail and North Prairie Trail are gentle, multi-use paths suitable for all ages. The South Dakota Discovery Center offers engaging, hands-on science exhibits for children, and the South Dakota State Capitol is also considered family-friendly for a self-guided historical tour.

Pierre is rich in history. The South Dakota State Capitol is a stunning Greek Revival building with intricate architecture and surrounding memorials like the Trail of Governors. You can also explore the Lewis & Clark Fort S.D. Historical Site for insights into the expedition, or visit the Verendrye Site & Monument, marking an early French claim to the territory. The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, though partially closed for renovation until mid-2026, is another significant historical resource.

The Missouri River is a central natural feature, offering abundant opportunities for water recreation. You can find excellent viewpoints from the Steamboat Park and along the Riverwalk Bicycle Path. LaFramboise Island Nature Area and Farm Island State Recreation Area are havens for wildlife and birds, providing scenic trails and river access. Capitol Lake, home to the Flaming Fountain Memorial, is also a tranquil spot and a winter home for migratory waterfowl.

Yes, the Riverwalk Bicycle Path is fully paved and wheelchair accessible, offering great views of the Missouri River. The South Dakota State Capitol is also designed to be wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors to explore its historical grandeur.

Beyond the State Capitol, Pierre offers several cultural sites. The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center preserves the state's history from Indigenous tribes to pioneers (note: currently undergoing renovation). The South Dakota National Guard Museum showcases military history, and in nearby Fort Pierre, the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center celebrates rodeo heritage.

The Oahe Dam, located just north of Pierre, is one of the largest earth-rolled dams globally and creates Lake Oahe, the fourth-largest artificial reservoir in the U.S. It's crucial for irrigation, power generation, and flood control, and provides excellent recreational opportunities for boating, fishing, and enjoying the vast lake.

Yes, camping is available at Steamboat Park, which is located on the shores of the Missouri River and offers over 350 acres of green space. Farm Island State Recreation Area also provides popular camping spots, along with swimming, hiking, and fishing.

The Trail of Governors is a unique project in Pierre that honors South Dakota's past chief executives. Life-sized bronze statues of the governors are displayed throughout the city, offering an interesting way to explore local history and public art.

The Flaming Fountain Memorial is a unique landmark located on the shores of Capitol Lake. It is dedicated to South Dakotans who served in the military. The warm artesian well water keeps a section of the lake open year-round, attracting migratory waterfowl, making it a peaceful spot for reflection and birdwatching.

The natural areas around Pierre, particularly LaFramboise Island Nature Area and Farm Island State Recreation Area, are havens for diverse wildlife and bird species. Capitol Lake also attracts thousands of migrating waterfowl, especially during the winter months, making it a great spot for birdwatching.