South Dakota State Capitol
A restored 1910 building with Italian artisans' tiles.
Pierre
One of America's smallest capitals, on the Missouri River, with a fine state capitol and history museum.
Say it 'peer'. Lewis and Clark passed nearby, and the area is known for pheasant hunting and Lake Oahe's walleye fishing.
- Best Time
- Spring and fall
- Time Needed
- Half a day
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Year-round
- Getting There
- About 3 hours from Rapid City.
What to See
1 of 2 are freeCultural Heritage Center
State and Lakota history, in a hillside building.
Know Before You Go
- Check opening hours before you go, especially on weekends and at state buildings.
Where to Stay
Stay downtown.
Where to Eat
Our picks are on the way.
Editor's picks. Nobody paid to be on this list.
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Traveler Reviews
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Go Next
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Must-SeeMount Rushmore
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Four presidents carved into a granite mountain in South Dakota's Black Hills, with Badlands National Park nearby.
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If You're NearbyDeadwood
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An 1876 gold rush town, where Wild Bill Hickok was shot at the poker table holding aces and eights, in the Black Hills.
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Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Midwest list.