Overview
Pierre (pron. "peer") (Lakota: Čhúŋkaške, lit. "fort") is the capital of South Dakota and the seat of Hughes County.
6 sights · 5 things to do · 4 places to eat · 4 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Pierre
South Dakota State Capitol
Volunteers lead building tours every day with reservation 48 hours (business days) in advance.
South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center
Oahe Dam
South Dakota's largest dam.
Fighting Stallions Memorial
A memorial dedicated to eight South Dakotans who perished in an airplane crash.
Capitol Heights Baptist Church
Albert Wheelon Historic House
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PIR Pierre Regional Airport, Pierre — 3 mi away. Directions
- ABR Aberdeen Regional Airport, Aberdeen — 120 mi away. Directions
Pierre is not served by an Interstate highway or by any major expressways.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning South Dakota State Capitol, Fighting Stallions Memorial, Albert Wheelon Historic House
- Lunch Mad Mary's Steakhouse & Saloon
- Afternoon South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, Major League Adventures
- Dinner Pierre Donut Shop
Day 2
- Morning Capitol Heights Baptist Church, Crooked Creek Outfitters, LLC
- Lunch Jake's Good Times Place
- Afternoon Warne Ranch & Outfitters
- Dinner China Buffet
Day 3
- Morning Dave Spaid Hunting and Fishing Guide Service
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Etymology
The city is named after Pierre Chouteau, Jr., a fur trader and entrepreneur of French heritage.
History
The area that now comprises the city was first discovered during Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804. Sioux Indians were the majority in the area before European immigrants started settling in permanently.
Around the 1810s, fur trading entrepreneurs established a trading post in the city, which is commonly regarded as the first "permanent settlement" in the city. It wasn't until the 1880s when the city became part of the western terminus of the Chicago and North Western Railway and was named "Pierre".
When South Dakota was admitted to the union in the 1880s, Pierre was chosen as the permanent capital of the state. As the capital of South Dakota, many of the city's inhabitants work for the local government.
Pierre is one of the least populous state capitals in the United States; as of 2022, the population was 15,000.
Tourist information
- Visit Pierre website
Get in
By car
Pierre is not served by an Interstate highway or by any major expressways.
- If you are driving from North Dakota, take US Route 83 and then take US Route 14.
- If you are driving from Wyoming, Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Illinois, take US Route 14.
- From Interstate 90 Pierre is another 35 mi north along US Route 83 from Vivian (Exit 212 of I-90).
By plane
There is only one airport in the city.
Go Pierre Regional Airport (PIR)
General aviation airport with limited commercial flights from Denver and Minneapolis with Denver Air Connection.
By bus
- Jefferson Lines stops at the Community Coordinated Transit Station, 1600 E Dakota Ave.
Get around
By car
As Pierre is one of the smallest cities in the United States, you can very easily cover the city by car. A trip to the Capitol from the airport will take you 7-10 min depending on traffic conditions.
By foot
A lot of attractions are within walking distance.
If you're up for the challenge, you can literally walk to Ramkota Hotel from the airport and it'll take you around 60-65 mins!
See
*
Do
Fishing
Launch down the Missouri River and catch some fish! The Missouri River provides plenty of fishing opportunities.
Hunting
South Dakota has a deep hunting history, and Pierre offers plenty of hunting opportunities. Pierre is a good place to breed and develop your hunting skills.
Buy
Eat
Eat Mad Mary's Steakhouse & Saloon
A popular steakhouse that has been around since 1999.
Eat Jake's Good Times Place
A sports bar that serves burgers and wings.
Sleep
Nearby
My experience
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