Pierre Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Pierre, South Dakota - SD, USA)

If you are a tourist planning a visit to Pierre, then you will find yourself having to choose between attractions, since there is a surprisingly good selection for such a small state capital.

Standing right next to Hipple Park and Steamboat Park, the centrally located South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium has long been one of the capital's most popular tourist attractions and advertises itself as a 'family science playground'.

Lying in the center of Pierre and connected to Steamboat Park by Poplar Avenue, La Framboise Island sits in the Missouri River and is covered with both dense woodlands and open meadow areas. The island is famously mentioned in the journals of renowned explorers Lewis and Clark, who passed through this part of South Dakota in the year 1804 and named it 'Bad Humor Island' after a rather unfriendly encounter with nearby Teton Sioux Indians.

Tourists may also like to check out the neighboring Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, watch a show at the State 1-2-3 Theater, or catch a game of football at the Hilgers Gulch Soccer Complex.

South Dakota Discovery Center and Aquarium

Address: 805 West Sioux Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota (SD), 57501, USA
Tel: +1 605 224 8295
There are over 60 highly interactive exhibits at the South Dakota Discovery Center, which together both educate and demonstrate various scientific principles, such as gravity, magnetism and electricity, as well as the uses and importance of water in our society. Three large 150-gallon aquariums provide further interest and are stocked with native fish that live in the Missouri River. There is also a science-themed gift shop and plenty of refreshments on hand. This is a good option for an afternoon and while easily occupy young children for at least a couple of hours.
Open hours: May to August, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00; September to April, Sunday to Friday - 13:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children two years old and under are free

Hilgers Gulch Soccer Complex

Address: Governors Drive, Pierre, South Dakota (SD), 57501, USA
The Hilgers Gulch Soccer Complex on Governors Drive is to be found on the northeast side of downtown Pierre. This is really just a playing field with goal posts and is a good place to come for a kick around or to watch local footballers playing a game. The surrounding undulating countryside scenery is a particular highlight, as is the peace and quiet, away from life in the city center. During the colder winter months, when snow comes along, the fairly lengthy gentle slope is the perfect place for a spot of sledding.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

La Framboise Island

Address: Poplar Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota (SD), USA
Tel: +1 605 773 2885
La Framboise Island boasts quite a heritage and today has become an important wildlife reserve whilst offering recreation to its visitors in the form of fishing, hiking and boating. If you are coming here for a picnic, then you can make use of the designated shelters and drinking water provided.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Oahe Downstream Recreation Area

Address: 20439 Marina Loop Road, Fort Pierre, South Dakota (SD), 57532, USA
Tel: +1 605 223 7722
The Oahe Dam and Visitor Center resides a little more than a ten-minute drive to the north of Pierre and is best reached by taking Highway US-1806. This huge dam was constructed between the years of 1948 and 1962, costing in the region of US$350 million and subsequently creating the vast Lake Oahe - the USA's fourth-biggest manmade reservoir. The resident powerplant uses waterpower to generate electricity for a large part of north-central United States.

Close by is the Downstream Recreation Area, which features its vary own marina and resort, complete with bar, restaurant, cruises, fishing trips, camping and scenic picnic spots, as well as various recreational attractions and activities. These include a swimming beach, a disc golf course (using Frisbees), a playground area for young children, bike hire and lots of hiking trails. The seasonal Cross Country ski trail is also a tourist draw during the winter months, while in the summer, the archery and rifle ranges may well prove to be of interest.
Open hours: daily, May to September - 09:00 to 17:00, October to April - 10:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge

Farm Island Recreation Area

Address: 1301 Farm Island Road, Pierre, South Dakota (SD), 57501, USA
Tel: +1 605 773 2885
The Farm Island Recreation Area lies roughly 4 miles / 6 km to the east of Pierre, being located alongside the Missouri River and reached by taking the East Wells Avenue (Highway US-34). The outdoor attractions here are certainly in good supply, although are very weather dependent. Many people come here to camp, fish, picnic, hike along the 8-miles / 13-km of nature trails and watch the bald eagles flying overhead. Canoeing and kayaking, horse riding, camping grounds with cabins, boating and a riverside beach are also on offer, along with cross-country skiing during the winter months. If you are coming here for the wildlife, then be sure to bring a pair of binoculars and look out for the native deer, as well as the innumerable birds and occasional beavers.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

State 1-2-3 Theater

Address: 123 West Capitol Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota (SD), 57501, USA
Tel: +1 605 224 5858
The State 1-2-3 Theater stands within the very heart of downtown Pierre, where it serves as a small cinema attraction for the local community. Many of the latest movies are regularly screened here seven days a week, with advance tickets being sold for opening nights of the most popular films. There are three screens in total (named State 1, State 2 and State 3), meaning that there is a good chance you will find a film here that you will want to watch.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - two evening screenings, Saturday and Sunday - two afternoon and two evening screenings
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children