Attractions Nearby Pierre, Day Trips and Excursions

(Pierre, South Dakota - SD, USA)

Being so centrally located in South Dakota certainly means that Pierre is ideally placed for those wishing to really explore the state, with excursions possible in all directions. There are a number of prominent highways close by, meaning that a rental car is a good option if you prefer to follow your own timetable when visiting nearby attractions.

If you are considering day trips, then you will find many places of interest by simply following the route of the meandering Missouri River. Lake Sharpe lies to the east of Pierre, while Chamberlain is sited to the southeast, Winner to the south, and both Gettysburg and Selby to the north.

Gettysburg is a small town located a little under 60 miles / 97 km to the north of Pierre, being best reached by taking Highway US-83 for the majority of the journey.

General Information

Although Gettysburg only has a population of just over 1,000 people, there are several worthwhile attractions based in and around the town. These include the Mysterious Medicine Rock on display at the Dakota Sunset Museum, the annual Dakota Kruzers Car Club each June, and the neighboring West Whitlock Recreation Area, where an attractive swimming beach, camping sites and scenic fishing spots all await.

Head a little further north of Pierre and you will soon reach Selby, another small town and possible day trip destination. Selby is an especially friendly and appealing town, with plenty in the way of recreational attractions, sports facilities and hunting opportunities.

Just over 80 miles / 129 km to the southeast is Chamberlain, which sits next to the Missouri River and can be reached by first driving south on Highway US-83 and then joining Interstate I-90, eastwards. Although tourist attractions aren't exactly in plentiful supply at Chamberlain, there are some very good reasons to visit.

These include seasonal rodeos, sports car gatherings, fishing at the Lake Francis Case Reservoir, pheasant hunting each fall, and trails around the Roam Free Park. Local history is on offer at the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center, or alternatively, you may like to pay a visit to the South Dakota Hall of Fame and learn all about the state's most influential people.

Roughly 90 miles / 145 km to the south of Pierre are the attractions of Winner, an enticing town known for its pheasant hunting season (October to December), which reliably attracts huge numbers of day trip visitors at this time of the year. Those based in Pierre and considering at excursion to Winner, the county seat of Tripp County, will find that much of the appeal is related to the outdoors. There is also a drive-in movie theater, a community playhouse and a bowling center, as well as some local treasures on display at the County Historical Society Museum.