Pierre Museums

(Pierre, South Dakota - SD, USA)

Considering its size, Pierre manages to more than deliver on the museum front, with several quality attractions of this nature worth mentioning.

The South Dakota National Guard Museum resides on the eastern side of downtown Pierre and stands on East Dakota Avenue, in between East Sioux Avenue and East Park Street, nearby the River Center Church. This attraction is home to much Army and Air National Guard memorabilia, as well as being used as a place to store and display some important historical documents and military archives.

Opened in the late 1980s and operated by the South Dakota State Historical Society, the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is to be found just a short distance north of the Rawlins Municipal Library and the city's YMCA building. Visitors to the center will be treated to a wealth of information and exhibits relating to the early years of the state and its pioneers.

South Dakota National Guard Museum

Address: 301 East Dakota Avenue, Pierre, South Dakota (SD), 57501, USA
Tel: +1 605 224 9991
The South Dakota National Guard Museum operates purely as a not-for-profit organization and features exhibitions about many wars and battles, both old and more recent. These include the Civil War Period (1860 to 1898), the Spanish American War (1898 to 1917), the First World War (1917 to 1919), the Second World War (1940 to 1945), the Korean War (1950 to 1952) and Vietnam (1961 to 1973), along with the Iraqi Freedom fighting in the new millennium. The most impressive and eye-catching exhibits are of course the military vehicles and weapons, which include a huge Sherman tank, an armored personnel carrier and an A7D jet plane. There are also some interesting old anti-aircraft guns.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, tours by appointment
Admission: donations accepted

Cultural Heritage Center / Museum of the South Dakota Historical Society (SDHS)

Address: 900 Governors Drive, Pierre, South Dakota (SD), 57501, USA
Tel: +1 605 773 3458
The displays at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center are spread across three separate gallery spaces and begin with the story of the Native American Indian tribes who once lived here, before the days of early statehood. There is also a section devoted to the infamous scoundrels from the days of the Old West. The onsite heritage store is a good place for souvenirs, which range from pottery and bracelets, to wine glasses, books and South Dakota-themed textiles.
Open hours: September to May, Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 16:30, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:30; June to August, Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:30, Sunday - 13:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors, military members and children 17 years old and under are free

Verendrye Museum

Address: 115 Deadwood Street, Fort Pierre, South Dakota (SD), 57532, USA
Tel: +1 605 223 7761
Located just across the Missouri River and within the neighboring suburb town of Fort Pierre is the Verendrye Museum, which is manned by volunteers and stands on Deadwood Street, just off East Main Avenue. This cultural institution was established by the Historical Society of Old Stanley County in the late 1960s. Its members had the vision and forethought to make the effort needed to preserve many early artifacts and important regional archives. Although the Verendrye only opens during the summer months of June, July and August, those visiting outside of this time will be able to see a number of the principal exhibits on display at the Fort Pierre Log Cabin Information Center. Alternatively, the facade of the building is worth a look and dates from the early years of the 1930s, where it was used as an American Legion Hall.
Open hours: June to August, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00, or by appointment throughout the year
Admission: free