BREAKFAST AND COFFEE
Stop into the Branding Iron for a darn fine cup of coffee and a breakfast that'll fuel your exploration. Check out the walls for local artwork, some of which you can purchase yourself.
LAP THE CAPITOL
Get your blood flowing with a morning constitutional around the Capitol Lake, where you'll encounter detailed veteran memorials. Nestled in trees just southeast of the Capitol is "Fighting Stallions," a stunning bronze tribute to Gov. George Mickelson and seven others who died in a 1993 plane crash. Don't miss a great collection of statues from the Trail of Governors, a tribute to South Dakota's gubernatorial leaders throughout history.
EXPLORE INSIDE
Inside the Capitol, grab a pamphlet from the visitor’s booth on first floor for a tour of architectural highlights and a scavenger hunt for some building oddities (heart-shaped rocks and special blue floor tiles, upside-down handrail support on Grand Staircase). Stop by the floor's Heritage Store to purchase local art. Concentrated on the 4th floor but spread throughout Capitol conference rooms and reception areas, there's more South Dakota artwork is ready for you to experience. Stand under the monumental rotunda for a transcendental experience that includes statues from renowned artist Dale Lamphere.
BEHOLD THE CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
Not far from the Capitol is the Cultural Heritage Center. Built into a large hill, the immersive museum features art including the legendary Sioux Horse Effigy as well as Termespheres from Spearfish-based creator Dick Termes. These revolving, three-dimensional artworks have to be seen to believed. Like the Heritage Store in the Capitol, you can find artworks for purchase from recognized names like Stan Wahl, Deb Burkhard, Pat Brown, and more. Outside, pause to take in the view of the Capitol and Pierre!
Please note the Cultural Heritage Center is currently closed for a $19.5 million remodel and is scheduled to reopen in 2026.
Breakfast & Coffee To Go
Swing by MoJoz Coffee Shoppe at 402 S. Fort St. in downtown Pierre to start your day with a cup of joe made from Missouri River Coffee Company beans. Grab some tasty breakfast and let the artistic exploration continue.
Waterfront Art
Located along the Missouri River, the Waterfront Gallery for the Arts in Pierre is an exciting space where everyone from seasoned to developing artists have a chance to shine. The gallery is open every 2nd Saturday for artist receptions, every Wednesday evening, and by appointment. For more information or to schedule a viewing, reach out at [email protected] or 605-494-1004.
ACROSS THE RIVER
A quick trip across the bridge takes you to Fort Pierre, where you can see a 90-foot public mural celebrating the town's rich history. Once you've checked out the mural on Deadwood Street, you can explore artistic leaning businesses like the Dakota Emporium, Diamond D Western Wear & Saddle Shop. If you're planning ahead, make an appointment to check out Buckin' Swank Leather.
"CASEY THE RAINBOW RIDER"
No one could've suspected that March 5, 1929, would be the day one of the greatest rodeo cowboys in the world would be born. But that's what happened northwest of Fort Pierre when Casey Tibbs entered this world. A frequent bronc riding champion, Tibbs is a rodeo legend whose legacy -- and the sport of rodeo itself -- is celebrated at the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center. Explore two levels of memorabilia and art at this impressive facility.
DAM = GREAT!
See why locals and travelers alike love the Oahe Dam. Take a dam run for stunning views of the Oahe Reservoir and Missouri River. Spot bald eagles in the winter at with locations for spotting bald eagles in winter at the Oahe Downstream Recreation Area and historic Oahe Chapel. It's all just northwest of Pierre!
HOW TO SPEND YOUR EVENING(S)
- Stay at the Farr House or Hitching Horse Inn for a historic bed & breakfast experience.
- Head to the St. Charles Hotel lounge for quality cocktails in a building that's hosted everyone from Bob Hope to President Calvin Coolidge. Delicious cocktails and appetizers also await your culinary discovery at JD's Lounge.
- Dine at the Cattleman’s Club or La Minestra, two iconic Pierre restaurants where customers leave with big smiles of satisfaction.
- Catch a performance! See a play by the the Pierre Players Community Theatre. Enjoy some music at a Pierre Concert Series shows or catch live music and comedy at Grey Goose Social Club. Throughout the July, talented community members come together to perform free shows at the Steamboat Park Amphitheater as the Capital City Band. Every Thursday in June, July and August, you can catch Tales on the River, a summer storytelling series at the Fort Pierre Moose Lodge (910 N Deadwood St.). Across the river in Fort Pierre, the Silver Spur will make you say "yee haw!" with live country music. Whenever you visit, there's a good chance there will be live music. To see your options, check out the Pierre Live Music Facebook page.
- When you settle in for the night, watch “Dances with Wolves” or “Tater Tot & Patton,” both shot in central SoDak.
More Things to Do in Pierre
You never know where local art can pop up, but chances are good at the Capital City Farmers' Market, which sometimes features local artists (but always has deliciousness available every spring and summer). Hit the Zonta Holiday Vendor & Craft Show (held one weekend every November) or the annual Oahe Days Arts & Music Festival for a chance to experience the latest in local arts & crafts.
No matter where your path takes you in Pierre & Fort Pierre, enjoy your artistic exploration!
