You're Going to Love Pierre
South Dakota's capital city is a charming place, characterized by beautiful civic buildings, a prosperous downtown, and attractive 19th-century suburbs. But it's the outdoor attractions nearby that elevate Pierre above its Midwestern rivals.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Pierre
1. The Charming Downtown
Downtown Pierre isn't large, but there's plenty to see (and eat). You can easily spend a day window shopping along Pierre Street, and ducking into stores like the Alley Exchange or Serendipity's Attic.
2. The South Dakota State Capitol
Easily the city's most impressive structure, the State Capitol has beautiful Italian flooring designs and marble staircases, making tours a real treat.
3. Explore Superb Museums
Pierre has some great museums, including the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, a fascinating museum documenting the history of South Dakota's Native American peoples, its pioneers, farmers, and miners.
4. Get Outside in Beautiful Surroundings
South Dakota is a wonderful place to lose yourself in nature, with highlights like the LaFramboise Island Nature Area open for exploration.
5. A Chance to Enjoy Some Sporting Attractions
There may not be NFL games in Pierre, but you can catch some Minor League Baseball action at Hyde Baseball Stadium, or play a round of golf at the excellent Hillsview Golf Course.
When to Visit Pierre
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Summer is the most attractive season to visit Pierre, so try to book a vacation between June and early September.
How to Get to Pierre
Plane
Pierre Regional Airport (PIR) has regular connections to Denver and Minneapolis. The only transportation option from the airport are taxis, which will cost around $40.
Car
I-90 runs just south of Pierre, providing direct connections to major cities like Chicago, Seattle, Kansas City, and Denver. Just leave I-90 on Route 83 at Vivian, South Dakota.
Bus
Greyhound runs long distance buses into Pierre, with a stop on E Dakota Avenue, pretty much in the center of town.
Airports near Pierre
Where to stay in popular areas of Pierre
How to Get Around Pierre
Public Transportation
River Cities Public Transit runs buses across Pierre, and single tickets cost $1.55.
Taxi
Expect taxis in Pierre to charge around $5 for the meter drop, followed by $3 per mile, although Uber offers a cheaper option.
Car
Rental options include Avis, Hertz, and Thrifty, and rates can drop to $15 per day.
The Cost of Living in Pierre
Shopping Streets
Pierre Street in the city's downtown is a lovely area to window shop, and includes the Alley Exchange, a busy collection of craft and food stalls run by local businesses.
Groceries and Other
Major supermarkets in Pierre include Lynn's and Walmart, where you can expect to pay around $2.90 for 12 eggs.
Where to Eat in Pierre
Good, traditionally cooked, prairie-fed meat is always available from Pierre's best restaurants. Standouts include the 50s-style Big Tom's Diner, the Cattleman's Club Steakhouse, and La Minestra, a high-quality Italian alternative. Meals should come to around $15-20 per head.