What to Do During a Trip to Central South Dakota

Planning a trip to Central South Dakota soon? Here’s what to do.

Tour the Capitol

If you’ve forgotten your state capitals since elementary school, Pierre is South Dakota’s, and you can visit the Capitol building for a tour. Built in 1910, the structure’s Neoclassical architecture includes scagliola columns and stained glass, and the grounds encompass various memorials. Take a look at the floor tiles as you explore the Capitol building; blue tiles are scattered sporadically throughout the space and visitors are challenged to find every single blue tile.

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Brush up on Your Indigenous Knowledge at the Alta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

Learn the stories of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota peoples at this cultural center located at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Admission is free (though donations are welcome). The center’s museum space hosts two exhibitions annually, in addition to its 4,000-piece permanent collection.

Experience the Rodeo

At Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center, you’ll learn about rodeo culture, as well as the legacy of Casey Tibbs.

Don’t Miss Dignity Sculpture

Whatever you do while in Central South Dakota, don’t miss a stop by Dignity sculpture near Chamberlain. The 50-foot, stainless-steel art installation depicts an Indigenous woman in Plains garb, overlooking the Missouri River. It’s a can’t-miss photo op.