--- title: Explore Pierre date: 2025-03-15T19:57:00-05:00 author: Click Rain Inc. canonical_url: "https://www.pierreclubhouse.com/our-hotel/explore-pierre" section: Pages --- ![Capitol Building in Pierre with reflection in Capitol Lake](https://d2omgvri0egfyo.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Pierre/AdobeStock_521953517-2.jpeg?mode=crop&pos=0.5031-0.439&q=98&f=webp&c=f31ec013&v=3e94152d710fab724b0e88f27c00abd9b4ad191a735ef5e8f9c3a9ec3b675f93) # Explore Pierre Pierre is the capital of South Dakota and the gateway to the Black Hills, which makes it the perfect destination for so many travelers. Whether you’re a sightseer, legal buff, nature lover, amateur historian, [hunter or fisher](https://www.pierreclubhouse.com/our-hotel/explore-pierre/hunting-fishing), or just looking for a great family getaway with the kids, there’s always something amazing to do in Pierre. ## See the Sights South Dakota’s capital city has a lot to offer, so make sure you don’t miss anything. Start with a tour of the Capitol building, and then make your way outside to the lake and memorials. You’ll find structures like: - The Fighting Stallions - World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War memorials - The Flaming Fountain And it’s only a mile from the ClubHouse Hotel & Suites! From there, you can get your shopping fix in Pierre’s historic downtown, or tour the [**South Dakota National Guard Museum.**](https://sdnationalguardmuseum.sd.gov/) ![Flaming fountain memorial](https://d2omgvri0egfyo.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Pierre/Pierre-South-Dakota76.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=ac1bf895&v=9c9d86fae1099ddb2d6a9299e69fb415c92f4448c7b1bfb6231b2e8f8d4d0612) ## Get Outside You’ll find all sorts of outdoor activities within walking distance of the hotel and beyond. We’re most well-known for water recreation on the Missouri River. People come here throughout the year for fishing, swimming, boating, and more—but if you don’t want to get in the water, take the Lewis & Clark trail. It’s great for hiking and biking, and follows the river for miles all the way from the Oahe Dam into the heart of the city. There’s more in store at the [**Oahe Downstream Recreation Area**](http://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/oahe-downstream-recreation-area/), like one of the largest man-made dams in the United States, bald eagle sightings, and a butterfly garden. There's a reason hunters and anglers come from all over the world to experience the bounty South Dakota provides. Explore more about hunting and fishing in Pierre, SD. [Hunting & Fishing](https://www.pierreclubhouse.com/our-hotel/explore-pierre/hunting-fishing) ![People tubing behind a jetski in Pierre](https://d2omgvri0egfyo.cloudfront.net/generalUploads/Pierre/Pierre-South-Dakota83.jpg?mode=crop&pos=center-center&q=98&f=webp&c=95fab7b3&v=88c4ab96b2f890b31dd03daa4bce91aad65b33e10bab010e671a4faea58b3fd9) ## History & Tours - [**South Dakota State Capitol**](https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/south-dakota-state-capitol-building-/) - Completed in 1910, the Capitol is a stunning building to visit and tour. You can explore on your own with a self-guided tour booklet, available just inside the North entrance. Guided tours are also available daily with advance notice call (605) 773-3688 to schedule. - Capital Lake & Memorials - Beautiful Capital Lake, Fighting Stallions, WWII Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, and Flaming Fountain. - [**South Dakota Cultural Heritage Museum**](http://www.history.sd.gov/) - Opening in 2026 - [**South Dakota National Guard Museum**](https://sdnationalguardmuseum.sd.gov/)- Open 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday–Friday. Call (605) 773-2475. - [**South Dakota Discovery Center**](http://www.sd-discovery.org/) - [**Oahe Dam Visitor Center and Chapel**](https://www.sdmissouririver.com/directory/view/oahe-dam-visitor-center/) - Learn about the dam and how the lake was built as well as the chapel, built in 1877 to serve as a church and schoolhouse for the Oahe Mission and Sioux Indians. - [**Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center**](http://www.caseytibbs.com/) - View the rodeo memorabilia of rodeo superstars - [**Oahe Downstream OHV Area**](https://gfp.sd.gov/atv/) - Open to the public with 400 acres of hills, bluffs, and slopes to explore. No designated trails are marked. - Trail of Governors - In 2010, the Foundation commissioned South Dakota artists to create lifesize bronze statues of the state's past governors. - Pierre Historic Homes Driving Tour - Native American Scenic Byway - [**Verendrye Museum**](https://www.fortpierre.com/attractions/verendrye-museum/) - Explore the names of the first Europeans to visit South Dakota. ## Additional Outdoor Activities - Sturgis Bike Rally - Annual August event (170 miles) - Biking and hiking - Take a leisurely stroll on the Lewis & Clark trail (26 miles) along the Missouri River or a challenging hike across rugged terrain on the [**National Grasslands**](https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/nebraska/recreation/fort-pierre-national-grassland). - Bird watching - Lake Oahe and Lake Sharpe offer paths for excellent birding and nature-watching - Prairie Butterfly Garden at the [**Oahe Downstream Recreation**](https://gfp.sd.gov/parks/detail/oahe-downstream-recreation-area/) area. - Pierre Capitol Walk Volksmarch (April 1 - October 1) - LaFramboise Biking Trail - Wind through the woods and meadows inhabited by diverse wildlife. - Cottonwood Path - This national recreation trail is popular for naturalists especially with the potential bald eagle sightings - Golf - Check out [**Hillsview Golf Course**](http://www.pierre.sd.gov/124/Golf) for an 18-hole, par-72 course. Call (605) 773-6191 for tee times. You can also check out [**Dunes Golf Course**](http://www.golfdunes.com/), an 18-hole, par-63 course. Call (605) 223-2525 for tee times. - Steamboat Park - directly across the street - Tennis, Pickleball and Horseshoe - Pierre offers a dozen free public courts at [**city parks**](https://www.cityofpierre.org/189/Parks)**.** Call (605) 773-7445 for more information. - Disc Golf - There are 2 disc golf courses in Pierre: Oahe Downstream and Steamboat Park. Call (605) 773-7445 for more information. ## **Book Direct & Save** Save more on your stay by booking directly with ClubHouse Hotel & Suites! When you book through our official website, you’ll enjoy the best available rates. Plus, you’ll have access to exclusive offers and special perks that you won’t find on third-party booking sites. [Book Now](https://be.synxis.com/?hotel=61910&chain=16552)