Pierre, South Dakota

Pierre, South Dakota

Introduction to Pierre

Pierre, South Dakota is the state capital and the county seat of Hughes County, and it has a population of around 14,000. The city was founded on the Missouri River across from Fort Pierre in 1880, and it has been the state capital since 1889. It is widely known for its memorial hall and for being the regional transportation hub. The city is one of only five state capitals that does not have a major interstate highway running through it. It is also the only state capital in the United States that does not share at least one letter with its state. The South Dakota State Capitol building is located in Pierre near the Missouri River, and the white marble building was built in 1905.

Pierre Culture

The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is located in Pierre and is dedicated to educating the public about history through exhibits, educational programming, and research. Visitors get the chance to experience historical eras characterized by early American Indian cultures, the arrival of white settlers, river boats, and railroads. Sod houses are recreated, and pioneer stories are told throughout the exhibits. Visitors can view a Lakota teepee as well as a replica of a gold mine. The museum has over 1,300 Native American objects focusing on the Sioux Indians. Verendrye Monument marks the spot where Louis Verendrye’s lead plate was unearthed some years ago. The Discovery Center & Aquarium, including South Dakota’s Science & Technology Center, have planetarium shows and summer programs.

Pierre Sports and Leisure

Big Sioux Recreation Area is located on the banks of the Big Sioux River and features a homestead cabin, a collection of some of the oldest trees in the state, trails winding through woods and prairies, a GPS trail, canoeing and kayaking on the river, cross-country skiing, biking, snowmobiling, and camping cabins. Chief White Crane Recreation Area has canoeing, bald eagle viewing, and fishing. Other camping areas include Clay Recreation Area, Dells of the Sioux, and Lake Carthage. Fishing is also popular at places like the James River, Big Sioux River, and Missouri River. Anglers catch species like smallmouth bass, bullhead, catfish, crappie, and northern pike.

Pierre Outdoors

There are many different outdoor parks in the region, some famous, some not-so-famous, but all with the austere beauty of the Midwest. Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Wind Care National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Harney Peak, Custer State Park, Bear Butte State Park, Devils Tower National Monument, and Crazy Horse Memorial. The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally happens every year in the Black Hills. Hunting is very popular in South Dakota, and it is a year-round sport for many hunters. There are almost 4.5 million acres of public land in the state, and hunters can use the land to hunt such species as upland game, waterfowl, small game, big game, pheasant, deer, partridge, quail, dove, coyote, and fox.

Pierre at Night

The city of Pierre has a variety of nightlife venues to choose from. There’s the American Legion Post No. 8 Lounge, which has drinks, meats, soups, salads, and vegetable entrees. The Grandstand is a popular local cocktail lounge. Longbranch has a bar, restaurant, tavern, and nightclub all in one. There’s Jakes’ Good Time Place, Kings Inn Hotel & Convention Center, Pete’ez Tavern, and the Possum Lounge. St. Charles Restaurant and Lounge has a restaurant and a nightclub for patrons.

High Points

Pierre strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in South Dakota):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 1%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. State)	Top 1%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. State)	Top 2%
College Educated Adults (vs. State)	Top 3%
Median Family Income (vs. State)	Top 6%
People in Middle Class or Better (vs. State)	Top 13%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 15%

Comparative Profile of Pierre, SD

Comparing Pierre to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in South Dakota (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Well-Paid Single Women
Well-Paid Single Men
Female Share of the Population
Age of the Population
Senior Citizens
Children Under 5 Years Old
Male Share of the Population
Racial Diversity

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
People Living Alone
Housing Recently Built
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Affordability of Property Taxes

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Violent Crime
Low Property Crime

Pierre Almanac

Pierre Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Pierre Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Pierre residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Pierre, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Pierre Hospitals

ST MARYS HOSPITAL
(Voluntary non-profit - Church)
800 E DAKOTA AVE
(605) 224-3100
Emergency Service: Yes

Wal-Mart in Pierre

Pierre High Schools (2004)

T F RIGGS HI SCH
1010 E BROADWAY AVE
605-773-7350
Serves 847 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 18.6

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