South Dakota State Capitol — Attraction in Pierre

I happened to be in Pierre, SD Memorial Day Weekend and looked around to see what I could do. I love architecture and found my way to the Capital building. I didn't notice any cars in the lot but thought I could satisfy myself with photos of the exterior. I started to have a conversation with a gardener and remarked how beautiful the landscaping was. He was so very nice, as I found people are in South Dakota and I inquired if it was possible to view inside. He took me in hand, inside to security and asked them to take good care of me and they did. The inside of this building is remarkable and spic and span. I could feel the history and hear the many discussions that must have ensured in these hallow halls. I felt I was in a maze because just when you think you at a dead end there is another corridor. I thought I had seen everything and when I started to leave, I said goodbye to security and one gentleman asked me if I had seen such and such or such and such and I hadn't. Even though my feet were hurting at this point I followed him to areas I had not, indeed, viewed. I am so glad I persevered, because I missed some enormous assembly rooms, plus he shared some history. I was in heaven since I enjoy learning about the history of places I visit. I am so thankful to this gentleman. If you have the opportunity and enjoy architecture and history, make a...

• "The history of progress is written in the blood of men and women who have dared to espouse an unpopular cause, as, for instance, the black man's right to his body, or woman's right to her soul" in her 1910 essay "The Crushed Spirit". -Emma Goldman.

** The most violent element in society is ignorance. -Emma Goldman.

*The most absurd apology for authority and law is that they serve to diminish crime. Aside from the fact that the State is itself the greatest criminal, breaking every written and natural law, stealing in the form of taxes, killing in the form of war and capital punishment, it has come to an absolute standstill in coping with crime. It has failed utterly to destroy or even minimize the horrible scourge of its own creation. -Emma Goldman.

** "I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it". -Nelson Mandela

"Behold, my brothers, the spring has come; the earth has received the embraces of the sun and we shall soon see the results of that love!", and "This is a good day to die". Warrior Chief Sitting Bull.

Prayer Also: "I know Great Spirit is looking down upon me from above, and will hear what I say." -Warrior Chief Sitting Bull.

(*Nakupenda, čhaŋté...

Visited in March of 2025 during the legislative session, so it was pretty busy. There is a security checkpoint, so just be ready to take out any metal objects from your pockets or bags. They might be able to offer guided tours if you call in advance, but there are self guided tours pamphlets too (I was able to see everything in about a half hour for reference). The building itself is highly accessible, including the governor's office. There is lots of parking available, just be sure you're not parking in a lot that's reserved for legislators. But Pierre is a tiny capital city (only Montpelier is smaller) so if there it shouldn't be too hard to find a spot. You can always park on a side street if need be. There's also a brochure for finding statues of South Dakota's governors...