Pierre : South Dakota

Pierre (pronounced peer) is the seat of Hughes County and the second smallest capital city in the United States covering only an area of 13.01 square miles. Pierre is located on the east bank of the Missouri River in central South Dakota, 105 miles of Huron. Pierre is the administrative center of South Dakota and a major distribution point for the area's agricultural concerns. Except for the winter months each year, when the legislature is in session, Pierre remains a sleepy small town with a beautifully restored state capitol building.


Like most of South Dakota, Pierre is cold during winters and warm during summers. It receives an average annual rain of 16.8 inches and about 40 inches of snow.

Area: 13.01 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 1,484 feet above sea level

Latitude: 44.37 N

Longitude: 100.34 W

Average Temperatures: January, 7.8° F; July, 77.1° F; annual average 44° F

Population: 14,052 as on 2005

Attractions

    * State Capitol
    * Cultural Heritage Center
    * Verendrye Museum in Fort Pierre
    * Discovery Center and Aquarium
    * South Dakota National Guard Museum

Festivals

    * Goosefest
    * Pierre Players' Christmas Pageant
    * Riverfest Festival