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Local Information
South Dakota State Capitol The Capitol was built in 1910 and recently restored to it's natural beauty. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. Art murals and sculptures make our Capitol a must see! Tours: Mon-Fri 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 and 4:00pm. Large groups and during Legislative Session, call for an appointment 773-3765. 
Capitol Lake Fed by a warm artesian well, the lake never completely freezes! It has become a winter haven for Canada geese, mallards, wood ducks and many other varieties of migratory waterfowl. 
Flaming Fountain This fountain is fed by an artesian well with natural gas content so high that it can be lit. The fountain glows perpetually as a memorial to all veterans. The Peace Officer Memorial is also located in the area. 
World War II Memorial Governor William J. Janklow announced in March 2000 the construction of a World War II Memorial on the Capitol grounds to pay tribute to all the past and present South Dakotans who contributed to the World War II effort. 
South Dakota Korean & Vietnam War Memorial The memorial was built and dedicated in 1985 as a tribute to South Dakotans who lost their lives in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The names of these veterans are carved in granite next to the Flaming Fountain. 
Fighting Stallions Memorial This memorial is dedicated to the eight individuals (including the late Governor Mickelson) who died in a plane crash in April 1993. 
Capitol Grounds Arboretum Trail Contains 40 varieties of trees, labeled for viewing, in a self-guided walk. Booklets available at the Visitor's Information Center near the Flaming Fountain. 
The Capitol City Queen Take a two hour cruise in "The Capitol City Queen" with a tour guide showing you historic landmarks as you travel up the Missouri River. Runs daily except Monday and Thursday from June through August. 
South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center The South Dakota State Historical Society preserves the written and artifactual records of South Dakota's heritage and culture and presents them to the public through museum exhibits and publications. Research room, museum, gallery and gift shop open 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday 1:00pm to 4:30pm. Closed on legal holidays. Admission fee. 773-3458. South Dakota Discovery Center & Aquarium Intriguing and just-plain-fun for all ages. Based on the "please touch" learning concept, the ground floor is decked with colorful displays and aquariums. The gallery area is full of hands-on exhibits and nontraditional science displays. Visitors can experience the universe through astronomy in the Sky Lab planetarium, or test their reflex skills in the reactionary car. Open Sunday through Friday 1:00pm-5:00pm. Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm. Small fee, group rates. South Dakota National Guard Museum Home for Civil War vintage gun, World War I machine guns, World War II Sherman Tank, General Custer's dress sword, an A7D Aircraft and much more. No admission fee, open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 1:00pm-5:00pm or by appointment. 224-9991. Houck's Buffalo Ranch Sightseers are welcome to drive by the 3000 head of buffalo roaming along Hwy. 1806. This 53,000 acre spread was the location for the shooting of "Dances with Wolves". Verendrye Monument In 1743, Louis Verendrye and his brother planted a lead plate on a hillside overlooking Fort Pierre, claiming the land for Louis XV, King of France. The plate was unearthed accidentally in 1913 by school children and is on display in the Cultural Heritage Center. The monument marks the spot where the plate was discovered. Beautiful view, great area for picture taking!
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