You’re driving through the vast, rolling prairie of central South Dakota when suddenly, Pierre appears in a river valley. It’s a small town. Honestly, it's one of the smallest state capitals in the country. But rising above the trees is a massive copper dome that looks like it belongs in a much larger city. The South Dakota State Capitol building is a bit of a contradiction. It was built on a tight budget by a young state trying to prove it was permanent, yet it's filled with mystery, hidden "signatures," and some of the most beautiful craftsmanship in the Midwest.
Pierre wasn't always a lock for the capital. Back in the late 1800s, the "capital fights" were brutal. Different towns fought like cats and dogs to be the seat of government. After three different elections and a whole lot of political maneuvering, Pierre finally won. The locals knew they needed a building that looked like it wasn't going anywhere.
They didn't have a ton of money, though. To save cash, the state hired the firm Bell & Detweiler and basically said, "Hey, we like what you did for Montana. Give us something like that, but maybe tweak it a bit." It worked. Between 1905 and 1910, for less than $1 million, they built a Neoclassical landmark that still feels grand over a century later.
The Mystery of the 66 Blue Tiles
If you visit today, you’ll see people staring at the floor. They aren't looking for dropped keys. They’re hunting for the "blue tiles."
The story goes like this: 66 Italian artisans were brought in to lay the intricate terrazzo floors. It was grueling, meticulous work. Supposedly, each craftsman was given one small, sky-blue tile to place somewhere in the building as a secret signature.
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Does it hold up?
- The Legend: 66 tiles exist, one for each worker.
- The Reality: To date, only about 57 or 58 have been found.
- The Twist: Some historians think the story is just a charming myth because they can’t find records of 66 Italians staying in Pierre at the time.
Whether it's true or not, the "scavenger hunt" is a rite of passage for every school kid who visits. You’ll find them tucked away in corners, under radiators, or right in the middle of a hallway. It makes the building feel personal. Like someone left a breadcrumb trail just for you.
Perfection is for God, Not Architects
Walk up the Grand Staircase from the second to the third floor. It’s stunning. But look closely at the balusters—the little spindles holding up the handrail.
On the right side, the third spindle down is upside down.
It wasn't a mistake. At least, that’s not what people believe. In the early 1900s, many artisans believed that only God could achieve perfection. To show humility, they’d intentionally include one tiny, glaring error in their work. Placing it as the third spindle is also a nod to the Holy Trinity. It's a humble brag in stone.
Fake Marble and Real Gold
Because the state was pinching pennies, they couldn't afford solid marble columns everywhere. Instead, they used a technique called scagliola.
It sounds fancy, but it’s basically a "faked" marble. Craftsmen mixed plaster, silk, Keen's cement, and dyes to mimic the veins of real stone. These columns cost about $100 back then, while real marble would have been $1,000.
Honestly? You can't tell the difference. They’re beautiful.
What to look for inside:
- The Rotunda: Look up. The interior of the dome is decorated with 16-karat gold leaf and intricate murals.
- The Murals: There are four large paintings under the dome representing South Dakota’s core: Agriculture, Livestock, Mining, and Family.
- The First Lady Gowns: In the basement (the "ground" floor), there’s a long hallway featuring miniature dolls wearing replicas of the inaugural gowns worn by every South Dakota First Lady. It’s a weirdly fascinating timeline of fashion.
- The Senate Chamber: Look at the "Louisiana Purchase" mural. It’s controversial today because of how it depicts Native Americans, but it provides a raw look at the mindset of 1910.
The Capitol Grounds: More Than Just Grass
The building doesn't end at the doors. The grounds are arguably some of the best in the nation, mostly because of Capitol Lake.
It’s an artesian lake, meaning the water comes from deep underground. It’s naturally warm, which is why it usually doesn't freeze over in the winter. This makes it a winter sanctuary for thousands of Canadian geese. If you’re there in January, the sound of honking is basically the city’s soundtrack.
Don't miss these memorials:
- The Flaming Fountain: A memorial to veterans that features a perpetually burning flame. It’s fed by natural gas that occurs naturally in the water.
- Fighting Stallions: A massive bronze statue dedicated to Governor George S. Mickelson and seven others who died in a 1993 plane crash. It’s a heavy, emotional piece of art.
- The Trail of Governors: Throughout Pierre, but starting near the Capitol, you’ll find life-sized bronze statues of past governors. They aren't on pedestals; they’re just standing on the sidewalk like they’re waiting for a bus.
How to actually visit
If you’re planning a trip, keep in mind that Pierre is isolated. There’s no interstate. You have to want to go there.
The South Dakota State Capitol building is open every single day. Weekdays are best if you want to see the government in action (especially January through March during the legislative session), but weekends are quieter and better for photography.
- Cost: Free. Completely free.
- Tours: You can do a self-guided tour with a pamphlet from the front desk or call ahead for a guided one.
- The "V" factor: When you look at the front of the building, the word "South" is spelled "SOVTH." It’s not a typo. It’s the Roman style where "V" represents "U."
Next Steps for Your Visit
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To get the most out of your trip to Pierre, you should download the "Trail of Governors" map before you arrive so you can find all the statues scattered around the downtown area. If you’re visiting during the holidays, aim for the first week of December to see Christmas at the Capitol, when the rotunda is filled with nearly 100 decorated trees. It’s the one time of year the building feels less like an office and more like a community living room.