South Dakota State Capitol

The South Dakota State Capitol is a government building in Pierre featuring a grand rotunda with a 96 ft (29 m) dome at its center. Inside, visitors find marble staircases, terrazzo floors decorated with blue stones, and several historical collections displayed throughout the corridors and rooms.

The building was completed in 1910 and designed by a Minneapolis architectural firm, representing a major investment in the state's infrastructure at that time. This period marked an important phase in developing Pierre as the seat of state government.

The First Lady Gown Collection shows miniature dresses on dolls representing each First Lady of South Dakota throughout history. This display becomes a place where visitors can explore the fashion and roles of women in state government over time.

The building is located along East Capitol Avenue and welcomes visitors on weekdays and weekends throughout the year. Free entry and guided tours are available to help visitors explore the interior spaces and understand the building's role in state government.

The terrazzo floors contain more than 50 blue stones that were placed by Italian artisans, but some of these stones lie hidden beneath walls and carpeting, waiting to be discovered. These concealed details tell their own story and reveal the craftsmanship invested in the building's construction.