South Dakota's Riverside Capital Offers A Winter Getaway Full Of Festive Fun

Not all winter vacations need to rely on powdery ski slopes and luxury lodges. Sometimes, a bit of festive energy, small town charm, and a place to cozy up by the fire is all you need for the perfect cold-weather escape. Pierre, South Dakota's capital city, delivers exactly that. Pronounced "peer," this riverside community has been the state capital since the late-1800s, yet still feels refreshingly small and unhurried. 

With a population under 15,000, it offers a completely different vibe from Sioux Falls — the largest city in the state with about 220,000 residents. Pierre manages to balance its role as the political heart of South Dakota with the close-knit feel of a small town, a quality that only becomes more inviting as the days shorten and the air turns crisp. While the holiday displays during Christmas at the Capitol are a highlight, Pierre's winter charm continues throughout the season. Visitors can wander its historic streets without summer crowds, warm up in unique museums, or take a peaceful, snowy stroll along the Missouri River.

Smack dab in the middle of South Dakota, Pierre is a 2.5-hour drive from Rapid City or a 3.5-hour drive from Sioux Falls. There are no international airports in the state, but Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) and Sioux Falls Regional Airport (SFD) service flights to several cities across the country. Pierre even has its own small regional airport (PIR) that connects travelers directly to Denver, Colorado.

In the lead-up to the holidays, the State Capitol Building glows with festive light displays and over 100 Christmas trees. Known as Christmas at the Capitol, the event runs from late-November until just after Christmas, kicking off with the Grand Lighting Ceremony hosted by South Dakota's governor and an extra-special visitor from the North Pole.

Families can also take part in a DIY scavenger hunt as they explore the decorated Capitol Building, with printable checklists and clues available on the event website. There are several musical performances every day, including student choirs, pianists, jazz groups, and other local talent that bring the building to life with holiday spirit. If you're in town around early-December, try to catch the annual Parade of Lights and the community-driven Oahe Winter Festival, which features free holiday-themed activities across the city.

Downtown Pierre is perfect for a quiet winter stroll. You can meander past a charming collection of shops, restaurants, and historic buildings with well-preserved architecture dating back nearly 150 years. Or choose a section of the nine-mile Pierre River Path that hugs the Missouri River. When the conditions are right, Pierre is a great place for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. LaFramboise Island Nature Area is accessible by a pedestrian causeway, and Farm Island Recreation Area is just a 10-minute drive from town. Average daily temperatures hover between 15 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, so make sure you pack lots of comfortable layers. Here's a helpful guide on packing for cold weather.

When you're ready for a break from the winter chill, visit the state capital's museums. The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is a must-visit, built into the hillside and filled with exhibits about South Dakota's Indigenous history, settlement era, and political significance. Kids will love the hands-on science exhibits at the South Dakota Discovery Center, and American history buffs will enjoy the South Dakota State Historical Society Museum.

Just steps from the river and across the street from the South Dakota Discovery Center, the Ramkota Hotel is a great option for your winter escape to Pierre. Its indoor pool and hot tub are the perfect place to warm up and unwind after a long day of exploring. It also hosts a special Breakfast with Mrs. Claus in the lead-up to Christmas (reservations required), and sometimes offers winter getaway packages to make your trip-planning a breeze. Regular room rates start around $140 per night. You can also find a a range of cozy Airbnbs and a couple of chain hotels like Super 8 and Holiday Inn Express. To make sure you find the best accommodation, use this easy trick to tell if your Airbnb will be more like a hotel.

If you're turning your visit to Pierre into a winter road trip, Badlands National Park — one of the best national parks in the Midwest — looks beautiful when dusted with snow. It's about a two-hour drive from Pierre on the way to Rapid City.