Introduction

Pierre, pronounced PEER, is the State Capital. The city is located in Hughes County and it is the county seat. It lies east of Rapid City along U.S. Highway 14, on the east bank of the Missouri River near the Oahe Dam.
Today Pierre, population 13,876, is the major trade center of South Dakota's central region. It enjoys a mixed economy derived from government, agriculture and outdoor recreational attractions. Other attractions include Capitol Lake, which is fed by a warm artesian well, making it a winter haven for migratory waterfowl; Flaming Fountain, whose natural gas content allows it to be lighted; and South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center, featuring the exhibit, "South Dakota Experience".