(Taylor) Today we went to the capitol building in Pierre, SD. The locals pronounce it "Pier", although we've talked with some that roll their eyes at the lack of French... because it IS French. ;) At the Capitol I learned that there were 66 Italian artists that layed tile throughout, as well as other projects. They were strict Catholics that wouldn't do their job perfectly, as God is the only one who is perfect, so they purposefully put a railing in upside down, which remained unnoticed for 20 years.
Capitol in Pierre, SD
Marble drinking fountains
Signature blue
The gift store volunteer has lived here "forever", and was a wealth of information on our self-guided Capitol tour. Her dog, Pumpkin, was very sweet.
In the SD Senate Chamber
Here she goes again... breakin' laws. Guidelines anyway.
The capital being in Pierre, SD is quite a story! You can read it HERE if you're as curious as I was! Long story short, it took rivaling towns 3 votes over 15 years, and the current Capitol building was finished in 1910, for the small sum of $1,000,000 ($58M in today's market). A complete restoration was began in 1976, and it is absolutely beautiful!
Rotunda
Beautiful stained glass dome
In the House Chamber
House Chamber... Lily is above the clock.
House Lobby
First Lady Inaugural Gown Display
Saloon door bathroom stalls, with water closets... cute, huh? Don't worry... no one was in here but us.
Did you know that there was a box column retrieved from the rubble of 9/11, that the Oak Ridge (TN) High School Student Council, and the Army Corps of Engineers dedicated in 50 pieces to the capital cities across the nation? Every state should have one as a permanent memorial to those that died during the attacks and rescue missions. We didn't know this... does your capital have it set up somewhere?
The SD Cultural Heritage Center was, hands down, a highlight of this first leg, and one of thee BEST museums we've EVER been to! It was a beautifully laid out treasure trove of artifacts, information, photos, videos, full-size displays, hands on activities, and incredible interactive kids' scavenger hunts. We've been to a LOT of museums, and this one got two thumbs up from all of us! Kate and Lily especially LOVED the backpack scavenger hunts... you can tell that a lot of thought was put into drawing the kids into learning, and they had a blast doing it!
Completely built into the hill. You'd never guess all that is inside.
(Lily) Kate and I did a scavenger hunt (she did 2, and I did 3) at the museum, and it was fun! I liked packing the immigrant train car, and the hippie room. We also went on the roof of the museum.
Start here!
"I thought this was going to be cheesy, but this is actually REALLY cool!" -Kate, upon opening her scavenger hunt backpack.
Packing an immigrant train car
Can you even imagine???
Another station...
Math was done here... yay!
Younger kid version... still really thoughtful, and this is showing just the pouch about horses.
Create your own 70's home in the temporary exhibit about the 1970's.
They couldn't believe the decor and fashion of the 70's. I agree.
Upstairs observation deck, with a view of the Capitol. Definitely not what St. Paul, MN looks like... we kinda prefer the rolling hills. :)
Seriously... let the kids loose with the backpack scavenger hunts, and take your time wandering through... so well done!
Mount Rushmore facts
We couldn't leave before they scrambled up on the roof.
Remember what we said about state parks? Yah... Farm Island Recreation Area is also fabulous. Beautiful back-in spots, clean bathrooms, swimming beach on the Missouri River, and playgrounds... we've been so pleased with ALL the state parks in ND and SD!
Lots of fishing here on the Missouri River! Our trailer is on the far right.
Nearby path to....
... the playgrounds...
... and beach!
He loves sunshine, and happily napped in it for hours while we got caught up on stuff around the trailer.
Getting caught up on smashbooks, blogs, grocery shopping, and swimming for a day (well, Lily swam), and tomorrow we head to Sioux Falls, SD... inching closer to home!
