Visiting Pierre

South Dakota’s Capitol Building is where the business of the people is conducted. The Governor, Supreme Court, Legislature, and many of our state’s constitutional officers have offices in the Capitol.

The building is open year round for visitors.

Touring the Capitol Building

Our historic and beautiful Capitol Building is open year round for touring. The Bureau of Administration overseas the building and grounds. There are both guided and self-guided tour options. For more information and to make reservations for guided tours, contact the Capitol Tour Office.

The building is open to public Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm.
Weekends/holidays 8am-5pm.
Beginning the Wednesday before Thanksgiving holiday through the end of Legislative Session, the Capitol is open 8am-10pm

Visiting During Session

The 99th Legislative Session will convene in January 2024.

Session dates are:

January 9, 2024 - March 7, 2024; Veto Day - March 25, 2023

The daily calendar of business is available on the Legislative Research Council website.

Additional Resources

99th Legislative Session Calendar
Visiting During Session
How an Idea Becomes a Law
The Legislative Committee

Testifying on a Bill

Our state motto is “Under God the People Rule.” Our citizen legislature depends on the advice and counsel of our fellow South Dakotans. Our tradition is to give each bill introduced a hearing in Committee with an opportunity for public testimony. Testimony can be in person or submitted in writing. Committee hearings are most often held during the legislative session but can happen as part of special study during other times of the year.

If there is a bill that you are interested in providing testimony (for or against), contact the Legislative Research Council.