20 Best Architectural Buildings in South Dakota: A Guide to Iconic Structures

South Dakota is not just about stunning landscapes and historical landmarks; it also boasts impressive architectural gems.

From traditional designs to modern marvels, the state offers a variety of structures that capture both its history and its innovative spirit.

By exploring South Dakota’s architectural buildings, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation of the state’s diverse cultural heritage.

Whether you are interested in sacred spaces, historic homes, or contemporary masterpieces, South Dakota’s architecture presents something unique for everyone to admire.

1. St. Joseph Cathedral

St. Joseph Cathedral is one of Sioux Falls’ most prominent landmarks.

Situated in the Cathedral Historic District, this impressive structure stands tall with its grand architectural design.

Designed by French architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray in 1915, the cathedral showcases a blend of Romanesque and French Renaissance styles.

Its location on a bluff provides a stunning view of the city below.

The cathedral’s history dates back to the early Catholic missionary work in the Dakota Territory. It was consecrated in 1919 and has since been a key part of the community.

2. Denny Sanford Premier Center

The Denny Sanford Premier Center is a notable indoor arena located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Completed in 2014, this multipurpose facility can accommodate around 12,000 spectators.

The center hosts a variety of events, including concerts, sporting events, conventions, and meetings. Design highlights make it a standout in the region.

Connected to the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center, it plays a central role in the city’s event scene.

Learn more about this impressive venue here.

3. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore National Memorial features the 60-foot faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Sculpted by Gutzon Borglum, this monumental work began in 1927 and was completed in 1941.

Located in the Black Hills near Keystone, South Dakota, the memorial spans nearly 1,300 acres. It is often called America’s “Shrine of Democracy.”

Visitors can learn about its history at the Mount Rushmore Visitor Center. The surrounding area is characterized by rugged terrain and a forest of pine, spruce, and aspen.

4. Falls Park

Falls Park in Sioux Falls is an iconic urban sanctuary.

The park spans over 123 acres and features the powerful Big Sioux River cascading over ancient quartzite formations.

Its centerpiece, the stunning Sioux Falls, can be viewed from several vantage points, including an observation tower.

The park also includes a visitor information center and a café, making it a complete experience. For more details, visit Falls Park.

5. Old Courthouse Museum

The Old Courthouse Museum is located at 200 W. 6th St. in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

This three-story building was designed by Wallace Dow between 1889 and 1893.

Its most notable feature is a tall tower with clocks on all four sides. The building is made of quartzite and has been beautifully restored.

There are three floors of exhibits that cover regional history. The museum offers a glimpse into the past of Sioux Falls and the surrounding area with its displays and architecture.

For more information, visit the Old Courthouse Museum.

6. Washington Pavilion

The Washington Pavilion is a notable architectural gem located in downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

It resides in a beautifully renovated historic building, once the Washington High School.

This venue combines performing arts, visual arts, and a science museum under one roof.

Visitors can enjoy two state-of-the-art theaters, an art gallery, a concert hall, and a large-format theater.

Learn more about its rich history and significance here.

7. SculptureWalk Sioux Falls

SculptureWalk Sioux Falls is the largest annual public sculpture exhibit in the world. It has been enriching the community with accessible and inspiring art for 21 years, placing sculptures throughout downtown Sioux Falls and other high-traffic areas.

A highlight of SculptureWalk is the Arc of Dreams, a stainless steel arc spanning the Big Sioux River.

This iconic structure was created by South Dakota Artist Laureate Dale Claude Lamphere and has become a landmark in Sioux Falls.

8. Mitchell Corn Palace

The Mitchell Corn Palace in South Dakota is a unique and iconic building known for its stunning murals made from corn.

Each year, local artists design new murals, which are refreshed in late August.

The building has a rich history dating back to 1892, originally intended to showcase South Dakota’s fertile soil. Today, it attracts over 500,000 visitors annually.

Found at 604 Main Street, Mitchell, it’s easily accessible via Interstate 90, exits 332 or 330.

9. Red Cloud Indian School Heritage Center

Located in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, the Red Cloud Indian School Heritage Center is a notable architectural site.

Known for its galleries, community space, and supporting services, it covers an area of 15,000 square feet.

The Heritage Center hosts over 10,000 pieces of historic and contemporary Native American art.

This location serves as a destination where local and global visitors celebrate Native culture and art.

For more information, visit the Heritage Center at Red Cloud Indian School or the Red Cloud Indian Art Show.

10. Pettigrew Home & Museum

The Pettigrew Home & Museum is located in the Cathedral Historic District of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Built in 1889, this Queen Anne-style house was the residence of Richard Franklin Pettigrew, South Dakota’s first U.S. senator.

The museum features many artifacts collected by Pettigrew during his travels.

It offers guided tours showcasing the home’s elegant architecture and historical significance. Visit their website for more information.

11. Black Hills State University Campus

Black Hills State University (BHSU) is located in Spearfish, South Dakota.

The campus spans 123 acres and accommodates nearly 4,000 students.

The university also has a satellite campus in Rapid City, shared with other institutions.

Additionally, BHSU has enhanced facilities, including classrooms, a lecture hall, a coffee shop, and a bookstore.

BHSU plays a key role in higher education in western South Dakota.

12. Badlands National Park Visitor Center

The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is a key landmark in Badlands National Park.

Designed by Cecil Doty in the late 1950s, the building exemplifies the Mission 66 initiative aimed at modernizing National Park facilities. The structure harmoniously blends with the rugged landscape.

Visitors can enjoy various amenities, including a fossil preparation lab and museum exhibits.

An information desk provides park details, making it an indispensable stop for park explorers.

Learn more about the Ben Reifel Visitor Center if planning to visit Badlands National Park.

13. Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center

Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center is located in Lead, South Dakota.

It offers incredible views and a surface tour. Visitors can see exhibits with historic photographs, videos, and mining artifacts.

The center is free and open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It aims to be welcoming to all visitors and is committed to accessibility.

From the deck, visitors can view the 1,250-foot-deep Homestake Open Cut, an iconic landmark in the Black Hills.

14. Museum of Geology

The Museum of Geology is located in Rapid City, South Dakota.

It features a variety of exhibits that showcase fossils and minerals. Visitors can explore displays of South Dakota minerals and fossils from different eras.

The museum is also situated near popular landmarks like Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills.

It offers a unique experience for those interested in natural history.

More information can be found on its Tripadvisor page.

15. Crazy Horse Memorial

The Crazy Horse Memorial is a monumental sculpture located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The memorial is dedicated to Crazy Horse, an Oglala Lakota warrior.

Commissioned by Henry Standing Bear, a Lakota elder, the sculpture is being crafted by Korczak Ziolkowski.

Crazy Horse is depicted riding a horse and pointing to his tribal land.

This ongoing project is situated on privately held land along the Crazy Horse Memorial Highway, just 4 miles north of Custer, South Dakota, and 17 miles southwest of Mount Rushmore’s National Memorial. For more details, visit the Crazy Horse Memorial Wikipedia page.

16. Terrace Park Japanese Gardens

Terrace Park Japanese Gardens in Sioux Falls offers a serene escape.

These gardens feature exotic flowers, entrance arbor, trees, pagodas, and lanterns, creating a unique Japanese landscape.

Founded by Joe Maddox in the 1920s-30s, the gardens are on Covell Lake.

They are recognized for their historical significance and were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.

Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with pathways and statues that enhance the tranquil setting.

The gardens are perfect for a quiet stroll or peaceful reflection in nature.

17. Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries

Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries is a renowned landmark in downtown Rapid City.

Located at the corner of 6th Street and Main, the building stands two stories high and spans half a block.

The exterior boasts a restored 19th-century brick, wood, and glass design.

Inside, visitors can enjoy hardwood floors and polished cabinetry that reflect the spirit of the Old West.

To some, it is a Native American art gallery; to others, it serves as a trading post. This unique blend makes it a must-visit architectural gem.

18. South Dakota State Capitol

The South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre is a stunning example of Classical Revival architecture.

It was constructed between 1905 and 1910 and designed by C.E. Bell and M.S. Detwiler.

The building features a grand central dome and beautiful marble interiors.

It houses the offices of the Governor and other state officials, and includes the state legislature.

Visitors often admire the intricate decorative elements and craftsmanship. The Capitol building stands as a testament to South Dakota’s early history and its dedication to preserving architectural beauty. It’s a must-see landmark in Pierre.

19. Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center

The Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center opened in 1991 at St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. This museum honors the Lakota people and preserves their rich culture.

Visitors can explore Native American art, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the Lakota way of life. The museum is located on the scenic banks of the Missouri River.

To learn more, visit the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center.

20. Coughlin Campanile

The Coughlin Campanile, completed in 1929, stands at 165 feet tall. Built with 320,000 bricks, it is a remarkable icon on the South Dakota State University campus. It is notable as the tallest structure in the state at the time of its construction and is visible from more than 20 miles.

Designed by architects Perkins and McWayne, the Campanile rings out the time every hour and plays music between classes. This tower was a gift from Charles Coughlin, an electrical engineering graduate and former president of the Briggs and Stratton Company. The panoramic view from its top offers a breathtaking sight of the campus.

Historical Significance

The architectural heritage of South Dakota is rich with stories from different eras. This section explores the early architectural styles and their impact on local culture.

Early Architectural Styles

South Dakota’s early architecture is a mix of folk and vernacular styles. These buildings were often constructed without the influence of contemporary trends.

Folk houses, for example, were designed purely for functionality, not fashion. These early structures provided basic shelter and were built with local materials.

Fort Sisseton is a prime example. Built in the mid-1860s, this fort has been meticulously restored and offers guided tours that showcase its historical architecture. Its design reflects the practical needs of military life during that period.

Custer, founded in 1875, features quaint storefronts and charming buildings that hark back to its early days. The design of these buildings reflects the local materials and craftsmanship of the time. The preservation of these architectural styles helps keep the history alive for modern visitors.

Impact on Local Culture

Architectural sites in South Dakota play a significant role in shaping the cultural identity of the region.

Forts like Fort Meade near Sturgis have historical significance that goes beyond their architectural features. They serve as reminders of the military and civilian life of the late 1800s.

Cultural centers such as the South Dakota State Historical Society Cultural Center preserve and interpret the heritage and culture of South Dakota.

Opened in 1989, the center highlights the architectural history and cultural richness of the state.

Living history programs at places like Fort Sisseton bring history to life. During special events, reenactors demonstrate aspects of military and civilian life, offering a glimpse into the past. This helps foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.

Architectural Features

South Dakota boasts a blend of traditional and innovative architectures. The state’s buildings highlight unique design elements and draw from various cultural and historical influences.

Unique Design Elements

Buildings in South Dakota showcase remarkable design features. For example, the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre, completed in 1910, is famous for its Greek Revival architecture, complete with intricate columns and a striking dome.

Another unique example is the concrete tipis at rest areas in Chamberlain. Designed by architect Ward Whitwam, these structures blend modern materials with traditional Native American forms.

The 850-year-old Chapel in the Hills in Rapid City features Norwegian stave church design, with wood carvings and a turf roof showcasing Scandinavian craftsmanship.

Influences and Inspirations

Architectural inspirations in South Dakota are diverse. Native American, European, and modern influences can be seen throughout the state.

For instance, Native American culture influenced the design of the concrete tipis, as seen in the rest areas in Chamberlain.

The Mount Rushmore National Memorial in the Black Hills is another highlight, with its grand sculpture reflecting American historical pride.

Pierre’s State Capitol takes inspiration from classical Greek designs, emphasizing symmetry and grandeur, while Rapid City’s Chapel in the Hills reflects Norwegian influences, showcasing traditional Scandinavian woodwork and design techniques.

Preservation Efforts

Preservation efforts in South Dakota play a crucial role in maintaining the state’s cultural heritage and architectural history. Significant projects include restoration work on historic buildings and active community involvement in preserving these landmarks.

Restoration Projects

The South Dakota State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is dedicated to restoring historically significant structures.

They have invested in extensive statewide historic context studies for single-family housing built between 1950 and 1975. This investment helps identify and protect houses that reflect the architectural styles of that period.

Another notable project is the preservation of the concrete tipis at South Dakota rest areas. Designed by Sioux Falls architect Ward Whitwam, these structures were built between 1968 and 1979 and have become iconic landmarks. Their restoration ensures future generations can appreciate this unique architectural style.

Community Involvement

Community involvement is essential for successful preservation efforts.

Local historical societies, cities, and federal agencies collaborate with the SHPO to maintain inventories of historic properties. This collective effort helps identify buildings eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Residents also play a vital role in preservation.

By participating in local preservation programs, community members help protect their historical assets.

Public education and events organized by the South Dakota State Historical Society encourage further involvement, ensuring that preservation remains a priority for everyone.