South Dakota’s capital, Pierre (pronounced ‘peer’), is located in the center of the state and has a population of about 14,000 people. Within the city of Pierre and its sister city, Fort Pierre, you’ll find museums, beautiful views and unique places to dine. Pierre is the second smallest capital city in the nation. But, it demonstrates how nice it is to be "an average Joe."
The main feature of town is the Capitol building which has been almost completely redone. The 161-foot tall building is capped with a copper dome. The exquisite interior is a sight in itself with stained-glass windows, columns, tile and marble.
Nearby, the crystal waters of Capital Lake introduces visitors to South Dakota's War memorials. An eternal flame burns in remembrance of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
One of the main attractions is the Cultural Heritage Center which documents the saga of the Native Americans and pioneers who lived here when the prairie was being forged. Another attraction is the South Dakota Discovery Center & Aquarium which houses more than 50 interactive exhibits and a fresh water aquarium that is home to native river species.
Uptown is the Oahe Dam which settles into Lake Oahe, a massive body of water that extends 231 miles to Bismarck. With 2,250 miles of shoreline, Lake Oahe and its sister Lake Sharpe form a fisherman's nirvana with year-round catches of salmon, walleye, bass and trout.
Oahe Downstream Recreation Area operates three campsites that remain open year-round for daytime use, but close down in winter for nighttime use during the bald eagle nesting season. Popular recreational activities here include observing the bald eagle during the winter months, biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, hiking and swimming.
Numerous trails wind their way through town and are perfect for walking, jogging and biking. The Lewis & Clark Historic Trails and Capitol City Trails provide a quiet retreat from the hubbub of city life.
There are also trails along the Missouri River at LaFramboise Island Nature Area which are great for mountain biking. They run through different habitats that bring biker and wildlife together in a peaceful interlude with nature through a 10-mile journey on a 2-mile-long island.
Pierre, at the core of South Dakota, is 145 miles from Rapid City.
A light jet is a category of small jets seating anywhere from 4 to 8 people (depending on configuration) and often with a maximum takeoff weight of under 10,000 pounds. Light jets are considered the lightest business jets and are approved for single pilot operation. Light jets are ideal for shorter trips for business meetings or family getaways.
Midsized jets – also referred to as mid-sized jets, are great for long distance travel such as transcontinental flights or trips requiring larger passenger capacity (depending on configuration). Unlike a light jet rental, Mid-size private jets are incredibly versatile private aircraft, combining the comfort and space of larger personal planes, with the speed and agility of small private jets. Private jet speeds help the aircraft travel a range of over 5,000 nautical miles and typically seats 7 to 10 passengers.
Super mid-sized jets are designed to comfortably accommodate from 8 to 16 passengers (depending on configuration) - with substantial baggage space. Super mids can be chartered for international, non-stop transcontinental or mid-range travel with an average flight range of up to 9 hours of flight time - or 4,500 miles - in optimum conditions.
Large cabin jets have a cabin height of over six feet. Cabin width varies from nearly seven to over eight feet, while cabin length can range from 28 feet to nearly 50 feet. With endurance of 8 to 10 hours, many large cabin jets - like the Falcon 900 - are also designed for longer range flights such as New York to Paris. Large cabin jet cabin amenities can include WiFi, private lavatory, PlayStation video games, satellite phone, cabin attendant and a full galley.
What sets turbo props apart is their versatility. Unlike other private jets, planes with a turbo prop engine don’t need a full runway for landing and take off; a short grass airstrip is more than enough. Which makes them perfect for taking the route less traveled. Made for short to medium journeys, turbo prop planes can land on grass airstrips and short runways. Turboprops are an economical way to fly, with room for eight to ten passengers.
While there are many reasons to take a chartered helicopter flight - the fact that for most it is a once in a lifetime experience is probably the most prominent. Helicopter flight in itself is an adventure that most people find thrilling. Making use of helicopter flights is also a great way to mark a special occasion and create new memories that will make a special day even more special.