Capitol Lake is a man
made artesian lake adjacent to the Capitol Building. This warm water lake is visited by
thousands of migratory waterfowl each fall.
The lake
is an oasis of wildlife in the center of South Dakota's Capital
City. You'll find the lake well stocked with goldfish, along with
carp, ands other native fishes. Amphibians such as frogs, and
salamanders call the lake home, as well as other wildlife such as
snakes, turtles, and a thriving colony of mink.
Many visitors come to see and feed the birds
and enjoy the serene beauty of the lake.
Capitol
Lake was a popular ice skating attraction early in the century,
until weak ice led to loss of life on the lake. Up until the mid
1970's, the pond was also a popular fishing hole for the youth of
the town.
The edge
of Capitol Lake also boasts the Capitol's Visitor Center - an area
used by state government and available to the public for
events. The Visitor's center is also the place to go to find tourism
information on attractions in the Pierre area.