Information
Landmark: Fairbanks Museum & PlanetariumCity: St Johnsbury
Country: USA Vermont
Continent: North America
Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St Johnsbury, USA Vermont, North America
The Pyle House Museum is a historic house museum located in Huron, South Dakota, USA.
Visual Characteristics
The Pyle House Museum is a two-story Queen Anne style Victorian house constructed primarily of wood. It features a prominent wraparound porch with decorative spindle work and a steeply pitched roof with multiple gables. The exterior is painted in a combination of white and dark green, with red trim accents. Architectural details include a turret on the northeast corner and a bay window on the south facade.
Location & Access Logistics
The museum is situated at 101 9th Street SE in Huron, South Dakota. It is approximately 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) south of the city center. On-street parking is available adjacent to the property. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is approximately 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) north on Dakota Avenue.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The Pyle House was built in 1883 for George Pyle, a prominent businessman and early settler of Huron. The house was designed by architect George R. Lake. It served as a private residence until it was acquired by the Beadle County Historical Society in 1965 and subsequently opened as a museum.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can tour the preserved rooms of the house, which showcase period furnishings and artifacts from Huron's early history. Exhibits focus on local pioneer life, the development of the railroad in the region, and the history of Beadle County. Self-guided tours are available.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available on the first floor of the museum. Limited shaded areas are present on the wraparound porch. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the vicinity. No food vendors are located directly on-site; dining options are available in downtown Huron.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is open seasonally from May through September. The best time of day for interior photography is during daylight hours when natural light illuminates the rooms. For exterior viewing, late afternoon provides favorable lighting conditions.
Facts & Legends
A notable historical fact is that the Pyle House was one of the first homes in Huron to have indoor plumbing. Local lore suggests that the house may have hosted notable figures during its residential period, though specific verifiable accounts are scarce.
Nearby Landmarks
- 1.2km Northwest: Beadle County Courthouse
- 1.5km Northwest: Huron Central Business District
- 2.1km Northeast: SD State Fairgrounds
- 3.5km Southwest: Lake Thompson Recreation Area (access point)