MITCHELL, S.D. – On Thursday the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree rolled into Mitchell, giving residents an early taste of the holiday season. The 76‑foot Engelmann spruce, selected from Idaho’s Nez Perce Clearwater National Forests, will later travel to Washington, D.C., where it will adorn the West Lawn of the Capitol.
How the tree was chosen
Zach Peterson, a staff officer for the Nez Perce Clearwater Forests, explained that the selection process began with roughly 65 candidate trees. “We narrowed it down to about 65 trees at first, and then we furthered it down to 12 trees,” Peterson said. “Ultimately, the architect of the Capitol from Washington, D.C., the Executive Director of Grounds and Arboretum came out the third week in July, and from those 12 trees chose this one to be the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree.”
Local students add a South Dakota touch
Students at L.B. Williams Elementary were invited to represent South Dakota by designing ornaments inspired by the state’s natural beauty and heritage. Art teacher Michaela Steffen told her class they would use their talents to create the decorations. “Mouths were dropped. Lots of smiles on their faces. It was really exciting,” Steffen recalled.
Keeping the tree fresh
Peterson noted that the spruce requires between five and six gallons of water each day. Crews use hoses to maintain humidity and keep the needles fresh throughout its stay in Mitchell. “It’s quite the experience for these communities to come out, start the holiday season a little early,” he said. “It’s really special. It’s really neat.”
Looking ahead
After its brief stop in Mitchell, the tree will continue its journey to Washington, D.C., where it will join other holiday displays on the Capitol’s West Lawn. The tradition underscores the connection between local communities and the nation’s capital, reminding citizens that even a small town like Mitchell plays a role in a larger national celebration.
Why the event matters to Mitchell
Beyond the festive décor, the tree’s visit offers a chance for local families to gather, for schools to showcase student creativity, and for the city to highlight its place in a historic national tradition. As the holiday season approaches, Mitchell residents can look forward to more community events that celebrate both local pride and national unity.
Original reporting: Dakota News Now KSFY Sioux Falls (local) — read the source article.
