4.5Minuteman Missile National Historic Site(850 reviews) - Very Interesting Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • National Parks • History Museums
The Cold War was the defining historical event of the last half of the 20th century. It led to fear, panic, and distrust symbolized by a nuclear arms race between the United States and Soviet Union. The Minuteman Missile is an iconic weapon in the American nuclear arsenal. Minuteman Missile National Historic site consists of three sites along a fifteen mile stretch of Interstate 90 in Western South Dakota. The Visitor Center is located immediately north of I-90, exit 131. The Launch Control Facility Delta-01 is located four miles west (tickets required for entry) and the Delta-09 missile silo is fifteen miles west of the visitor center.See more..
This old town looked quite authentic. It is located behind a 14 sided red barn. Price was $20 a person. Inside the barn is an antique store and gift store and upstairs are props from “Dances With Wolves”. All the town buildings were dusty and seemed a little run down. The best one was the saloon and its bar and tables with all the old clothes in back. It looks like they could be tried on with photos taken during the summer season. There are also old trains on the property and a train diner when in season. See more..
4.5Adams House(505 reviews) - Wonderful Look at the Past Temporarily closed - Closed until Mar 31, 2023 Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
The Historic Adams House was built in 1892 by Deadwood pioneers Harris and Anna Franklin. Local contemporary press described the home as "the grandest house west of the Mississippi." The elegant Queen Anne-style house heralded a wealthy and socially prominent new age for Deadwood, a former rough and tumble gold mining town. Harris and Anna Franklin’s son Nathan bought the house for $1 in 1905. In 1920, Nathan Franklin sold the house to W.E. and Alice Adams for $8,500. Adams' second wife Mary closed up the house in 1936, two years after W.E.'s death, leaving the contents and furnishings intact.See more..
A small monument to the natives killed in the Wounded Knee massacre.See more..
4.5Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes(230 reviews) - Another site crossed off my list Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
We invite you to visit the historic homes of famous author, Laura Ingalls Wilder. Have a fun filled day visiting the Surveyors’ House from By the Shores of Silver Lake. Attend class in the First School of De Smet, the original school that Laura and Carrie attended and visit the home that “Pa” built in 1887. Visit the Discovery Center for Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes pioneer activities! Try to sew on a treadle sewing machine, dress like a pioneer, and learn to read Braille. Each summer a new exhibit is on display of original belongings of Laura and her family. A must for all Laura fans.See more..
Original dirt-sod dug out home and outbuildings built in 1909 by Ed and Alice Brown on their 160 acre claim. Experience farm life as the pioneers did. Dress up as a pioneer if you'd like as you step back to homestead days. Live farm animals and rare white prairie dogs entertain. Video in visitor center. Audio history in sod dug out home.See more..
3.5Four Mile Old West Town(141 reviews) - When in the Custer region, this is a must- do! Historic Sites • Ghost Towns
The very nice lady at the reception alone is worth the $ 7.50 income! She tells you the brief history of the "town". When you enter this open air museum, you could be dissapointed at first site. The buildings are not maintained very well. But I think that's part of the charm. The wonderful thing is, that you can actually enter in every building and the have short, funny educational stories on the door post of every building. I enjoyed it very much!See more..
4.5Pettigrew Home & Museum(135 reviews) - Touring the Pettigrew Home & Museum Saturday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Welcome to the Past! Tour the elegant 1889 Queen Anne-style home of South Dakota’s first senator, Richard Pettigrew. Take a guided tour of the historic home, or browse the museum galleries and discover the Sioux Falls of the late 1800s. Free admission. Free parking. Wheelchair accessible. Open Monday through Sunday.See more..
5.0Cultural Heritage Center(115 reviews) - A walk through history Historic Sites • History Museums
Not your typical museum structure, this one is built into the side of hill, and much of it is underground. A contemporary version of a traditional Native American dwelling, this beautiful building features Native American (mostly the Sioux tribes) and pioneer exhibits, with many rare artifacts tracing the history of South Dakota.See more..
Paid $10 to tour the downstairs where Wild Bill was shot. Thought it was fun, the speaker was really good and knowledgeable. Had the beer taster while we waited and really enjoyed the Buffalo Snot. Bartender was chatty and entertaining.See more..
4.5Petrified Wood Park(52 reviews) - Must stop if you’re remotely close Historic Sites • Parks
One of many stops in the area. Great small SD community. The real North West. Park is a sight to see. Museum is a great step back in time. Absolutely fantastic See more..
4.5Spirit Mound(51 reviews) - Great views of the surrounding area Historic Sites
We had an easy walk along the 8/10 mile path (about 18 minutes each way), and welcomed the good signage and explanations of what we were seeing and the ties to Lewis and Clark. We ascended the hill at the end of August, almost exactly the same day they did. Before going up, there is a pit toilet in the parking lot. Signs warm you that there is no shade or water—wear a hot and carry a water bottle.See more..
4.5Sculptor's Studio(13 reviews) - Mount Rushmore Display Historic Sites
We made a brief stop at the Sculptor's Studio during our visit to the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. They have a 1/12th scale model of how the sculpture was desiged that includes more than just the busts as completed. Apparently they hit "bad" rock and could not include the additional details. It's very cool (and a bit disappointing) to see what could have been.See more..
5.0Pine Ridge Indian Reservation(9 reviews) - A moving visit Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
I was able to visit this reservation of the Lakota Indians - and having a wonderful local guide found the whole visit a truly moving experience. Gus Yellowhair was our guide' along with his daughter, and he was so honest and genuine in explaining their past history. I live in the UK, and what I saw, heard and experienced is still with me, and I count it a privilege to have visited this place. Gus took us to the college which had a cultural centre where we were able to listen to an audio talk, accompanied by pictures on the wall - so informative. The highlight was, of course, a trip the site of the Wounded Knee massacre back in the 1890's. You couldn't help but stand there, stare at the empty field and look at the mass grave, and listen to the silent cries of those once proud people massacred - men, women and children. A very educational visit for me, and it is good to hear the story from the Indian point of view. Very moving, thank you to all who showed me around.See more..
4.5Pickler Mansion(6 reviews) - A lucky opportunity to visit Historic Sites
We drew up at the house just as they are about to lock up the guide had broken her leg previously , however she called her colleague and asked her to come back so we could have a full tour upstairs. What a treasure this house is the young person who showed us round was very informative about the house its history and its occupants. It is in the care of the local historical society and they have worked wonders in restoring it while still keeping the original feel of the house. It is well worth a visit if you are in the area as is Faulkton itself if not just for the warmth of the people who live there. See more..
Fort Pierre Chouteau was one of the most important fur trade forts of the western frontier. The town of Fort Pierre is named after Pierre Chouteau Jr, the founder of the fort. Photo: Ft. Pierre Chouteau Watercolor by Frederick Behman 1854 State Archives of the South Dakota State Historical SocietySee more..
5.0Scenic Ghost Town(2 reviews) - A Real Abandoned Ghost Town Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Finally found a real ghost town. Scenic SD, home of the Longhorn Saloon. Has been abandoned for over a century. I liked the combo church-jail building with the cells right out on the street.See more..
This spot is the only place to take a break between Newell and Faith. The view is always incredible. It’s the perfect place to walk around a bit and maybe relax at one of the tables. Travel safe.See more..
4.5Aspire Boutique(2 reviews) - You need to see this place Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Historic Sites
Welcome to the land of enchantment! Experience the artistic and magical Aspire Boutique in Lead, SD Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm *Shiny things inside! *Metaphysical supplies *Out of this world jewelry *Incense & Sage *Bath & body *Spiritual literature *Treasures for all agesSee more..
First established on September 24, 1878, by the surviving members of George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry, not long after Fort Meade was constructed. It was named for General George Meade. It has been closed to new interments since the end of World War II. Fort Meade National Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 22, 1973.See more..
