4.5The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs(1.758 reviews) - Wonderful exhibit and museum Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Natural History Museums • Science Museums
America's International Treasure. This National Natural Landmark is an internationally renowned indoor working paleontological site/museum. More than 60 mammoths have been unearthed, as well as over 85 other species of associated Ice Age fauna. Hands-on activities for children and an educational experience for the entire family. One of the top fossil interpretive sites in North America. Open year-round. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota.See more..
4.5South Dakota Air and Space Museum(941 reviews) - Great museum with great history Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
Aircraft that have been flown throughout the eras are on display at South Dakota's premiere free aviation museum! The museum has two major static display venues: First, a outdoor air park filled with WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Cold War, and present day aircraft lets you get close to & touch history. This includes the currently flown B-1B Lancer. Secondly, four historical hangars showcase military history & technology,space tech & EROS, SD aviation, and EAFB local military history in a fresh and immersive walk-through. Mid-May through Mid-September bus tours of nearby Ellsworth AFB and the Minuteman II missile training silo are offered at a nominal fee. You will be able to go inside the silo and on base for a 50 minute guided tour of the only MMII silo open to the public. Make sure you bring your ID or Passport (Non-US) to enjoy the tour!See more..
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..
4.5Adams Museum(717 reviews) - What a place! Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
The Adams Museum is the Black Hills’ oldest history museum. In 1930 pioneer businessman W.E. Adams founded the Adams Museum in downtown Deadwood with the purpose of preserving and displaying the history of the Black Hills. The Adams Museum is home to some of the Black Hills’ greatest treasures including Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget, beloved American illustrator N.C. Wyeth’s pencil sketch drawing of Western legend Wild Bill Hickok, the mysterious Thoen Stone record of the Ezra Kind party’s discovery of gold in the Hills in the 1830s and a one-of-a-kind plesiosaur (marine reptile). In addition to exhibits on all three levels, the Adams General Store is located on the main floor.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..
5.0Akta Lakota Museum(445 reviews) - Great Museum For Those Interested In Native American Culure/History Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Visit the Akta Lakota Museum to experience a living lesson on the Native American way of life, past and present. Each year we receive thousands of visitors from all over the globe that want to deepen their appreciation of Lakota culture. As an outreach program of St. Joseph's Indian School we pride ourselves on not just providing that experience but creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and healing into the hearts of our students as well as our visitors. What makes our museum such a wonderful experience is our focus. We have an outstanding collection of cultural, historical and artistic works that relate specifically to the Northern Plains Indian Tribes, the ancestry of the students served at St. Joseph's. Our historical collection honors the past while our contemporary collection represents the creative spirit of today's world. We work closely with Indian artist and artisans to present contemporary artwork that builds on cultural traditions while expressing itself in new ways. What you take away from your visit is the understanding that Lakota culture is not just a thing of the past. It's alive and thriving today.See more..
It's one of the attraction in Spearfish, the admission is free, there are volunteer staff greet you on the bridge, telling you that you can buy fish food to feed the fish. there are different pack size, minimum is $1 for a small bag. we bought one for the kids to feed the fish. There is a underwater viewing area, historic fish runs, old railcar, a boat, etc. however, due to COVID, many indoor places are closed, e.g. can't go into the Booth House, can't enter the Von Bayer museum, even the railcar, you can't get on it to take a look, quite disappointed, so you can just see those outdoor exhibit, there is 1-2 trails you can walk, but not much to see. Anyway, it's a good place for family with young kids.See more..
Open 361 days a year, the Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History is home to more than 1,000 animals from 137 species including 24 endangered species. The 45-acre park offers up-close views to animals often not found in larger Zoos including Tigers, Rhinos, Bears, Primates, Giraffe, and an award-winning Snow Monkey exhibit. The Zoo also includes the Delbridge Museum of Natural History, a rare collection of 150 mounted animals including 38 “vanishing species.”See more..
4.5Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center(354 reviews) - Insight into Physics of the Universe Saturday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Science Museums • History Museums
Start Your Lead Visit Here - Free Family Fun – Groups & Buses Welcome - Surface mine tours available seasonally. From 1876 to 2001, gold miners pulled more than 40 million ounces of gold from the Homestake Gold Mine. Now, that same gold mine has been converted into the deepest underground science lab in the United States. At the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, discover the history of Lead and the world-class science happening nearly 5000 ft. underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Magnificent views of the open-cut gold mine from the Observation Deck set the scene to inspire curious minds of all ages. Grab a piece of that inspiration at the Museum Store - offering unique souvenirs, educational gifts, and more!See more..
Great variety in their displays as far as time periods, species, sizes, etc. Very well labeled for each species that was informative and easy to read. Interesting historical info of the town and railroad too. Exciting for all ages with dinosaurs hanging from the ceiling, in display cases, on the shelves or in the middle of the room.See more..
4.5Days of '76 Museum(253 reviews) - Super amazing Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums
Live re-creations of the town's rich history started in 1924 through the Days of '76 celebration and award-winning rodeo. The celebration began as a way to honor Deadwood's pioneers - the prospectors, miners, muleskinners and madams who poured into the Black Hills in 1876 to settle the gold-filled gulches of Dakota Territory. Deadwood's newest museum documents the celebration and rodeo. The Days of '76 Museum features exceptional displays of carriages, firearms, American Indian artifacts and illustrates Deadwood's enduring friendship with Buffalo Bill Cody. The Days of '76 Museum is wheelchair accessible. The Mercantile gift shop is located on the first floor.See more..
4.5Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village(235 reviews) - What a gem! Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Natural History Museums
The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is the only archaeological site in South Dakota open to the public. It is a 1,000 year-old village located on the shores of lovely Lake Mitchell. Each summer students from the University of Exeter, England and Augustana University, Sioux Falls continue the excavation of the site. Tours are given every day during the summer months by knowledgeable guides. Plenty of activities for all ages. Visit the museum, the dig site (located in the Archeodome) and Shoppe Antiquary (a gift shop featuring Native American jewelry, pottery, art and more). Our biggest event of the year is Archeology Awareness Days, held on July 2nd and 3rd, 2016. Open Monday thru Saturday 8:00am - 7:00 pm beginning Memorial Day weekend; open Sundays 10:00am to 6:00pm. Open the rest of the year 9:00am - 6:00pm.See more..
4.5Delta-09 Missile Silo(161 reviews) - Very cool Saturday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Military Museums • History Museums
For thirty years during the Cold War, the silo at Delta-09 held a Minuteman II missile at the ready to respond to a Soviet attack. Today, visitors can view a missile in the silo through a modern glass enclosure. Delta-09 is a unit of Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. The Visitor Center is located immediately north of I-90, exit 131. The Launch Control Facility Delta-01 is located ten miles east of Delta-09. (reservations required for tour) and the Delta-09 missile silo is fifteen miles west of the visitor center.See more..
4.0Wounded Knee: The Museum(160 reviews) - Tears Came Out of Nowhere. Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • History Museums
Wounded Knee: The Museum provides an in depth history of the massacre at Wounded Knee Creek in 1890.See more..
4.5Old Courthouse Museum(155 reviews) - History of downtown Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
Beautifully restored 1800s quartzite building has three floors of regional history exhibits.See more..
4.5Black Hills Mining Museum(147 reviews) - Simulated Mine Tour and Museum Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
We are open for the "Season!" The Mining Museum is currently open Monday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm. Walk through time with the "miners" in timbered passages of a simulated underground gold mine, constructed by over 130 Homestake miners. View historic mining artifacts and local history exhibits. Pan your own gold and visit the gift shop.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..
Features a 5-State Regional Museum founded to honor the Old West Pioneers and American Indians of North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming and Montana. Western Artifacts, Western Art, Live Animals and Family History Displays are used as a determinant of Historical Events.See more..
4.5Tri-State Museum(103 reviews) - Surprise on Hwy 85 Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Explore our warm and friendly little museum, featuring the history of cowboys, rodeo, pioneers, mercantile, and military. Also learn about the area's dinosaurs, archaeology and geology. Pick up a great souvenir or gift at our gift shop. Bring the kids! They will love the western activity table, dress-up trunk and discovery boxes. Our Visitor Center is well stocked with maps, travel guides and travel information.See more..
A gathering place for railfans, especially those with an interest in South Dakota railroads. Pictures, facts, and history!See more..
4.5Old Fort Meade Museum(63 reviews) - A Military Presence- History through Today Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums
From Indian Wars to the Civil War to today's VA Hospital, Ft. Meade in SD continues to maintain a valid military presence through history and still today. We learned so much during our visit to the Museum and are so glad we made this stop. We also visited the Ft. Meade Cemetery which reminded us of a small-sized Arlington. Amazing to see grave sites from the Indian Wars and those who served in the Calvary Armies.See more..
4.5Dacotah Prairie Museum(46 reviews) - Nice way to spend a few hours. Saturday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours History Museums
The Dacotah Prairie Museum celebrates 50 years as Brown County’s premier history museum. Over the decades the Museum has been a storehouse for the county’s collective memory and has provided exceptional archival, research, exhibit and educational services. The Museum is housed in the historic Northwestern Bank building built in 1889, a cornerstone of Aberdeen’s vibrant downtown district. Exhibits on display highlight Brown County's history and the people who lived here past and present. Art exhibits by local artists rotate through the galleries on a regular basis as well as traveling STEM and history exhibits. Finish your visit with a spin through The Mercantile gift shop for a fun and memorable takeaway souvenir.See more..
4.5Dakota Discovery Museum(35 reviews)from $7.70 - An awesome find—great art and Dakota history Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Dakota Discovery Museum tells the story of people who came to the northern Plains. We preserve that past and inform the present by uniquely combining art and artifact to tell the story of this region in a way that contributes to building the future of the people of the Dakotas.See more..
Not sure what or how to review this place. It's interesting, yes. But certainly in need of some repairs.See more..
4.5Grand River Museum(29 reviews) - Road Less Traveled Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums
Due to a road closure in the Cheyenne River reservation, I was told about my options at the gas station in Faith SD. Having all day, we chose to go north under a 'gotta see the museum in Lemon' advise of a local. I did not expect the comparisons of faith vs science, but was not overwhelmed by experiencing a point of view I had only heard about. I enjoyed the displays they had of the origins of the town, the general displays of life for the settlers and was impressed with the dinosaur displays. The movie The Revenant has new meaning for me. The couple tending the museum turned out to be true insiders, with the gentleman being the discoverer of the partial triceratops skull on display. A very good experience!See more..
The South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum is the official state museum that collects, preserves and interprets the history, science of agriculture and rural life in South Dakota. The museum offers a variety of educational programming and tours. Group tours are available - reservations are required. The Museum Store specializes in regionally made products that capture the spirit of South Dakota in every gift.See more..
4.5George and Eleanor McGovern Library(21 reviews) - He cared so much Spent 1-2 hours Military Museums • Speciality Museums • History Museums
How could America not elect this man President. Then again, how could in 2016... He was so giving and caring about others. I was 12 years old when he ran for president. I was living in Miami Beach and that's where the Democratic convention was that year. All the candidates had offices that I visited. I remember some of the candidates like Scoop Jackson, George Wallace, Hubert Humphrey, and most of all Shirley Chisholm. I collected all the bumper stickers and buttons for the candidates that year. This guy was special though. I think people thought he was going to bring the country back to the Kennedy years. I spent a good 45 minutes in this small well curated museum and learned a lot about George McGovern. I didn't know about his commitment to ending world hunger - that he teamed up with Senator Bob Dole on a worldwide campaign to feed the poor. Man I wish we had leaders like that now. This was a great catch!See more..
We are continually researching names of the men who served in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in South Dakota. We print the roster periodically and it is available for review at the Museum. Over 30,000 men served in South Dakota between 1933 and 1942. We have collected over 20,000 names to date. Photos, artifacts, documents are also on display.See more..
4.0De Smet Depot Museum(16 reviews) - Children should see the Depot Museum. History Museums
This museum containing memorabilia from the area is inside the old train depot. Don't let the first room, filled with old clothes and shoes, turn you off. The other rooms have old type writers, an old dentist's office, and old kitchen items. There are a lot of items from the past that today's young children haved never seen. There are at least 3 other buildings on the property. Children would like the natural history building filled with trophies and furs from various animals. There's also a building containing the original printing press for their newspaper and a school house. it's conveniently located in town behind the library. Admission is free. I believe they take donations.See more..
5.0World Fossil Finder Museum(15 reviews) - Surprisingly great fossil museum Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums • Natural History Museums • Science Museums • Children's Museums • History Museums
The World Fossil Finder Museum is not your typical fossil museum but a museum with several world wide first fossil discoveries. We are a family friendly museum that wants to inspire and educate children and adults of all ages to enjoy learning about the natural wonders of the world.See more..
3.5Mead Cultural Education Center(15 reviews) - Worth the stop Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Children's Museums • History Museums
The Mead Cultural Education Center is home to the Dakota Territorial Museum and Children's Transportation Museum. It features permanent and traveling exhibits.See more..
4.5Historic 1914 C&NW RR Depot Museum & Visitor Center(9 reviews) - Classy station Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers • History Museums This is one of the most beautiful places for hundreds of miles around. They have a great history of the local county plus plenty of tourist items!See more..
5.0Mellette House(9 reviews) - A must-stop! Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums • Architectural Buildings • History Museums
A great way to experience South Dakota history. We toured on a Sunday afternoon & we’re impressed by the restored home of South Dakota’s first Governor. The spiral staircase is an incredible masterpiece!See more..
5.0Klein Museum(8 reviews) - Nice Saturday learning experience Natural History Museums • History Museums
A wonderful museum of area history. The exhibits portrayed the life in the prairie over the years. Self paced tour, friendly staff.See more..
4.5South Dakota Hall of Fame(8 reviews) - Impressive Saturday: Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Our mission is to champion a culture of excellence in South Dakota. Excellence exists in many forms and is identified through the success stories of those inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. South Dakota has many individuals and organizations embracing excellence as a core value. Visit the South Dakota Hall of Fame and immerse yourself in our featured videos and exhibits. You will not only learn much about South Dakota, but you will also walk away inspired! Follow their examples - Chase your Dream - Be a Champion!See more..
We were here going some family research. The archive staff were just incredible! We helpful and knowledge and polite. We cant thank the enough. See more..
This sobering tour is a must for anyone interested in the truth of how native people were treated by the US Government. Thank you for the education.See more..
5.0Codington County Historical Museum(7 reviews) - Super helpful Saturday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM History Museums The staff at the museum was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about Watertown. They brought out all of the resources we needed to find a lost ancestor and helped find information that we would not have thought of on our own. See more..
5.0Dakota Sunset Museum(6 reviews) - Gettysburg West Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
A gem worthy of a detour while in S.D. The ladies were welcoming and rightfully proud of their small collection--spending an hour with us answering all kinds of general and specific questions about the displays and their historical significance. Highlights include information on the region's Native American heritage as well as the more than 200 civil war veterans who settled there in the 1880s. The fascinating history of a 40-ton medicine rock is also featured. Admission to the museum and parking is free. Be sure to visit the "Little House on the Prairie" era one-room schoolhouse, small barn, and blacksmith shop on site. Looking for a cup of coffee, the staff directed us to the town's coffee shop/gift shop/general store where we were pleasantly surprised by the specialty coffees and wide selection of merchandise. Don't miss the Potter County Courthouse in town which features the impressive outdoor Veteran's Memorial. Street parking is also free.See more..
I really enjoyed myself at their tractor show. Everyone was so cordial and welcoming to us. Lots of reasonably priced food and crafts great exhibits. Nice flea market. Towns people that we did business with were very friendly.See more..
Enjoyable stop! Lots of interesting displays,friendly staff, and even given a free pink quartz stone as a souvenir!See more..
4.5Buechel Memorial Lakota Museum(4 reviews) - Moving Unlike Other Museums Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums Small, open irregularly (call if you want to visit). Intimate, personal artifacts displayed in a telling way. I have been to many museums with Native American displays. This one was different in a way that spoke to me. Highly recommended. The road to the museum is rough. St Francis is a small village. The time you spend will be worth it.See more..
4.5W.H. Over Museum(4 reviews) - a treasure for history museum buffs Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums • History Museums
I was surprised that this museum was not listed. It is a must see place when you are in the area. The museum was set up by W.H. Over, a self educated archeologist / scientist. It shows a large variety items collected by Dr. Over end 19th/early 20th century (including minerals, fossils, archaeological and biological items). It is a unique collection you will not find anywhere else. The displays are authentic. They invite you to view them in detail. The other exhibitions in the museum deal with a variety of subjects: e.g. native Americans in the area, Lewis & Clark (Spirit Mound), life in and development of this part of South Dakota. There was even a special exhibition showing the history of Kodak photography cameras. The staff was very friendly and available to answer any question I had.See more..
Located in Fort Pierre SD, the museum is named for the Verendrye brothers (Louis and Chevalier) who reached this approximate location in 1743 and promptly buried a lead plate in a hillside claiming the entire Missouri watershed for France. The museum contains many plains artifacts, but no lead plate has ever been found! Worth a visit to see what 'the real America' finds valuable and memorable. Open Monday's-Saturday's 9-5. Sunday's 11-4.See more..
5.0Eureka Pioneer Museum(2 reviews) - Eureka Pioneer Museum Saturday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM History Museums Great museum, brings back many fond memories of growing up on the farm. Extraordinary accumulation of exhibits and photo's with some "hands on" experiences .See more..
5.0Timber Lake Museum(1 review) - Interesting Museum, Worth the Stop Spent 1-2 hours History Museums
Awesome local history museum, containing a variety of fossils and historical artifacts. I was mainly interested in the fossil exhibits, which I found informative and well-labeled. I was surprised by the high number of fossils in such a small museum. It was definitely worth the short detour. Did not look at the other sections, but I'm sure they would impress any history buff. FYI, the museum is free!See more..
4.0Newell Museum(1 review) - History on Newell History Museums Our family went there to learn more about Newell history and was amazed on what happened in the past it was very interesting we all loved itSee more..
Our group was visiting and doing some mission work on the Rosebud Reservation, home of the Sicangu Sioux. This little museum was pointed out to us and we decided to take a look at it. What a local gem!! This is a small museum but it provides a nice overview of the history and culture of the people of the Rosebud. There is a small section for children that has "hands on" exhibits that would be fun and educational. There are quite a few artifacts that depict life as it was in the early days of the Reservation. There are examples of clothing and many other items that provide a good primer for this area. If you are in Mission, this is a must see. There is a larger museum, I am told, in St. Francis about half an hour away. We did not have time to visit that one, but this was a nice brief look at the lives of the Sicanju. There is also an archives section upstairs dedicated to genealogical research. Please go visit this place if you are in the area! I will definitely be back!See more..
