Historical Museum Guide for South Dakota

South Dakota History Museums

Plankinton Historical Museum  

Operated by the Aurora County Historical Society, the museum is housed inside the old Railroad Hotel and features historical artifacts from the pioneer days of Plankinton and Aurora County.  Located one block from the Aurora County Court house in Plankinton, SD.

The Dakotaland Museum

The Dakotaland Museum houses over 5000 historical artifacts from the past of the Beadle County region of South Dakota.  Exhibits include the Kouf Family natural history collection of birds and mammals, a historic log cabin, farm machinery, and other antique items.  Located on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds on 3rd Street in Huron, SD.

The Pyle House Museum  

Built 1893-1894, the Queen Anne style house was once home to John L. Pyle (Dakota Territory and South Dakota Attorney General).  The house has been restored and Located at 376 Idaho Avenue Southeast in Huron, SD.

The historic Church was moved from the village of Bon Homme to it's present location and holds the museum for Bon Homme County history.  The museum features many historic items related to the history of Bon Homme County donated by area residents along with documents, photos and antiques.  Other historic structures have been moved to the site.  Located at 108 West 14th Avenue in Tyndall, SD.

South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum  

[Photos]

Focused on the agricultural history and rural heritage of South Dakota, the museum features an 1882 homestead claim shack, a 1915 recreated farmhouse and many exhibits of antique farm equipment.  Located on the campus of the South Dakota State University at the corner of Medary Avenue and 11 Street in Brookings, SD.

Dedicated to telling the story of the Dakota Prairie and it's inhabitants, the museum is located in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  You will find exhibits related to the early settlers, the railroad and Native Americans in the area.  Featured exhibits include The Building of Brown County, The Hutterites and Lakota Life.

[Lakota Culture]

The Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center is focused on promoting the knowledge and understanding of the culture of the Northern Plains Indians, past, present and future through the preservation of historical artifacts and contemporary artworks.  Located at St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, SD.

South Dakota Hall of Fame

Devoted to famous and influential people who hail from South Dakota, the South Dakota Hall of Fame is located at 1480 S. Main in Chamberlain, SD.

[Belle Fourche History]

The museum is focused on the history of the Belle Fourche in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  Exhibits include pioneer living, Cattle Companies, Sheep and Wool and Military items.  Located on the museum grounds is the Johnny Spaulding log cabin which has been restored and is open for tours.  Located at 415 5th Avenue in Belle Fourche, SD.

Geddes Historic Village features historical buildings filled with authentic displays and antiques.  Structures include the Original Papineau Trading Post, a schoolhouse, the childhood home of South Dakota's famed governor, Peter Norbeck, the WNAX Building, a pioneer cemetery and others.  Visitors who tour the historic village will get a glimpse into yesteryear.  Located along the historic Lewis and Clark Trail on Main Street just south of downtown Geddes, SD.

The complex features several historic structures including Crandall Church, a depot, Pioneer House and the Madden Claim Shanty.  Visitors will learn about the history of Clark County.  Located 1/2 block North of Highway 212 on Idaho Street in Clark, SD.

Classic Wheels Museum

The museum features classic automobiles and a model of the City of Clark in earlier tines.  Located at 424 1st Avenue E in Clark, SD.

Willow Lake Museum

The museum preserves and displays data and artifacts pertaining to the history of the people who lived in Willow Lake, SD and the surrounding area.

The beautiful Italian Villa was built in 1883 and is filled with Victorian furnishings along with historic items, historical records and documents from the area.  The house is home to the Clay County Historical Society.  Located at 15 Austin Street in Vermillion, SD.

The National Music Museum

The museum featured over 15,000 musical instruments from all over the world, from all cultures and historical periods of time.  Located at 414 East Clark Street in Vermillion, SD.

W. H. Over Museum

The museum is focused on the collection, preservation, documentation, exhibition and study of historical objects and items related to natural history in South Dakota.  Located at 1110 University Street in Vermillion, SD.

Operated by the Codington County Historical Society, the museum is dedicated to the preservation, history and heritage of Codington County and the Coteau des Prairie region of northeastern South Dakota.  Located at 27 1st Avenue SE in Watertown, SD.

Crazy Horse Memorial   [History and Photos]

Nestled in the Black Hills of South Dakota is the world's largest mountain carving.  Funded and operated by the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation in 1949, the Crazy Horse Memorial has grown to a large complex featuring museums, educational programs and conference facilities.  Located at 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs in Crazy Horse, SD.

Indian Museum of North America

Holdings include an amazing collection of art and artifacts related to the culture of the American Indian people.  From authentic tee pees to Indian artifacts which were donated both by Native Americans and non-natives, the museum is a sheer treasure trove of American Indian history.  Located at 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs in Crazy Horse, SD.

Native American Educational & Cultural Center

Part of the Crazy Horse Memorial complex.  Provides hands on experiences for visitors to the Crazy Horse Memorial.  Features how to set up a Lakota tipi, Lakota Indian games, activity tables where visitors can make crafts and other activities to delight and educate visitors.  Located inside the Crazy Horse Memorial complex at 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs in Crazy Horse, SD.

The Corn Palace

[Corn Palace Festival]  [History]

Originally established in 1892 as The Corn Belt Exposition, today's Corn Palace is a tribute to the agricultural heritage of South Dakota.  In days past, early settlers of SD displayed the fruits of their harvest on the building to show the fertility of South Dakota soil.  The building which stands on this site currently was built in 1921 and is the third "Corn Palace".  Festivals, concert and events are presented here.  Located at 604 North Main Street in Mitchell, SD.

Dakota Discovery Museum

The museum features exhibits related to Native American culture and early American settlers of South Dakota.  Historical artifacts dating from the 1600s through 1940s are on display.  The site is not just a museum - there is a complex of historical structures located at the site including: The 1886 Beckwith House, the 1914 Dimock Train Depot, the 1884 Sheldon Schoolhouse, and the 1908 Farwell Church allowing visitors to take a step back in time the pioneer days of South Dakota.  Located on the campus of Dakota Wesleyan University at 1300 McGovern Avenue in Mitchell, SD.

Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village

The archaeological site is an active research center and a National Historic Landmark.  On display, are many historic artifacts which have been found during the annual digs at this archaeological site.  Many hands-on activities are included for children and can even dig for a free arrowhead.  Native American art and jewelry and crafts are on display and offered for sale as well.  Located at 3200 Indian Village Road on the shores of Lake Mitchell just two miles north of downtown Mitchell, SD.

Telstar Mustang Shelby Cobra Restorations & Museum

Featuring the most complete privately owned, fully restored collection of Mustangs in existence.  Located at 1300-1400 S. Kimball Street in Mitchell, SD.

Day County Museum

Focused on the history of Day County, the museum is housed inside the basement of the Day County Courthouse.  Visitors will find hundreds of historic artifacts donated by citizens of Day County, old photographs of Webster, Native American items and other interesting articles.  Located at 711 West 1st Street in Webster, SD.

Clear Lake Historical Society & Museum

[Photo Gallery]

Housed inside part of the historic 1901 Lockhart building, the Clear Lake Historical Society operates a museum devoted to the preservation of the history and artifacts of Clear Lake, South Dakota.  Behind the museum is the old Lakeside District 18 schoolhouse which was moved to that location in 1987.  Located at 100 S. Cloud in Clear Lake, SD.

Timber Lake & Area Historical Society & Museum

Visitors to the Timberlake & Area Historical Society & Museum will find Lakota Indian artifacts, fossils, Ranch & Rodeo items, western artifacts, early pioneer history, dinosaur bones and extensive genealogy files.  Located at 800 Main Street in Timber Lake, SD.

Douglas County Museum & Country School

Douglas County Museum & Country School on Facebook

Housed inside the old 1902 County Auditor and Register of Deeds Offices, the museum houses antique items which once belonged to early settlers of Armour and Douglas County, American Indian artifacts, military items, and early photographs of the Douglas County area.  The museum complex also operates the 1884 Hockey-Helland School which contains some original furnishings along with other antique school items.  The 1886 Railroad House is also part of the complex.  Located on the grounds of the Douglas County Courthouse along HWY 281 in Armour, SD.

J. W. Parmley Historical Home

The Parmley House is the historic home of J. W. Parmley (Edmunds County pioneer).  Operated by the J. W. Parmley Historical Home Society, the house is located at 319 Fourth Street in Ipswich, SD. 

J. W. Parmley Western Lands Office

Also operated by the J. W. Parmley Historical Home Society, the structure houses a museum of historical exhibits from Ipswich and Edmunds County.  Located at 115 Main Street in Ipswich, SD.

Pioneer Museum

[History and Photos]

The Pioneer Museum is housed in a sandstone school building built in 1893.  Filled with antique treasures from days gone by in Fall River County, you will get a taste of what life was like a century ago.  Located at 300 North Chicago in Hot Springs, SD.

Wind Cave National Park   [Video Clips]

One of the longest and most complex cave systems in the world can be toured daily.  Located on US Highway 385 in Hot Springs, SD.

Located at 814 Court Street in Franklin, SD.

Pickler Mansion

The pink Victorian mansion was once home to South Dakota's first congressman, John A. Pickler and is filled with original furnishings.  Adjacent to Pickler Mansion is the Maloney School Museum.  Located at 900 8th Avenue S. in Faulkton, SD.

Grant County Historical Museum

Housed inside the original Milbank Carnegie Library.  Located at 211 S. 3rd Street in Milbank, SD.

Fort Randall, The Chapel and The Dam

Fort Randall Military Post was begun in 1856.  The Fort Randall Chapel was built in 1875 and served as a meeting hall and Church.  Fort Randall was abandoned in 1892 and the Church, hit by lightening in 1896 has deteriorated greatly.  Visitors to Fort Randall Chapel historic site will find a self-interpretive trail. Fort Randall Dam & Powerplant was built between 1946 and 1956.  It serves as a power plant and flood control.  The Fort Randall Visitor Center is located on the west edge of Pickstown, SD along US High 281 and 18.

Gregory County History Museum

Housed inside the former St. Augustine's Catholic Church, the museum is located at the SE corner of 6th and Main Streets in Dallas, SD.

Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Visitors will learn about the history of the Cold War, the arms race and the intercontinental ballistic missile development.  Featuring ranger-guided tours.  Begin your tours at the Minuteman Missile Visitor Contact Station located on the south side of Exit 131 off I-90 in western South Dakota next to the Conoco gas station.  This is 75 miles east of Rapid City.

Prairie Homestead

The Prairie Homestead was once the home of Mr. & Mrs. Ed Brown, an original sod home (soddie) that was built in 1909.  The Visitor Center features an informative movie and allows visitors to dress in Early Pioneer attire while touring the old out buildings and sod house.   Located 1/2 mile to the north of the east entrance to South Dakota's Badlands National Park.

West River Society Museum

Has been closed down.  Located at 201 N. Wood Avenue in Philip, SD.

Visitors to the McWhorter House Museum and Miller Depot will get a glimpse into the Victorian past of Miller, SD.  The home is filled with antique furnishings, Victorian decor, household items from the past and antique medical equipment.  The Miller Depot houses the Miller archives.  Located at Located at 426 N. Broadway in Miller, SD.

Devoted to the natural history and rich heritage of Buffalo County, the museum holds homestead items, fossils, newspaper files, family histories and information about military veterans from the area.  Located on U.S. Highway 85 in Buffalo, SD.

Bear Butte State Park and Visitor Center

The Bear Butte Education Center offers visitors information about the geology of Mato Paha (Bear Mountain) along with history and culture of the Cheyenne and Lakota Indians.  Bear Mountain is sacred to many Indian tribes who hold religious ceremonies there.  You will find buffalo herds roaming at the base of the Butte.  Located in the Black Hills, about 6 miles NE of Sturgis off Hwy 79.

Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society

Operated by the South Dakota State Historical Society, the museum's mission is to promote an understanding and appreciation of South Dakota's heritage and history through collections, exhibits and programs.  Collections include historical artifacts, photographs, full-scale dioramas and interactive displays.  Located at 900 Governors Drive in Pierre, SD.

South Dakota National Guard Museum

The museum functions as a repository of historical information for both the Army and the Air National Guard.  Focus is on the collection, preservation, protection and display of military equipment, records, relics and memorabilia related to the heritage of the Dakota Militia and the SD Army and Air National Guard.  Located at 301 East Dakota in Pierre, SD.

Heritage Museum

Focused on the preservation of rare artifacts used by our ancestors, the museum has over 20,000 objects on display.  Collections include historic artifacts related to the early German-Russian immigrants, antique autos, motorcycles, airplanes, Indian relics, and other items of interest.  Located at 748 S. Main Street in Freeman, SD.

[Visitors Guide / Brochure]  [Directions to Badlands National Park]

The raw and beautiful formations of the Badlands National Park contain one of the world's richest fossil beds.  Today, the protected area is home to bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and black footed ferrets.  There are three entrances to the park and a Visitor's Center where visitors may find helpful information about the park and how to explore it.

Pioneer Auto Museum

Devoted to the collection, preservation, documentation and the display of historical items related to the history of the Lake County area from the mid-1800s to the present time.  Located at 221 NE 8th Street in Madison, SD.

Smith Zimmermann Heritage Museum  

[History]

Devoted to the collection, preservation, documentation and the display of historical items related to the history of the Lake County area from the mid-1800s to the present time.  Located at 221 NE 8th Street in Madison, SD.

Adams House Museum

[Slideshows]

Built in 1892 by Harris and Anna Franklin (Deadwood pioneers), the beautiful Queen Anne-style house has been restored and features historical exhibits and artifacts devoted to the the heritage and culture of the Deadwood area of South Dakota.  Enjoy a guided tour of the Adams House which is filled with original furnishings.  Located at 22 Van Buren Avenue in Deadwood, SD.

Deadwood's Adams Museum

[History of Deadwood]  [Historic Photos]

[Timeline for City of Deadwood]

Deadwood's oldest museum features historical artifacts which reflect the infamous past of the legends of Deadwood, including Will Bill, Calamity Jane and Deadwood Dick.  Visitors will explore the mystery, tragedy, bawdiness, history, art and natural history of the Black Hills.  Located at 54 Sherman Street in Deadwood, SD.

Homestake Adams Research & Cultural Center

 The HARCC protects and makes accessible fo the first time ever, the history of the Homestake Mining Company.  The archival collection includes mining deeds, land claims, mineral surveys, photographs, ledgers, timber contracts and many other historical documents related to the history of this mining company from 1876 to 2002.Located at 150 Sherman Street in Deadwood, SD.

Black Hills Mining Museum

[History]

The mining heritage of the Black Hills of South Dakota is the primary focus of the museum.  Visitors will take a 45 minute tour of the simulated underground level of the Homestake Gold Mine and learn about gold mining in Lead, South Dakota.  Visitors will learn the rudimentary basics of gold panning and take home a sample of real placer gold they panned for themselves.  Located at 323 W. Main Street in Lead, SD.

Lyman County Museum

Focused on the history of Lyman County, the museum is located at 209 W. Highway 16 in Presho, SD.

Fort Sisseton Historic State Park

Erected in 1864 on top of the Coteau des Prairies as a frontier army outpost called Fort Wadsworth, many of the historic buildings are still standing.  The historic site has been named after the Sisseton Indian Tribe.  Visitors will find stone barracks, officers' quarters, a guard house and many other old structures.  Annually, the Fort Sisseton Historic Festival is featured at the site and offers period entertainment and re-enactments.  A Visitor Center holds interpretive displays related to the history of Fort Sisseton along with a gift shop.  Located 10 miles southwest of Lake City off of US Highway 10 in Marshall County, SD.

The museum features historical items, documents and photographs related to the local history of McCook County.  Located at 44476 251st Street in Salem, SD.

The museum is focused on the history of McPherson County and pioneers.  Historical artifacts are on display and at times they offer pioneer demonstrations.  Located at 1708 J Avenue in Eureka, SD.

Buffalo Ridge Cowboy Ghost Town

Visit Main Street in a ghost town with it's rustic buildings, antiques, Lakota Indian artifacts and even buffalo burgers!  Located on I-90 at Exit 390 in Sioux Falls, SD.

Center for Western Studies

Old Courthouse Museum

The grandeur of this 1893 quartzite courthouse has been restored and features three floors of historical exhibits and artifacts related to Sioux Falls history.  Located at 6th and Main in downtown Sioux Falls, SD.

Pettigrew Historic Home and Museum

Tour an 1889 Queen Anne style home which belonged to SD senator R. F. Pettigrew.  This beautiful home has authentic furnishings and offers a glimpse into the Sioux Falls of yesteryear.  Located at 8th and Duluth in Sioux Falls, SD.

Historic Sioux Falls

USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial

A memorial dedicated to the most decorated battleship of WWII, it was built to honor those who served on this ship and the 42 who died on board.  Located in Sherman Park at the corner of 12th Street and Kiwanis Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD.

The museum features historical artifacts on display along with family history files, Rural school records, and military memorabilia.  The archives preserve the history of the Flandreau Santee Sioux; the Flandreau Indian School and the Reva Smith Photo Gallery.  Located at 706 East Pipestone Avenue in Flandreau, SD.

Black Hills Central Railroad 1880 Train

[Photographs]

Take a tour of the Black Hills of South Dakota on this historic 1880 steam train ride.  Located at 222 Railroad Avenue in Hill City, SD.

The Journey Museum  

[Exhibits]

The Journey Museum features four major prehistoric and historic collections which tell the story of the Western Great Plains of America.  Visitors will learn about the history of the Lakota people, the early pioneers who settled here, the dinosaurs found buried in the prairie soil, the Black Hills Sioux and the history of the Black Hills.  There are several major collections which make up the Journey Museum.  They include the Museum of Geology, the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, the South Dakota Historical Society's Archeology Research Center, Indian Arts and Craft Board's Sioux Indian Museum, the Minnilusa Historical Association and the City of Rapid City Duhamel Plains Indian Artifact Collection.  Located at 222 New York Street in Rapid City, SD.

Keystone Area Historical Society Museum  

[History]

Housed inside the old Keystone Schoolhouse built in 1900, the museum features displays of mining artifacts, historical photos, rock and mineral collections and exhibits about Carrie Ingalls who lived here.  Operated by the Keystone Area Historical Society, the museum is located at 410 3rd Street in Keystone, SD.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

[History & Culture]

The famed sculpture depicts colossal statues of Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt carved into the mountains symbolizing American freedom.  Located on Highway 244 about 2 miles from Keystone, SD.

National Presidential Wax Museum

Visitors will enjoy the life-size figures of all US Presidents displayed in authentic period costumes and accurately depicted settings.  Located 6 miles from Mount Rushmore at 609 Highway 16A in Keystone, SD.

Wade's Gold Mill and Mining Museum  

[Tour]

Visitors will learn about gold mining in the Black Hills of South Dakota through antique mining equipment, exhibits and displays.  The museum features a rare, working one-stamp gold mill.  Learn how to pan for gold and go home with some gold to show your friends when you purchase a lesson.  Located at 12401 Deerfield Road in Hill City, SD.

Wounded Knee Museum

The focus of this Lakota Indian museum is to learn what really happened to the Lakota Indian Tribe at Wounded Knee.  The web site itself, is like a fine work of art.  You will find information about the Wounded Knee massacre, museum hours and  information, a lovely online gift shop and information for descendants of the Lakotas.  The site also includes some great historic photos.

Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West

The museum features displays and exhibits of historic artifacts, documents and photographs related to ranching history, Native American history, the Bismarck-Deadwood Trail and other items of historical relevance to the Corson County area.  The museum also areas devoted to Creation Science and dinosaurs.  Located at 114 10th Street West in Lemmon, SD.

The museum preserves and exhibits history of the local pioneers of the area.  The well-known 40 ton Medicine Rock which is sacred to the Lakota Tribe is featured here.  Some genealogy information is available in the museum which is located at 205 W. Commercial Ave in Gettysburg, SD.

The Heritage Center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation features exhibits and art related to the rich culture and history of the Lakota people.  Located at 100 Mission Drive in Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, SD.

Operated by the Spink County Historical Society, the museum features historical artifacts and items related to the early history of Spink County.  Located at the corner of 3rd Street E. & 8th Avenue E. in Redfield, SD.

Built in 1832, the Fort site is a national historic landmark.  Dismantled in 1857 to build Fort Randall, there is very little that remains of the structure.  Located about one mile north of Fort Pierre, SD off of Highway 1806 on Fort Choteau Road.

Verendrye Museum

Housed in the old 1930s American Legion Hall, the Verendrye Museum is operated by The Historical Society of Old Stanley County.  Exhibits include a large collection of historical artifacts documenting the early history of the City of Fort Pierre and surrounding area.  Located at 08 East 2nd Avenue in Fort Pierre, SD.

Old Fort Sully

[History, Map and Photo of Fort Sully, SD]

Constructed in 1863 of cottonwood logs by Sully's troops, the Fort was used to protect settlers from Indian uprisings, however, the fort was abandoned due to poor conditions.  No buildings remain at the site but markers show where the original Fort Sully once stood.  The Farm Island Visitor Center features exhibits providing information about the history of Fort Sully.  Located in the State Park - Farm Island Recreation Area which is 4 miles east of Pierre, SD on Highway 34. 

The museum occupies a complex of buildings.  The main museum building features an early day Main Street complete with a lawyer office, a bank, newspaper office, hospital, dentist office, drugstore, general store and dress shop.  Other buildings have been moved to the site including the Winner Depot, Lakeview Methodist Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Dorian Meadows Schoolhouse, Rosehill School and the Osa T. and Salome L. Cashatt Homestead House.  Historical artifacts., memorabilia and other items tell the story of a the heritage of Tripp County,  Located on E. Highway 18 in Winner, SD.

Operated by the Hurley Historical Society, the museum is located at 28146 457 Avenue in Hurley, SD.

Union County History Museum

[History and Photos]

Focused on the preservation of the history of Union County, the museum features historical artifacts and antiques related to the heritage of the county.  Located at 124 E. Main Street in Elk Point, SD.

The Klein Museum  

[Exhibits and Photos]

The Klein Museum features historical artifacts from the collections of the Klein family as well as the Native American tribes that inhabited this area.  Exhibits feature the life and times of Chief Sitting Bull who is buried several miles from the museum.  Located at 1820 West Grand Crossing in Mobridge, SD.

Christ Episcopal Church

Known as the Mother Church of the Dakota Territory, the Church was founded in 1861 and the current building has been used since November 13, 1882.  Visitors may tour the beautiful Church building.  Located at 517 Douglas Avenue in Yankton, SD.

Cramer-Kenyon Heritage Home

[Photo Gallery]

Built in 1886 by James H. Teller (prominent attorney and Secretary of the Dakota Territory).  Originally opened to the public in 1974 as a Bicentennial project to commemorate Yankton's history of being the first capital of Dakota Territory, today, the beautiful filled with Victorian furnishings, is open seasonally for guided tours.  Located at 509 Pine Street in Yankton, SD.

Dakota Territorial Museum

[Exhibits]

The museum complex features the restored Territorial Council Building, the Great Northern Railroad Depot, a Blacksmith Shop, the Gunderson Rural Schoolhouse and a caboose.  Learn about the beginnings of Dakota Territory, the Native Americans who lived there and the pioneers who settled there.  Operated by the Yankton County Historical Society, the museum strives to educate visitors a out the early history of Yankton and Yankton as well.  Located at 610 Summit Street in Yankton, SD.

The House of Mary Shrine

The shrine begun in 1971 has a fascinating history.  Featuring three giant crosses on a bluff as one passes down the slope, they will find a chapel, statues, water falls, gardens and a peaceful place to pray and meditate.  The shrine is located at 142 Drees Drive about 5 miles west of Yankton, SD.

Yankton Historical Homes Brochure (PDF File)

Museum Index for Other States

SD Census Records