10 Best Museums in South Dakota

Want to go on a learning adventure? Museums are a perfect way to not only learn more about history but interact with it in a memorable and exciting way. If you’re in South Dakota or planning a visit, check out any of these top museums across the state.

The Mammoth Site, Hot Springs, SD

The Mammoth Site is an incredible place where you can see archaeological discovery in action. Not only is this area a site where multiple mammoths were discovered, but it’s still an active dig site. You can even take dig classes here so the whole family can become amateur archaeologists.

Adams Museum, Deadwood, SD

The incredible Adams Museum has been an educational haven since 1930. Founded by local businessman W.E. Adams, this museum is the ultimate place to learn about the history of this unique region.

South Dakota Air and Space Museum, Box Elder, SD

Just outside Ellsworth Air Force Base is the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. This aerospace museum is the perfect place for anyone who loves to discover more about unique aircrafts, and best of all, admission is free.

Aktá Lakota Museum, Chamberlain, SD

The Aktá Lakota Museum and Cultural Center is a creation of St. Joseph’s Indian School. It’s a spectacular place that pays homage to the history and culture of the Lakota people and serves to educate all those who want to get to know them.

The Museum at Black Hills Institute, Hill City, SD

If you want to learn more about the natural history of the Black Hills area, the Museum at Black Hills Institute should be at the top of your list. From fossils to minerals, this museum is an outstanding resource for locals and visitors.

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, Sturgis, SD

Sturgis, South Dakota is best known for hosting the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every year. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame is all about the history of this famous event and the motorcycle industry as a whole.

Old Courthouse Museum, Sioux Falls, SD

There’s something for everyone at the Old Courthouse Museum. While this museum used to be a functioning county courthouse and an architectural icon, today it’s full of fascinating exhibits about local history.

Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings, SD

If you’re looking for a fun yet constructive educational experience for your kids, the Children’s Museum of South Dakota should be a go-to. This beloved museum has numerous activities and exhibits where kids can have fun with hands-on learning.

Redlin Art Center, Watertown, SD

The Redlin Art Center is a stunning art museum that focuses on the work of renowned artist Terry Redlin. The museum features over 150 of Redlin’s original works of art.

Museum of Geology, Rapid City, SD

For anyone who has a fascination with geology and Earth science, or anyone who wants to learn more about this subject, the Museum of Geology is the place to go. It has an impressive array of exhibits along with an on-site paleontological research lab.

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805 South Kiwanis Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD
Our Mission:Creating connection and inspiring conservation of wild species and spaces.Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium is a leader in conservation, e... Read More
1305 West 18th Street, Sioux Falls, SD
A diverse collection of medical history provides new appreciation for today's medical care. Exhibits include an Iron Lung and past examples of a pa... Read More
131 North Duluth Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD
This home was built in 1889 for Thomas and Jenny McMartin.  In 1911, Senator Richard Franklin Pettigrew purchased the home for $12,000.... Read More
200 West 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD
About Us: Construction began on the first Minnehaha County Courthouse in 1889.   The building is a product of local architect Wallace L. Dow,... Read More
200 West 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD
About Construction began on the first Minnehaha County Courthouse in 1889. The building is a product of local architect Wallace L. Dow, who design... Read More
500 North Main Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD
About Us: Welcome to the Museum of Visual Materials in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The museum is the first leed Platinum Green building in the state... Read More
221 NorthEast 8th Street, Madison, SD
221 NE 8th Street, Madison, SD
The original Lake County Courthouse was built in 1884 The arrival of William Lee and Charles Walker to Dakota Territory in 1870 led to the establi... Read More
880 S. Cedar St., Freeman, SD
About Us: The Heritage Hall Museum is dedicated to the preservation of rare artifacts used by our ancestors on the way to our standard of living t... Read More
521 4th Street, Brookings, SD
The museum is a welcoming, fun and entertaining environment which helps spark learning through imagination, creativity, and discovery. Exhibits, bo... Read More
1036 Medary Avenue, Brookings, SD
Mission Statement: As steward of the state's art treasures, the South Dakota Art Museum collects, preserves, and exhibits visual art to increase a... Read More
925 11th Street, Brookings, SD
About the MuseumVisitors to the State Agricultural Heritage Museum will understand the important role of agriculture in South Dakota's past, presen... Read More
1110 University Street, Vermillion, SD
About Us This corporation is organized and shall be operated exclusively for charitable, scientific and educational purposes including, without lim... Read More
414 East Clark Street, Vermillion, SD
Founded in 1973 on the campus of The University of South Dakota in Vermillion, the National Music Museum (NMM) & Center for Study of the Histor... Read More
82 Mickelson Drive, Yankton, SD
Mission Statement: The Yankton County Historical Society provides an authentic historical experience of the Yankton area from pre-Dakota Territory ... Read More
1976 110th Ave., Elkton, SD
Activities:  • On-going exhibits of local artifacts  • Actively seek more ideas for fund-raising  Read More
260 West Main Street, Carthage, SD
The Campbell Original Straw Bale Built Museum is a simple museum dedicated to preserving South Dakota History. It is located in the small town of C... Read More
1300 McGovern Avenue, Mitchell, SD
About Us: Dakota Discovery Museum is attracting kids and their parents with exhibits and new ways to make learning fun. At Dakota Discovery we des... Read More
3200 Indian Village Rd, Mitchell, SD
Background And History The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is a six-acre site overlooking the west bank of Lake Mitchell. It holds dual status... Read More
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