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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1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD
Constructed in 1968, the building currently home to the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center once served as the school on St. Joseph's campus. Ro... Read More
501 South West Street, Kimball, SD
The South Dakota Tractor Museum of Kimball, South Dakota is located on Cemetery Rd. just south of I-90 (exit 284). Here you will find historic trac... Read More
205 West Commercial Avenue, Gettysburg, SD
The Dakota Sunset Museum features the 40-ton Sacred Sioux Medicine Rock, which was originally located 15 miles west of Gettysburg near the Missouri... 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
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
301 East Dakota, Pierre, SD
The mission of the National Guard Museum is to acquire, preserve, protect, and display military equipment, records, relics, and memorabilia represe... Read More
900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD
Mission Statement :History provides tools for defining our diverse cultural identities and understanding our past. The Office of History/South Dako... Read More
21 South Main Street, Aberdeen, SD
Our MissionTo preserve and share the stories of the Dakota Prairie and its inhabitants.Our Vision The Dacotah Prairie Museum, a non-profit, permane... Read More
210 Verendrye Drive, Fort Pierre, SD
About us :      The Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center located in Fort Pierre, South Dakota  is a historical museum dev... 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
503 5th Street, Murdo, SD
History The Pioneer Auto Show was started in 1954 by AJ ‘Dick’ Geisler and his family. Since then, the Pioneer Auto Museum (as it was ... Read More
1820 West Grand Crossing, Mobridge, SD
The Klein Museum was founded in 1975 to record and preserve the heritage and history of the local area around Mobridge, South Dakota.  The mus... 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
45205 SD Hwy. 34, Madison, SD
Welcome to Prairie Village, a living museum of the past. Located 2 miles west of Madison, South Dakota on the shores of Lake Herman and situated on... 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
723 Main St, Britton, SD
The Marshall County Prayer Rock Museum houses thousands of historical items showcasing early life in Marshall County and an extensive wildlife exhi... Read More
421 5th Avenue NorthWest, Watertown, SD
Welcome to Mellette House, the Watertown home of South Dakota’s first governor, Arthur Calvin Mellette. Experience life first hand in an eleg... Read More
27 1st Avenue South East, Watertown, SD
About Us:The Codington County Heritage Museum is located in the former Carnegie Library building in uptown Watertown, South Dakota. Watertown is in... Read More
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