Tri State Museum

Mission:

The purpose of the Tri-State Museum is to preserve the historic artifacts from the early settlement of the Tri-State area, including the corners of South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming; to tell the stories of the early settlers and preserve them for the next generations of this area and to share these artifacts & stories with our visitors.

About Us:
  The Tri-State Museum is a 4,000 square foot, city-owned and operated, historical museum based out of beautiful Belle Fourche, South Dakota. The museum is located on US-85 in the Northern Black Hills. We are a short drive to major attractions such as Deadwood, Rapid City, Spearfish Canyon, Rocky Point State Park/Orman Dam, Devils Tower, and Mt. Rushmore.

Our museum focuses on the early pioneer, rodeo, and old west history of the Tri-State region of Western South Dakota, Eastern Wyoming and Southeast Montana. The museum houses over 5,000 artifacts, rodeo memorabilia, historical records, antiques, collectibles, fossils, and other items. These include the original 1876 Johnny Spaulding Cabin, artifacts from the early cattle days, artifacts from the Belle Fourche Roundup Rodeo, (largest rodeo in South Dakota) and much, much more. We work closely with the South Dakota State Historical Society, the Western Museums of the Northern Black Hills Consortium  (High Plains Western Heritage Center, Days of 76 Museum, etc.), the Adam's Museum and others local organizations such as The Belle Fourche Historical Society, Questers, Lion's Club, Golden Hills Antique Club, Northern Hills Retired Teachers, Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce and others.

The museum is very active in the region, helping to promote and host many local activities, educational programs and special events. This year, the museum is co-hosting a two-day long event called "Seth Bullock's Riverfest Days". During this event we will be having pioneer craft demonstrations, re-enactors, games, contests, a river race, and lots of food, fun and music for all ages. If your heading to the Black Hills, be sure to stop on by... you'll be glad 'ya' did. The museum is free to the public- donations welcome.