Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society

Explore the historical legacy and cultural diversity of South Dakota through the Museum exhibits on display at the Cultural Heritage Center. A visit to the museum includes exhibitions that feature historic photographs and artifacts that document life in South Dakota from pre-settlement to the present, including over 1,300 Native American objects, large-scale artifacts, full-scale dioramas like an authentic stagecoach, and sod house replica. Interactive elements include the sounds and story of a working mine, and everyone has an opportunity to milk a cow.

Visitors can stand at the helm of a steamboat and navigate the mighty Missouri River while learning about the boating history of the “Big Muddy.” You can even feel the different types of fur traded by trappers and Indians. Those who visit the Museum are astonished by its dramatic design. The exterior of the building recalls the earth lodges of the Arikara and the sod houses of the pioneers. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.

Exhibits

Three museum galleries illustrate the state's history from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.

The South Dakota Experience
Discover the rich culture of the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota Indian tribes. Experience the stories of the explorers, trappers, settlers, miners, and statesmen who helped establish South Dakota. Examine the changes and challenges that South Dakotans experienced in the 20th century.

Oyate Tawicoh'an [O-ya-ta Ta-wi-cho-han] - The Ways of the People
In the language of the Oceti Sakowin, the nation some call the Sioux, Oyate Tawicoh'an means The Ways of the People. Learn about the history, values, and beliefs of the Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota.

Proving Up
Proving Up explores the state's history from the placing of the Verendrye Plate in 1743 to the final fight for the State Capitol in 1904. Share the adventures of explorers, trappers, settlers, miners, and statesmen that established South Dakota.

Changing Times - South Dakota in the 20th Century
Examine the changes and challenges South Dakotans experienced during the 20th century. The state flourished when rail lines and automobiles rolled in and struggled when the Depression hit. Throughout the 1900's some settlers left, but most dug in and rooted in this place, and grew to love it.

The Observation Gallery
Upstairs from the main gallery, our Observation Gallery features a fantastic view of the State Capitol and the Missouri River bluffs. Currently in the gallery is the exhibit - "Where the Wild Things Grow in South Dakota." South Dakota is home to a wide variety of native plants. A plant is considered native if it occurs naturally in an ecosystem without being introduced by people. American Indians of the region were experts at recognizing and using the plants in the plains environment. Plants were used for food, medicine, household items, adornments, and as part of a rich spiritual life.

Participation in Museum Day is open to any tax-exempt or governmental museum or cultural venue on a voluntary basis. Smithsonian magazine encourages museum visitation, but is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of the participating museums and cultural venues, and does not subsidize museums that participate.