Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in South Dakota? These are the ones:
1Adams Museum
Deadwood, SDThe Adams Museum, located in Deadwood, holds the distinction of being the oldest history museum in the Black Hills. It was established in 1930 by W.E. Adams, a businessman and former mayor of Deadwood. The museum is a testament to the rich history of the region and offers a unique insight into the past. 2Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Keystone, SDThe Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a significant monument in the United States. It features giant sculptures of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These sculptures, each measuring between 18-20 meters in height, can be seen from a great distance. 3Ben Reifel Visitor Center - Badlands National Park
Interior, SDBadlands National Park is a treasure trove for paleontologists and history enthusiasts alike. The park boasts a wealth of fossil sites, including those of prehistoric horses, sheep, rhinos, and pigs. Moreover, findings from human civilizations dating back 11,000 years have been discovered within the park. 4The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs
Hot Springs, SDThe Mammoth Site, located near Hot Springs, South Dakota, in the Black Hills, is a museum and active paleontological excavation site. Research and excavations are ongoing, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to witness paleontological work in progress. 5Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse, SDThe Crazy Horse Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA, is a monument project that has been ongoing since 1948. The monument is being built in honor of the famous Lakota leader, Crazy Horse. Despite not being completed yet, the monument is a testament to the art of sculpture and fine craftsmanship. Once completed, the Crazy Horse Memorial will stand as the world's largest monument. 6Prairie Homestead
Philip, SDThe Prairie Homestead is a unique sod house located at 21070 South Dakota Highway 240, north of Interior, South Dakota. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle of the early settlers in the region. It's a great place to learn about the history and culture of South Dakota. 7South Dakota State Capitol
Pierre, SDThe South Dakota State Capitol, located at 500 East Capitol Avenue in Pierre, is the official state capitol building of South Dakota. It is home to the South Dakota State Legislature and the offices of various state officials, including the Governor of South Dakota. The building, which was constructed between 1905 and 1910, is a significant landmark in the state and a key point of interest for visitors.- 8
South Dakota State Historical Society Museum
Pierre, SDThe South Dakota State Historical Society is the official state historical society of South Dakota. It operates across the state but has its headquarters in Pierre, South Dakota, located at 900 Governors Drive. This location serves as the central hub for the society's operations and activities. 9Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
Philip, SDThe Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, established in 1999 near Wall, South Dakota, serves to illustrate the history and significance of the Cold War, the arms race, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development. This site is a testament to a significant period in American history, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the Cold War and the arms race. 10Pettigrew Home & Museum
Sioux Falls, SD 11The Journey Museum
Rapid City, SDThe Journey Museum and Learning Center, located in Rapid City, South Dakota, is a unique museum that spans across 7 acres of gardens. The museum is designed to take visitors on a journey through the history of the Black Hills, starting with Native American creation stories and ending with the pioneers who traveled west. The museum's expansive gardens are maintained by local volunteers and feature indigenous plant life from the Black Hills area and other plants native to the Western Hemisphere. 12USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial
Sioux Falls, SDDecent little museum with propeller and a nice memorial to those that served in WWII. It is a great experience also for kids. Plus it's free.- 13
Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center
Keystone, SD 14National Music Museum
Vermillion, SDThe National Music Museum (NMM) is a unique institution located in Vermillion, South Dakota. Established in 1973, the museum is situated on the campus of the University of South Dakota. It is dedicated to the preservation, study, and exhibition of historical musical instruments from around the world. 15Fort Sisseton Historic State Park
Lake City, SDFort Sisseton, located near Britton, South Dakota, has a rich history dating back to 1864. It was officially designated as a State Historical Park in 1959, marking it as a significant location for historical preservation and education. Visitors to the park can explore the grounds and learn about the fort's past, providing a unique insight into the region's history. 16The Pyle House Museum
Huron, SDThe Pyle House, also known as The Pyle Home, is a historic site located at 376 Idaho Ave., S.E. in Huron, South Dakota. This late Queen Anne-style house was built in 1894 and has since been preserved as a house museum. It stands as a testament to the architectural style of the late 19th century and offers visitors a glimpse into the past. 17Andrew and Mary Stavig House
Sisseton, SDThe Andrew and Mary Stavig House is a significant landmark in Sisseton, South Dakota. It is conveniently located at 112 First Avenue, West, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The house's location in the heart of Sisseton makes it a central point of interest for those interested in the region's history and architecture. 18Old Courthouse Museum
Sioux Falls, SDThe Old Minnehaha County Courthouse, situated at the intersection of Main Avenue and 6th Street in Sioux Falls, is a historic building that once served as the county courthouse for Minnehaha County in South Dakota. This location is easily accessible and is a significant part of the city's history. 19Codington County Heritage Museum
Watertown, SDThe Codington County Heritage Museum, previously known as the Kampeska Heritage Museum, is situated at 27 First Avenue Southeast, Watertown, South Dakota. The museum is housed in the historic Carnegie Free Public Library building, which adds to its charm and historical significance. 20Stockyards Ag Experience
Sioux Falls, SD 21Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
Mitchell, SDThe Mitchell Site, also known as 39DV2, is a significant archaeological location in Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, highlighting its importance in the history and archaeology of the region. 22South Dakota Hall of Fame
Chamberlain, SDThe South Dakota Hall of Fame serves multiple purposes. It is a museum that details 'acts of excellence' and hosts an annual honors ceremony. It also runs a statewide K-12 South Dakota History Program. Additionally, it houses a Visitor and Education Center in Chamberlain, which opened its doors in June 2000. 23W. H. Over Museum
Vermillion, SDThe W. H. Over Museum, situated in Vermillion, South Dakota, holds the distinction of being the oldest museum in the state. This historical institution offers visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the rich cultural and historical heritage of South Dakota. 24Austin-Whittemore House Museum
Vermillion, SDThe Austin–Whittemore House, sometimes referred to as the Austin–Whittemore Museum, is a historic building located in Vermillion, South Dakota. This house was originally built in 1884 and has since been transformed into a historic house museum. It also serves as the headquarters of the Clay County Historical Society. This house is a significant part of the local history and offers a glimpse into the past. 25D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives
Spearfish, SDThe D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives, located near Spearfish, South Dakota, was established in 1896. Its primary purpose was to introduce and establish populations of trout in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. This hatchery is one of the oldest in the United States and plays a significant role in the preservation and propagation of trout species in the region. 26Mellete House
Watertown, SDThe Mellette House, a historic home and museum, is situated at 421 Fifth Avenue Northwest in Watertown, South Dakota. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the history of the state through the life of one of its prominent figures. 271881 Courthouse Museum
Custer, SDThe 1881 Courthouse Museum is a significant historical site located in Custer, South Dakota. This American museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the rich history of the region. 28South Dakota Art Museum
Brookings, SDThe campus of South Dakota State University is home to the South Dakota State Art Museum. This museum features works by renowned artists such as Harvey Dunn and Oscar Howe, among others. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the rich artistic culture of the region. 29Dacotah Prairie Museum Foundation
Aberdeen, SDThe Dacotah Prairie Museum, formerly known as the Western Union Building, is a historic bank building located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. This building has a rich history and has been a significant part of the city's commercial district. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a notable destination for those interested in history and architecture.- 30
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
North Sioux City, SDAdams Homestead and Nature Preserve is a state park located in Union County, South Dakota, United States. It offers a unique opportunity to experience nature and history in a serene setting. - 31
Center For Western Studies
Sioux Falls, SDVisit this great art museum whose mission is preserving and interpreting the history and cultures of the Northern Plains. Very interesting! - 32
South Dakota National Guard Museum
Pierre, SDAn interesting military museum that houses memorabilia and artifacts from the Dakota Militia of the 1860's up through the present. - 33
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum of South Dakota - CCC
Hill City, SD - 34
South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center
Pierre, SDThe South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is also home to the State Archives and Museum. These institutions manage the South Dakota Digital Archives, a comprehensive collection of digital resources that document the state's rich history and heritage. - 35
Days of '76 Museum
Deadwood, SD - 36
Prairie Village
Madison, SD - 37
Dakota Discovery Museum
Mitchell, SD - 38
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Chamberlain, SD - 39
Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center
Chamberlain, SDThe Aktá Lakota Museum boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of Northern Plains Native American artwork and historical artifacts in South Dakota. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits showcasing the rich history and vibrant culture of the Northern Plains Native Americans. The collection includes both historical and contemporary works, providing a broad perspective on the evolution of Native American art and culture. - 40
High Plains Western Heritage Center
Spearfish, SD - 41
Grant County Historical Society
Milbank, SD - 42
Heritage Hall Museum & Archives
Freeman, SD - 43
Grand River Museum
Lemmon, SD - 44
Fall River Pioneer Museum
Hot Springs, SD - 45
Buffalo Museum & One Room Schoolhouse
Buffalo, SD - 46
Aurora County Historical Society
Plankinton, SD