All nature & natural history museums and attractions to visit in South Dakota

South Dakota (United States) has a lot to offer for people that like animals, plants and anything else related to nature and its history. Below we list all 19 nature and natural history museums that are located in South Dakota.

Is nature and the natural world something that interests you and are you looking for the best nature museums to visit in South Dakota? These are the ones:

  1. Ben Reifel Visitor Center - Badlands National Park1

    Ben Reifel Visitor Center - Badlands National Park

     Interior, SD
    Badlands 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.
  2. Wind Cave Visitor Center - Wind Cave National Park2

    Wind Cave Visitor Center - Wind Cave National Park

     Hot Springs, SD
    Wind Cave National Park is situated in the state of South Dakota, United States. It is conveniently located near the cities of Rapid City and Hot Springs, making it easily accessible for tourists. The park covers an area of 114.5 square kilometers and is managed by the U.S. National Park Service.
  3. The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs3

    The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs

     Hot Springs, SD
    The 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.
  4. Great Plains Zoo4

    Great Plains Zoo

     Sioux Falls, SD
    The Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History is a significant attraction in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Spanning 45 acres, the zoo offers a diverse range of exhibits and animal species for visitors to explore. It is a partnership between the City of Sioux Falls and the Zoological Society, with the city owning the infrastructure, land, and all assets associated with the Zoo and Museum.
  5. The Mammoth Site5

    The Mammoth Site

     Hot Springs, SD
    The 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.
  6. Black Hills Institute of Geological Research6

    Black Hills Institute of Geological Research

     Hill City, SD
    The Black Hills Institute of Geological Research, located in Hill City, South Dakota, is a corporation that specializes in the excavation and preparation of fossils. They also engage in the sale of original or replica fossils to museums. This makes it a unique destination for tourists interested in paleontology and the history of life on Earth.
  7. The Journey Museum7

    The Journey Museum

     Rapid City, SD
    The 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.
  8. McCrory Gardens8

    McCrory Gardens

     Brookings, SD
    McCrory Gardens and South Dakota State Arboretum are botanical gardens and an arboretum situated on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings, South Dakota. These gardens are a part of the university and serve as a living tribute to Professor S. A. McCrory, who was the head of the university's horticulture department from 1947 until his death in 1964. The gardens are a place of beauty and learning, featuring a wide variety of flowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses.
  9. Bramble Park Zoo9

    Bramble Park Zoo

     Watertown, SD
    Bramble Park Zoo, situated in Watertown, South Dakota, has been welcoming visitors since 1912. This long-standing establishment offers a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of animal species in a well-maintained environment.
  10. South Dakota Discovery Center & Aquarium10

    South Dakota Discovery Center & Aquarium

     Pierre, SD
    Great place for kids who like to learn. There are many interactive exhibits where even grown-ups will learn something new. Best family thing in Pierre.
  11. Reptile Gardens11

    Reptile Gardens

     Colonial Pine Hills, SD
    Reptile Gardens is an animal park situated in the southern part of Rapid City, South Dakota. It is conveniently located on the route to the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial. This makes it an ideal stop for tourists who are on their way to visit the national memorial.
  12. W. H. Over Museum12

    W. H. Over Museum

     Vermillion, SD
    The 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.
  13. Museum of Geology @ SD Mines13

    Museum of Geology @ SD Mines

     Rapid City, SD
    The campus of South Dakota Mines is centrally located in Rapid City, situated on the northern slope of the small foothills of the Black Hills. The APEX Gallery, located in Classroom Building 211, hosts a new exhibit every four to six weeks, offering visitors a chance to explore a variety of displays.
  14. D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives14

    D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives

     Spearfish, SD
    The 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.
  15. 15

    Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

     North Sioux City, SD
    Adams 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.
  16. 16

    Civilian Conservation Corps Museum of South Dakota - CCC

     Hill City, SD
  17. 17

    Call of the Wild

     Rapid City, SD
  18. 18

    Grand River Museum

     Lemmon, SD
  19. 19

    Dinosaur Museum

     Colonial Pine Hills, SD