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:
1Ben 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. 2Wind Cave Visitor Center - Wind Cave National Park
Hot Springs, SDWind 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. 3The 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. 4Great Plains Zoo
Sioux Falls, SDThe 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. 5The Mammoth Site
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. 6Black Hills Institute of Geological Research
Hill City, SDThe 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. 7The 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. 8McCrory Gardens
Brookings, SDMcCrory 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. 9Bramble Park Zoo
Watertown, SDBramble 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. 10South Dakota Discovery Center & Aquarium
Pierre, SDGreat 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. 11Reptile Gardens
Colonial Pine Hills, SDReptile 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. 12W. 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. 13Museum of Geology @ SD Mines
Rapid City, SDThe 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. 14D.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.- 15
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. - 16
Civilian Conservation Corps Museum of South Dakota - CCC
Hill City, SD - 17
Call of the Wild
Rapid City, SD - 18
Grand River Museum
Lemmon, SD - 19
Dinosaur Museum
Colonial Pine Hills, SD