History on Display

Step back in time and see the past come to life as you visit historical exhibits in museums throughout the Black Hills.

Dinosaurs, Planes & More

The Black Hills are rich with history, and our local museums provide an excellent opportunity for you to learn about the past. If you’re interested in the early settlers who carved out their niche on the Northern Plains, there are exhibits focusing on the area’s pioneering days of covered wagons and homesteaders. Here you will find meticulously recreated period schoolhouses, jails, chuckwagon displays, and more.

Are fossils more up your alley? We’ve got them, too! Dinosaurs, mammoths, and other prehistoric creatures have been unearthed at archaeological sites throughout the Black Hills. You’ll find them on display in many of our local communities; some of the facilities are active research and geological sites, giving you a rare opportunity to see the work in progress.

Give yourself plenty of time when exploring our museums. In-depth information accompanies each exhibit, and you won’t want to feel rushed while learning about the lives of the settlers and the hardships they endured. Children will love the interactive exhibits that provide hands-on learning.

Local museums feature unique displays from around the Hills, ranging from extensive fossil collections to historical artifacts dating back to the earliest days of South Dakota statehood.

Fun Facts:

• 65 feet: Length of the largest dinosaur found in South Dakota, a Barosaurus

• 180 Million Years: Reign of the dinosaurs, encompassing the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods of the Mesozoic Era.

Long-necked Plesiosaurs were marine reptiles with broad, flat bodies; short tails; and four long flippers that propelled them through the water. Their fossils have been found on every continent, and they serve as inspiration for the Loch Ness Monster myth.

All Things Transport

The South Dakota Air & Space Museum is a must-stop for aircraft enthusiasts.

The Black Hills are a popular destination for motor rallies of all kinds, from classic cars and hot rods to motorcycles and locomotives. Look to the skies, too—you'll find aviationthemed exhibits just outside the main gate at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Visit our calendar on page 2 for a list of events to pair with your museum experience.