A Native American woman poses in regalia in front of a sunset on the Pine Ridge Reservation

South Dakota’s Native Tribes

Welcome to the native land of the Sioux Nation — the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota

Nine Native tribes call South Dakota home, and each has a unique story to tell. Working together, they welcome visitors into their communities to educate and share. Explore below to learn more about the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota cultures, as well as their unique geographies and Indian reservation sights that await your discovery.

South Dakota Tribes

A person wearing a cowboy hat views an expansive prairie landscape under blue skies. Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe

Crow Creek Sioux Tribe

A man teaches a young child to use a bow and arrow on the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe reservation in South Dakota.

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe

Visiting South Dakota Indian Reservations

When visiting Native tribal communities, you will experience their genuine hospitality, discover authentic art and hear about the fascinating history and unique culture of the people known by many as the Sioux.

Each tribe in South Dakota hosts an annual wacipi, or powwow, a multi-day gathering that welcomes both tribal members and visitors to celebrate community, culture and tradition. Experience the powerful rhythms of drumming and singing, the artistry of intricate beadwork and feathered regalia, and the beauty of traditional and contemporary dance styles. More than just a celebration, wacipis offer a glimpse into the deep spiritual and cultural practices that continue to thrive today.

Learn about etiquette when visiting Indian reservations

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Find Native Attractions

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Lakota Youth Development

Established in 1992 and located on the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Reservation, Lakota Youth Development (aka Native American Advocacy Program) is a statewide, non-profit, grassroots organization serving persons residing on and off the lands of the tribal nations in South Dakota. Our goal is to re-establish and support a Hocoka (Sacred Circle) for the Oyate (people) to facilitate positive direction in their lives through Lakota Language, culture values and spirituality with our horse nation relatives. In addition to youth programs, Lakota Youth Development offers cultural heritage tourism in the form of lodging (tipis, tent sites and a bunkhouse) and cultural activities (historical tour, traditional Lakota games, dance performances, make and take cultural arts projects, native sports and more).

Singing Horse Trading Post & Bed and Breakfast

Singing Horse Trading Post is located on the Pine Ridge Lakota Reservation and specializes in quality Native craft, including fine arts, quill work, star quilts, leather craft, bone/antler jewelry, beadwork and more. There is also a bed and breakfast, with rooms, cabins and camping, providing an exciting experience for those wishing to visit the reservation. We can arrange tours, horseback adventures and educational opportunities. We are open 12-8 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 12-6 p.m., Saturday.

Bonnie LeBeaux Quilts

Bonnie LeBeaux Quilts creates authentic Native American Star Quilts, with exceptional quality for your special occasion. Located south of Interstate 90, Exit 59, in Rapid City, store hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday.

Dakota Plains Gallery & Gifts

The Dakota Plains Gallery & Gifts in downtown Chamberlain provides a venue for artists to showcase and market their work. The gallery also features artists who provide gallery talks, cultural classes, storytelling and author signings. The Dakota Indian Foundation is a non-profit organization that created the Dakota Plains Gallery for the purpose of promoting economic development for local tribal artists. Every purchase is a donation toward academic scholarships and grants that preserve Dakota culture. Business hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Oscar Howe's Mobridge Murals

Painted by famous Native American artist Oscar Howe in 1942, with the help of a two-week furlough from the federal government, the ten life-sized murals that grace the walls of the Mobridge Auditorium never fail to inspire visitors. The Auditorium is on the National Register of Historic Places as a WPA project from 1939. Free tours are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., via the Mobridge Area Chamber of Commerce in the on-site Visitor's Center and by appointment on the weekends.

Sioux Pottery

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP AND TEMPORARILY CLOSED - Sioux Pottery is manufactured in Rapid City. All of our pottery is Native American handmade. Our rainbow pottery, with all of its colorful, symbolic designs, truly represents the spirit of the Sioux and their culture. We use local red clay from the Black Hills (Paha Sapa) and imported white clay in making our pottery. Visit our factory/outlet store and take a free self-guided tour. See our artists creating pottery like they have been doing since 1958. We are open 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Dakota Emporium Trading Post

At the Dakota Emporium Trading Post, located in Fort Pierre, we offer an extensive selection of beads and regalia supplies for Native dance outfits and jewelry. We also carry informative Native books and DVDs, and Native made jewelry and artwork, including quill and bead work, hides and botanicals. Our hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday.

Native West Trading Company

The Native West Trading Company strives to create an outlet for local artists to market their work. Our mission is to assist and entice you to learn about the Great Plains Native cultures, help you add an authentic piece to your collection, and share knowledge and appreciation of Native American art. Located in heart of the Badlands in the town of Interior, the Native West Trading Company is your source for a variety of Native American art, crafts, gifts and more. See our hours on our website.

Sandy Swallow Gallery

This gallery, owned and operated by Sandy Swallow, is a must-see if interested in Native American art and culture. Featured is a complete line of works by internationally-known artist Sandy Swallow. Also included in the gallery are her notecards, cups, jewelry and designer apparel. Other South Dakota and Native artists display their fine arts, which include pottery, beadwork and crafts. For the tenth year, we are looking forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.

South Dakota's Native Places

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