Powwow dancer

For Kids: Native Americans in South Dakota

In this lesson, learn about how Native Americans lived and their culture today. There are two lessons and two activities, including making a miniature tipi and coloring a picture of Dignity.

The land now known as South Dakota has been home to Native Americans for more than 10,000 years. Today, nine tribes of Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota people offer sites and experiences, each with a unique story to tell.

FUN FACT

The word “Dakota” is a Native American word for “friend” or “ally.”

Badlands National Park

Akta Lakota Museum, Chamberlain

Levitt Shell, Sioux Falls

Levitt Shell, Sioux Falls

Slide1of4

How Native Americans Lived

Before the arrival of European settlers, most Northern Plains tribes were nomadic, meaning they moved from place to place instead of staying in one location. They followed herds of bison, which they hunted for food, clothing and shelter. Today, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park are home to herds of bison.

Slide1of4

Uses for Bison

Plains tribes had more than 150 uses for bison, which they called "tatanka" (ta-tan-ka). Below are just a few!

The Tipi

Native Americans on the plains lived in tipis made from buffalo hide. Families slept on buffalo hides on the ground and cooked over a small fire in the center of the tipi. The outside of the tipi was decorated with paintings and drawings, often telling the story of the family who lived inside. Today, there are places that offer tipi stays, so you and your family can experience what it is like to spend the night in a tipi.

If you were to build your own tipi, what would your tipi look like?

Slide1of4

Make a Model Tipi

Want to make a tipi of your own? Get started with things you have in your house.

Tipi's

Things you’ll need

  • Construction paper
  • Markers or crayons
  • Scotch tape
  • Pipe cleaners or sticks
  • Scissors

Instructions

Step 1: Decorate your tipi! Draw your family, favorite animals, or a cool pattern on a piece of construction paper.

Step 2: Roll the construction paper into a cone. Make it stick together by joining the edges with tape.

Step 3: Twist pipe cleaners together near the top and thread through the hole of your tipi.

Step 4: Cut a triangle hole in the tipi for a door.

Step 5: Congrats, you’ve built a mini tipi! Make more to create a village.


Kid Tip: Glue multiple pieces of paper together and make a giant tipi.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Slide1of4

Native American Culture Today

Native American culture and traditions are alive and well in South Dakota. Here are some prominent examples.

Crazy Horse Memorial

Crazy Horse was a Lakota leader who fought for his people to retain their way of life. Today you can see his face in the Black Hills at the massive Crazy Horse Memorial™, a sculpture 72 years (and counting) in the making. When completed, Crazy Horse will stand 563 feet tall. That’s almost the height of two football fields stacked on top of each other.

Dignity of Earth & Sky

Found in Chamberlain, the 50-foot-tall Dignity sculpture represents the courage and wisdom of Native American cultures in South Dakota. Her steel quilt is made of 128 stainless steel blue diamond shapes, but you can color them however you like with the coloring page below.

Powwows

Dance continues to be very important to the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota — it's often how they tell stories and preserve their traditions. Powwows — or "wacipis" (wa-CHEE-pees) — are living stories told through singing, dancing, and drum music. Powwows honor the tribes; connection to the earth and to each other. Can you tell a story through dance? Try this with your parents!

Museums & Art Galleries

Artwork is another way that stories and traditions are preserved and shared. Museum exhibits help to document and explain some of the Native American experiences. Galleries and museums can be found throughout South Dakota and offer opportunities to learn more about Native American culture and support local artists, from bead workers and potters to painters and sculptors.

COLORING PAGE: DIGNITY OF EARTH & SKY

COLORING PAGE

Click to Print

Explore More

Family Fun Road Trip From Sioux Falls to Pierre
Make your family road trip from Sioux Falls to Pierre a memorable one! Explore the optimal route, top attractions and things to do in each city along the way.
Weekend in Sioux Falls: Trip Itinerary with Teens
Looking for things to do in Sioux Falls with teens? Use this itinerary to make lasting memories with the family.
A Corn Kid Itinerary for South Dakota
Find travel inspiration from Tariq, the “Corn Kid” and South Dakota’s official Corn-bassador.
Camping with Kids Under the Stars at Badlands National Park
One visit to the Badlands proved it IS possible to get a teen to put down the phone.
The Music & Story of Mato Wayuhi
This Oglala Lakota artist brought his own unique Indigenous sound to the world through the hit show "Reservation Dogs." Meet Mato Wayuhi.
Soar and More at Rush Mountain Adventure Park
With a cave, zipline, 7-D interactive ride and a mountain coaster, this might be the most fun you can have in the Black Hills.
Slide0of0

See more Native American Culture

Start Planning Your Trip to South Dakota

Guide to Tribal Nations

Order your FREE guide today and also get the 2026 South Dakota Vacation Guide and a state map to aid in your travel planning.

Order Now

Expand Your Horizons

Discover more about the Oceti Sakowin Oyate (People of Seven Council Fires) with the Tribal Nations Passport.

Get Your Pass, Earn Rewards

Sign Up for the E-Newsletter

Receive monthly inspiration about places to see, activities to try and upcoming events.

Sign Up Now