Founded in 1884, the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum’s exhibits and programming showcase how diverse, exciting and essential the history, culture and science of agriculture can be in South Dakota. It is housed in the historic Stock Judging Pavilion on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings. The Museum Store specializes in South Dakota made products that capture the spirit of South Dakota in every gift. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Admission is free. (See our website or Facebook page for our most current hours and events.)
Located just east of Rapid City, north of Interstate 90, and outside the main gate at Ellsworth Air Force Base, the South Dakota Air and Space Museum tells the stories of not only past aviation but the future of aerospace. There are many different exhibits, one-of-a-kind artifacts and fun-filled activities that showcase the history of those who risked it all for the innovation of aviation and the science of aerospace. See our Facebook page for current days and hours of operation. Admission is free.
The South Dakota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to preserving the history of amateur baseball in South Dakota. The Hall of Fame building, named Salo Hall, is located in Lake Norden and houses artifacts and pictures detailing more than 100 years of the national pastime. Built in 1977, the building was a gift in memory of Joe and Hannah Salo by their daughter, Helen Mitchell. The museum is open daily 9 a.m.-7 p.m., April through October, and by appointment other times. Admission is free.
Explore the state's artistic gem! Galleries feature Native American art, Harvey Dunn paintings, Paul Goble illustrations, Marghab Linens and dynamic exhibits by regional and national artists. The Museum Store features jewelry, pottery and original works of art by local and regional artists along with books about South Dakota history and culture. Kids enjoy artmaking activities and gallery scavenger hunts.. Admission is free and we are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, 12-4 p.m. (closed Sundays January through March).
CLOSED MARCH 2023-JULY 2025 FOR RENOVATION. Discover the rich heritage and complex history of South Dakota at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. Award-winning rotating exhibits capture the spirit of The Mount Rushmore State and hands-on activities offer new experiences and learning opportunities at every turn. Admission is free for kids under 18. We are open year-round. See our website for our hours. During renovation, the Heritage Store at the South Dakota State Capitol will remain open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday (also open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, June through August).
The South Dakota Discovery Center in Pierre is your center for science learning and fun. Our hands-on science center features more than 60 exhibits, including Discovery Town with the Growing Up Garden Center, Paws & Claws Vet Clinic, and the Rainbow Cafe; Soil is Life; Sun Earth Universe; and an indoor tree house. We are dedicated to empowering all Peoples of the Great Plains through hands-on experiences that inspire scientific thinking. The Discovery Center's May through August hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Our winter hours, September through April, are 1-5 p.m., Sunday through Friday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday. Admission is $5 per person (2 and under are free).
Located along the Missouri River in Chamberlain, the South Dakota Hall of Fame was established in 1974 to recognize and honor those individuals championing a culture of excellence for all of South Dakota. As diverse as the landscape, individuals from all walks of life who have contributed in Agriculture, Arts & Entertainment, General, Historical, Professional and Sports are recognized at the Hall of Fame, including Laura Ingalls Wilder, Tom Brokaw, L. Frank Baum, Billy Mills and Bob Barker.
SOUTH DAKOTA MAGAZINE explores the state, looking for interesting people and places that define our culture, heritage, arts, nature and communities. The bi-monthly (6 per year) publication is written and headquartered at Yankton, the historic Missouri River city that was once the territorial capital. Our publishing headquarters encompasses three old brick buildings in downtown Yankton that were built in the 1870s by Territorial Governor John Pennington. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Explore the four large Missouri River lakes, including lakes Oahe, Sharpe, Francis Case and Lewis and Clark and all the history, culture and recreation you can handle along the way. Our office is located inside the Oahe Dam Visitor Center on top of the Oahe Dam. The Visitor Center is located approximately six miles north of Pierre. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
The South Dakota National Guard Museum covers the history of the South Dakota National Guard from 1861 to current day. The museum's mission is to acquire, preserve, protect, and display military equipment, records, relics, and memorabilia representing the heritage of the Dakota Militia and the South Dakota Army and Air National Guard. The museum also educates National Guard members and the general public about the heritage of the South Dakota National Guard both in peace and at war. Located in Pierre, not far from the Missouri River, the museum is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
