“Wisdom is like the sun who rises at dawn — we see things the way they are then.” — Lakota proverb
One of the core values of the Lakota Sioux is woksape, or wisdom gained over the entirety of one’s life. Woksape means not only living the spiritual values of Lakota culture but sharing it with others. The rich history of a proud people lives on at the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center — a true embodiment of woksape.
Perched along the Missouri River in Chamberlain, the museum showcases the heritage of the Dakota, Nakota and Lakota people. Since its founding in 1991 on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School, the museum has welcomed thousands of visitors to experience the powerful works of Indigenous artists. Discover what awaits inside and plan your visit today.
Exhibits & Collections: A Journey Through Lakota Heritage
A visit to the Aktá Lakota Museum is more than a history lesson — it’s a walk through the Lakota timeline, beginning with their early settlement of the Great Plains. The museum’s immersive exhibits go beyond traditional displays, incorporating video kiosks that bring the customs, rituals and daily life of the Plains Indians to life. Sweeping visions of life on the open prairie are interwoven with the stark realities of broken promises that followed.
The museum’s layout reflects the four cardinal directions, each representing a pivotal chapter in Lakota history:
- East: Life on the plains before Euro-American contact
- South: The arrival of explorers, missionaries, and traders
- West: Broken treaties and their lasting impact
- North: The resilience of Native people and their adaptation to modern life
With a permanent collection of more than 4,000 objects, the museum showcases both historical artifacts and contemporary Indigenous art. See an authentic tipi and birchbark canoe, and uncover little-known facts about these iconic structures. Explore the deep significance of the buffalo in Lakota culture through tools, clothing and everyday objects crafted from hide and bone. Learn about westward expansion and the railroad’s impact on Native lands.
A standout exhibit is the breathtaking “Lakota Buffalo Days” diorama by Chickasaw artist Tom Phillips, depicting the Lakota herding buffalo. From intricate beadwork to carved buffalo-horn tools, every piece in the museum tells a story of resilience and artistry.
The Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center also features rotating exhibits throughout the year. Check out what’s on display during your visit.
Events & Programs
From art exhibitions to poetry readings, the museum offers a dynamic lineup of events and educational programs year-round.
Story Time with Uŋčí and Lalá is a free program that brings American Indian history to life through Native literature. Designed for children — but open to all — it offers weekly readings and activities every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. in June and July.
In 2026, the museum will host “Americans,” a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition that examines the profound influence of Native culture on American identity.
Check the event calendar to plan your visit.
Visit the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center
Visiting the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center is a chance to experience a unique culture, celebrate this land’s heritage and gain some woksape.
From Interstate 90, take exit 263 and drive 2 miles north. The museum is located on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota.
Contact Info:
1301 N. Main St.
Chamberlain, SD 57325
(800) 798-3452
aktalakota.stjo.org/
The Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center is free to visit — with donations encouraged — and the lessons are invaluable.
May-October Hours:
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Open national holidays.
November-April Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and national holidays.
Guided tours are available upon request.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on-site.
