Admission Ticket to the Dakota Discovery Museum

South Dakota , USA

Admission Ticket to the Dakota Discovery Museum

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(2 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Take a self-guided tour of this premier museum in the region dedicated to preserving the past, informing the present, and building the future.

Available options

Admission Ticket to the Dakota Discovery Museum

What's included

Self-guided tour

Detailed itinerary

Register at the desk in the main building, and choose to begin your self-guided tour in the main building or outside in the museum’s village.

The main building holds five galleries. First, visit the History Gallery which is dedicated to illustrating the history of the region through physical artifacts. Next, visit the three art galleries and a changing gallery on the second level. The changing gallery houses exhibits that rotate out three to five times per year. Two of the art galleries are dedicated to the artists Oscar Howe and Charles Hargens. The final gallery contains a blend of native, tribal and pioneer art.

The village portion is located directly behind the main museum building. It contains an 110-year-old prairie church, a one-room schoolhouse that opened in 1885, a railroad depot, and the home of Louis and Mary Beckwith. Louis Beckwith was the cofounder of one of the Corn Palace.

The museum is also home to the Garret Gift Shop where books, art, and souvenirs are available for purchase. This includes the availability of framed and/or unframed, numbered Oscar Howe prints.

What's not included

Souvenir photos (available to purchase)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

There are outdoor, uneven surfaces that may challenge those with walking limitations. Village buildings are historic structures and are not wheelchair accessible

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

About South Dakota

South Dakota is known for its rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and iconic monuments. It offers a unique blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and historical sites that make it a compelling destination for travelers.

Top Attractions

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

A massive sculpture carved into Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, featuring the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.

Historical 2-3 hours Free (parking fee may apply)

Badlands National Park

A stunning landscape of layered rock formations, steep canyons, and towering spires, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.

Nature Half to full day Free (parking fee may apply)

Crazy Horse Memorial

A massive mountain carving honoring the Lakota leader Crazy Horse, still under construction. The site includes a museum and cultural center.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (entry fee applies)

Custer State Park

A large state park known for its scenic drives, wildlife viewing, and outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping.

Nature Full day Moderate (entry fee applies)

Deadwood

A historic gold rush town with a rich Wild West history, featuring preserved buildings, museums, and gambling casinos.

Historical Half to full day Moderate (some attractions require entry fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Chislic

Cubed, deep-fried meat, traditionally made with lamb but sometimes with venison or beef, seasoned with garlic and other spices.

Appetizer/Snack Contains meat, not vegetarian or vegan.

Knoephla Soup

A creamy soup with dumplings, often made with chicken or vegetables, and flavored with herbs and spices.

Soup Can be vegetarian if made without meat.

Fry Bread

A type of bread made from deep-fried dough, often served with powdered sugar or honey, and sometimes used as a base for Indian tacos.

Bread/Dessert Vegetarian, but may contain allergens like wheat.

Popular Activities

Hiking Rock climbing Cave exploring Scenic drives Fishing Picnicking Visiting museums Attending powwows

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the most popular time to visit due to warm weather and outdoor activities. All attractions are open, and the weather is generally pleasant.

20-35°C 68-95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Lakota
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-6 (Central Time Zone), GMT-5 (Mountain Time Zone during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

South Dakota is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates in most areas. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious when using ATMs or making transactions at night.
• Avoid leaving valuables unattended in your car or accommodations.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in remote areas and when hiking or exploring alone.

Getting there

By air

Sioux Falls Regional Airport • 5 km from city center
Rapid City Regional Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Sioux Falls Station

By bus

Sioux Falls, Rapid City

Getting around

Public transport

Bus service is available but not extensive. Best for travel between major towns and cities.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Downtown Sioux Falls Downtown Rapid City Black Hills

Day trips

Wind Cave National Park

50 km from Rapid City • Full day

A unique national park known for its extensive cave system and stunning above-ground landscapes, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and cave tours.

Spearfish

50 km from Rapid City • Half to full day

A charming town known for its historic downtown, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Bear Butte State Park

40 km from Rapid City • Half to full day

A state park known for its sacred mountain, Bear Butte, offering hiking, rock climbing, and cultural significance to Native American tribes.

Festivals

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally • August Black Hills Powwow • June Festival of Trees • December

Pro tips

Visit Mount Rushmore early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Explore the Badlands at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and photography opportunities.
Drive the Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park for a chance to see bison and other wildlife up close.
Try local specialties like chislic, knoephla soup, and fry bread for a taste of South Dakota's unique cuisine.
Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially during peak season and for popular events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.