September 3, 2021
SOUTH DAKOTA CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501
“Not your typical museum structure, this one is built into the side of hill, and much of it is underground. A contemporary version of a traditional Native American dwelling, this beautiful building features Native American (mostly the Sioux tribes) and pioneer exhibits, with many rare artifacts tracing the history of South Dakota.” Tripadvisor
I was impressed with this fairly new museum. The journey through the permanent exhibit tells the story of the people and places of South Dakota, from the Native Americans, through homesteaders, and up to the 20th century. A lot of exhibits and information in this well-thought-out museum.
I had seen these posts in my travels and didn't know what they were until I read here they mark the border between North and South Dakota.
Entrance to the Cultural Heritage Center
"Citadel" Dedicated to pioneer women of South Dakota
The museum had a temporary exhibit of clothing worn by South Dakotans through the years.
A prayer rock
Horse Effigies were carved to memorialize the battle the warrior and the horse had been through. This particular effigy is particularly ornate, made of wood with a horsehair mane and tail and leather reins and bridle. Stylized bullet wounds pour blood from the horse's sides.
A Native American saddle.
The exterior of the sod house.
The interior of a sod house.
A fuel press made hay or straw into compact bricks to burn.
One of Marquis de Mores' stage coaches used to travel from Medora, ND to Deadwood, SD.
Desk used by some of the early South Dakota governors.
Gold mining tools
Sitting Bull's buffalo skull, placed on a medicine pole for the Ghost Dance at Standing Rock Reservation. Missionary Mary C. Collins, a friend of Sitting Bull, removed it from the pole on hearing of his death.
An early taxi.
A store front with several South Dakota products on display.
