The National Music Museum is on the campus of the University of South Dakota and housed in a former Carnegie Library. The museum’s extensive holdings are among the most pre-eminent in the world, and comprise some 15,000 instruments from the United States, Europe, and from non-Western sources.

Some of the jewels of the collection are five Stradivarius stringed instruments, 17th and 18th-century Dutch woodwinds, 17th and 18th-century German wind instruments, three 17th-century Flemish harpsichords, and two 18th-century grand pianos. Johnny Cash’s guitar is also in the museum, along with musical instruments belonging to Bob Dylan. The second largest harmonica collection in the world is in this museum, as is the world’s oldest cello. The museum has a small gift shop.

Address: National Music Museum, University of South Dakota, 414 East Clark Street, Vermilion, SD 57069, Phone: 605-677-5306

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?


Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.