South Dakota with Kids

Originally opened in 1991, the Akta Lakota Museum and cultural center is located within the old St. Joseph’s Indian School, in the town of Chamberlain. “Akta Lakota,” means “to honor the people”. The museum’s mission is to share the stories and life of the Lakota culture, and to pay tribute to the history of the Sioux nation. Exhibits are grand in scale, rich in content, and showcase an exceptional collection of meaningful artifacts.

Teacher resources and materials are available to educators who wish to organize a field trip to the center. Various styles of contemporary art created by Sioux artists are on display within the museum and may be purchased. A gift shop is on-site. Guests enjoy free admission.

Akta Lakota Museum, 1301 North Main Street, Chamberlain, SD, Phone: 800-798-3452, FB

Badlands National Park sprawls across 244,000 acres of gorgeously rugged, grass prairie. Bison, bighorn sheep, black-footed ferrets, and prairie dogs can still be found roaming the grassland today. Considered one of the richest fossil beds in the world, remnants of ancient mammals such as saber-toothed cats, rhinos, and wild horses have been found here.

There are a variety of ways to experience the Badlands. Visitors can drive the Highway 240 Loop, hike one of the park’s 8 trails, camp, and even explore the backcountry. Families may want to make a pit-stop at the visitor’s center to learn more about the park, and to grab an Adventure Activity Book. Kids will also love a visit to the site’s paleontology lab.

Badlands National Park, 25216 Ben Reifel Road, Interior, Phone: 605-433-5361

Black Hills Caverns has been guiding cave tours since 1939. Guests journey into a subterranean world of mystery, as they learn about the cave’s unique geological structures and ecosystem.

Two tours of varying difficulty ensure fun for every age. The Adventure Tour travels along three levels of caverns, over a three-quarter-mile trek.

The Crystal Tour is better suited for young children and older adults, as it’s less strenuous of a walk. During both tours, visitors learn about local history, geology, and cave folklore as they observe awe-inspiring, natural formations. Kids will love gemstone panning, and toddlers will delight in digging for crystals. Treasures found are treasures kept. There is a gift shop on-site.

Black Hills Caverns, 2600 Cavern Road (1,068.17 mi), Rapid City, SD, Phone: 605-343-0542

Established in 1988 by Oregonian rancher, Dayton O. Hyde, the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary sprawls over 11,000 acres of private land in the southern Black Hills.

This sacred stretch of land has been preserved in honor of its Native American and early pioneer history, and conservation efforts have ensured the flourishment of native plants and wildlife.

Herds of wild and rescued horses share the land with cougars, coyotes, elk, deer, turkeys, falcons, and eagles. Large expanses of open prairie, rocky canyons, and pine forests paint themselves against a clear blue sky. Visitors to the sanctuary will witness Choctaw Indian, American, and Spanish Mustangs running free across hidden meadows. Tours are taken by SUV. Guests may book overnight excursions and weekend getaways.

Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, 12165 Highland Road, Hot Springs, SD, Phone: 605-745-5955, FB

Located in Watertown, the Bramble Park Zoo, is home to an extensive list of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and arthropods.

Over 800 animals represent 120 different species from around the world. Visitors can expect to see wolves, bears, tigers, kangaroos, macaws, boas, salamanders, otters, freshwater and saltwater fish, hissing cockroaches, and tarantulas.

Kids’ programs such as such as Bear Necessities, Turtle Power, and Leader of the Pack offer children entertaining ways to learn about animals and ecosystems. Curriculums are designed to foster hands-on learning and include games, art, and animal interaction. The zoo hosts field trips. Outreach programs travel to local schools.

Bramble Park Zoo, 800 10th Street Northwest, Watertown, SD, Phone: 605-882-6269, FB

The Crazy Horse Memorial features a monument blasted and carved into a monstrous rock formation.

The project was initiated by woodworker and sculpture, Korczak Ziolkowski, who worked on behalf of Lakota chiefs to design the monument which bears the likeness of Crazy Horse, a Native American war hero.

The on-site Indian Museum of North America is housed within a large pine compound, which was also built by Ziokowski and his family. An immense collection of artifacts and art represent the unique cultures and histories of more than 300 Native Nations. Native American artists take up residency at the complex during summer months to create and share their gifts. Visitors share in hands-on activities, storytelling, flute playing, song, and dance.

Crazy Horse Memorial, 12151 Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD, Phone: 605-673-4681

Custer State Park stretches itself across 71,000 acres in the Black Hills.

Granite peaks, tall pines, rolling meadows, and crystal mountain waters are home to an abundance of wildlife. There is enough adventure within this park to entertain families for a lifetime. Scenic trails offer opportunities to hike, bike, and bird watch.

A horse trail is available to those who ride. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, and boating on Center Lake. Thrill seekers will appreciate local rock climbing routes. There are a variety of campground options and an extravagant host of amenities. Cabins, electric campsites, Wi-Fi, flush toilets, showers, activity rentals, guided tours, and a resort lodge are available within the park.

Custer State Park, 523 East Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD, Phone: 605-223-7660

Established in 1969, The Dacotah Prairie Museum features a number of different galleries which host a variety of permanent exhibits, as well as several on rotation. Various exhibits featuring culture, art, photography, history, natural science and engineering are represented among its offerings.

A gallery dedicated to children presents kid-friendly exhibits that change seasonally. The museum also offers day camps during the summer. During History Camp, children get to experience life as an early pioneer. The Victorian Girls day camp teaches today’s girls about the demands of the pioneer era. In this camp, kids learn how to host tea parties, display proper etiquette, and write using cursive. An art camp is also offered. There is a gift shop on-site.

Dacotah Prairie Museum, 21 South Main Street, Aberdeen, SD, Phone: 605-626-7117