History – Wikipedia describes it as: “a study of the past”. While the history we have here in the Black Hills of South Dakota isn’t really all that old compared to the east coast or other places around the world, it is quite unique and very interesting.
There are several Old West and Indian history museums throughout the Black Hills and Badlands region. You can begin your exploration of our past culture at any one of them, but for this itinerary we’ll take you on an actual route, making it easier to get from point A to point B and so on…
Day 1
Beginning in the Southern Hills in the little town of Edgemont, not far from the Wyoming state line, you’ll find the Trails, Trains and Pioneers Museum (Free). As the name suggests, this museum is full of information on area trails, including the Mickelson Trail, the trains that frequented the area and of course the pioneers that settled the country. The museum is located right next door to the city park and Mile 0 of the Mickelson Trail. Make sure to take time to stroll over the covered bridge and explore a bit. Inside you will learn about the history of the Mickelson Trail as well as how President Roosevelt stopped here on a train trip and gave a speech on April 25, 1903. You’ll discover that pioneers were tough people – they had to be. As you walk through the many displays of Pioneer life you may wonder if you’d have been tough enough!
A short road trip up the center of the Black Hills along Highway 385 will bring you to the city of Custer. The 1881 Custer County Courthouse Museum (Fee) houses an amazing collection of exhibits. Explore everything from the 1874 expedition that General George Armstrong Custer made to the Black Hills, to the discovery of gold and the mining of that gold. Stories about the settlers, ranchers and military that lived in the area abound. The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings and has a tale all its own.
Continue your drive along Highway 385, past Crazy Horse Memorial to Highway 244. Turn there and travel on towards Mount Rushmore National Memorial. You should stop and say hi to those four famous faces! While there, visit the Lincoln Borglum Museum and see how this remarkable monument came to be.
Just down the hill is the town of Keystone. In the historic district you'll find the Keystone Historical Museum (Free/Donation). This museum is housed in the old Victorian school house that was built in 1900 and had students attending until 1988! Discover early day mining tools, historic photos and displays of Carrie Ingalls memorabilia – who spent much of her adult life in Keystone as a journalist. Children will be amazed at the schoolroom with small, wooden desks and chalkboard tablets – instead of today’s electronic tablets. Don’t leave without ringing the school bell!
Day 2
Leaving Keystone, take Highway 16 to Rapid City. A visit to the Sioux Indian Museum will immerse you in the beautiful culture of the Lakota Indians. Located inside the Journey Museum (Fee), they offer extraordinary displays of historic clothing, horse gear, weapons household items, cradleboards, and toys. You’ll also tour a wide exhibition of Indian artwork – some available for purchase.
Leaving Rapid City, take Interstate 90 towards Badlands National Park. Turn south at exit 131 and stop at the Oglala Lakota Living History Village (Fee). An entry point of learning about the life and culture of the Lakota, their philosophy of “Learn to see the movement of the land, you’ll learn to understand the movement of the people” is portrayed in person. Listen to stories, watch the dances and marvel at their art. Plan for a truly unforgettable visit.
A few miles farther down the road is Prairie Homestead Historic Site (Fee). Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, here you have the opportunity to walk through the original sod home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Brown that was built in 1900. Get a feel of how life on the prairie was for early pioneers, try on some pioneer clothing, visit with the farm animals, look in the root cellar and say hi to the white prairie dogs.
Farther south, located on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, and near the town of Kyle, is the Oglala Lakota College Historical Center (Free). Be emersed in the culture of the Oglala Lakota People, see the photographs and artwork, hear the story on an audiotape and feel the history. Reflect on the struggles of the past and consider the hopes of protecting the Lakota way of life now and into the future.
Day 3
You’ll need all day to explore the “Wild West” history in Deadwood. The whole town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places! Start your day at the unique Adams House (Fee). Step back in time as you tour this beautifully restored Queen Anne-style mansion. Learn about the tragedies and the triumphs of two of Deadwood’s founding fathers. This house chronicles Deadwood’s transition from a raucous mining camp into a prosperous and technologically rich city.
Just down the street is the Adams Museum (Donation). Discover the Black Hills’ oldest history museum. Explore the town’s history of trains, the Chinese settlement, gold mining, legendary characters and much more. It is home to some of the Black Hills’ greatest treasures, including the City of Deadwood’s Wild Bill Hickok collection and Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget.
The Days of 76 Museum (Fee) commemorates the history of the award-winning Days of ‘76 Celebration and Rodeo. It features a wide collection of Black Hills history, historic firearms, many American Indian artifacts as well as a stunning collection of wagons, carriages, and stagecoaches. This state-of-the-art facility filled with dynamic and thematic exhibitions will bring you a new respect and admiration for Deadwood history.
The Brothel Deadwood (Fee) is unique. Walk through one of Deadwood’s houses of ill-repute and you’ll be transported through a 104-year story. The original site of the Shasta Rooms Brothel -- the rooms are curated with a variety of period-appropriate furnishings and tells the stories of the women that worked there, as well as some of their clients and friends. Note – Visitors must be at least 16 years old.
Day 4
Not far from Deadwood is the city of Spearfish where the High Plains Western Heritage Center (Fee), is located. Wander through 20,000 square feet of pioneer, ranching, mining, forestry, and transportation history about the five-state region - South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Time it right and you can catch an old-time chuckwagon dinner show!
A little north of Spearfish is the authentic cowboy town of Belle Fourche (pronounced bell-foosh). The Tri-State Museum & Visitor Center (Free/Donation) is nestled along the Belle Fourche River and is home to the geological Center of the Nation compass rose marker. In the museum, explore the fascinating regional history through educational exhibits and interactive displays. Learn the stories of early cattle companies, cowboys, the sheep/wool industries, and 95 years of the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo. Discover local railroad, military, paleontology, and pioneer history too. And don’t forget to visit the two-story 1876 Johnny Spaulding Cabin that is on-site.
Day 5
Just across the South Dakota state line into Wyoming is the town of Sundance. The Crook County Museum (Fee) recently moved into its permanent home, a huge sandstone schoolhouse built in 1922 and fondly referred to as “Old Stoney”. See the original courtroom where the Sundance Kid was tried, view an amazing gun collection, walk through the replica barn, and glance into a bunkhouse. Listen for stampeding buffalo as you marvel at the Vore Buffalo Jump diorama, follow the adventures of General Custer on his expedition of 1874 – and so much more! For a true step back in time, plan to participate in the “Sip & Walk Tour”. This living history tour takes you through the town of Sundance with characters from the past telling stories as you sip on a cup of beer, wine, lemonade, or sarsaparilla!
On down Interstate 90 a bit is the town of Moorcroft and the West Texas Trail Museum (Free). Stroll through one of the largest & most authentic collections of artifacts from the West Texas Trail cattle drive & the Old West. Exhibits of saddles, weapons, gear, and items of everyday life from the cattle drovers and those who settled in the Great Basin. You’ll discover more than just trail dust!
Travel up Wyoming State Highway 14 towards State Highway 24. Of course, a must-see along the way is Devils Tower National Park. After a bit of exploring there, buzz back out to Highway 24 and head east to Hulett. As you drive through town, make sure to stop at the Hulett Museum (Free). This cozy “Old West” museum will take you through the history and culture of northeastern Wyoming. You’ll learn the stories behind the collection of prehistoric and historic artifacts that showcase the heritage of Hulett and the surrounding area.
Wikipedia may describe history as: “a study of the past”, but we believe history is a vital link to the present – and the future. Travel the whole trail or just pick a few. History waits to be discovered!