Embark on an independent exploration of this leading regional institution devoted to safeguarding history, enlightening the present, and shaping the future.
- Dakota Discovery Museum - 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.
- Self-guided tour
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- 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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.