History is an incredible thing, and to learn about it is fascinating! And kids, do you know one way that we can find out all about history? Through archaeology! Luckily for you, you can get closer to it than you might have thought at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village in South Dakota!
In fact, this area is the ONLY archaeological site that is open to the public in the entire state!
Let's go back in time a little. Did you know that LONG before there was a Corn Palace, and centuries before there was a mill, and before those French fur traders arrived in the area, there was in fact a small village of around 200 people.
We will never know the name of the village, but we do know that on the baks of a creek that the village overlooked grew beans, squash, corn, and other produce! Pretty cool how we can know that isn't it?
Well, that's all down to archaeologists, and at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, they come down each summer and excavate, looking to learn more about those first settlers who lived on the Northern Plains.
All of those families who visit can actually watch these archaeologists uncover artifacts in front of your very eyes! Don't worry about the heat...because you'll be in the comfort of the Thomsen Memorial Museum, where you can also check out a reconstructed lodge, as well as a lot of the (wait for it...) 1.5 MILLION artifacts that have been found across the years - including a bison skeleton!
Keep an eye out for those kids activities too, including the "Kids Dig" and the Lakota Games on Ice!
Enjoy!
Suggest an editAdmission only April 1st to Oct 31. $6
$4 (ages 6 to 18) April to Oct only.
Seniors discount
5 years.
2022
You can get your Scout Merit Badge in archaeology at the village!
Check out Archeology Awareness Day which is one day a year filled with lessons, games and history!
They LOVE having groups and students! Why not bring them along! Give them a call for a special rate - and they have plenty of bus parking for you!
They have a great shop with a range of Native American gifts, and great items for kids including tshirts and books!
If you have special needs, just give them a call and see how they might be able to assist you!
Click here for lots more great things to do near you in South Dakota
9am - 6pm Mon - Sat / 10am - 6pm Sun. Memorial Day to Labor Day 9am - 7pm Mon - Sat.
All year round, but appts only Nov to March.
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Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village
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