When you're in North Dakota, you're in the Badlands, which means all around you there is an incredibly rich history, from as far back as the dinosaurs!
Luckily for you, the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum is where you can learn ALL about this amazing past through departments in Archaeological, Genealogical and Paleontological research as well as preservation collections relating to local history.
In fact, there is so much to learn about the region, the museum's collections only relate to a 100 mile radius of Bowman, because there is simply far too much to fit in!
Through Paleontology, you can learn all about the Cretaceous Period, and not just the dinosaurs but the giant marine reptiles and extinct exotic plants all worked in harmony.
Through Anthropology, kids can explore the wealth of fascinating Indian history and culture, including how famous names played a role in the drama of life at this time - from Sitting Bull, to General Custer, to Buffalo Bird Women and Running Antelope.
It's through photography, stone and bone artifacts, rock art, art prints, animal hides and beadwork, to name a few, their story is told!
Geneaology allows you to learn all about the stories behind the people who lives on these lands, and shaped it to what it has become today, and of course Botany - where to really SEE the prairie, you need to get out of the car and walk upon it.
The Prairie Walk is one thing to read about, and it's another to actually experience! It was the prairie that drew Sitting Bull and his Lakota warriors, cowboys, homesteaders, and pioneers to the region.
With local history on top of ALL of that above, a visit to the Pioneer Trails Regional Museum really is an amazing experience, when you look out onto the vast prairies and just imagine what went on, across that very land you are looking at!
Pretty amazing, but that's what makes history great!
The Pioneer Trails Regional Museum is located at 12 First Ave. NE in Bowman, North Dakota. Bowman is located at the confluence of two major highways, US 85 and US 12. We are in the extreme southwestern corner of North Dakota, approximately 16 miles from South Dakota, and 30 miles from Montana.
Get directions$5 (Over 14 years)
$3 (Ages 7 to 13)
6 years
2022
Best to grab something to eat in the area before or after your visit!
They host fun events across the year, such as the Annual ATV History Tour, with plenty of outdoor fun and adventures for the family!
The museum offers a great learning opportunity for kids, so give them a call to arrange a field trip!
Take water with you
Give them a call to ask about the accessibility of the exhibits
It can get hot out in the Badlands - take a hat and sunglasses!
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