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History and Heritage

Prehistoric beasts. World-famous pioneers. Native American and Wild West legends. All called South Dakota home at one time. When you visit South Dakota, you will discover thousands of years of history in our abundant fossil fields. Walk in the footsteps of legends like Wild Bill Hickok and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Or experience American Indian heritage first hand at a pow wow.

Plains Indians
In South Dakota, you’ll discover the rich culture of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota Indian tribes, which make up the Sioux Nation..

Lewis and Clark
When President Thomas Jefferson finalized the Louisiana Purchase, he sent two explorers to discover the untamed frontier. Find new adventures along the Lewis and Clark Trail in the heart of South Dakota.

Multimedia Tour
Take a multimedia tour of South Dakota. Hear about traveling through the Black Hills, cruising down I-90 or I-29, and traversing the Lewis and Clark Trail. You can also listen to the official state jingle "Great Faces. Great Places," or try to identify a few of South Dakota's many animal sounds.

Photo Gallery
View the beauty and splendor of the state of great faces and great places.

Archaeology/Paleontology
If you’re interested in what lies beneath the surface, you’ll love exploring South Dakota’s ancient past. Fossils of extinct species, giant wooly mammoths and dinosaur bones have been discovered in South Dakota’s fertile fields. A visit to one of our bone zones is an experience you’ll never forget.

Museums
South Dakota’s history is preserved and on display in more than 100 museums across the state, where you’ll find legendary music, fine art, life-sized displays, and much more.

Historic Sites
In South Dakota, you can walk in the footsteps of history. Imagine what it was like working in a missile launch facility during the Cold War, take a step back in time at a historic military post, or brush up on your history at any of South Dakota’s numerous historic sites.