Mitchell Prehistoric Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum

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The Mitchell Prehistoric Indigenous Archaeological Site, a National Historic Landmark site, is the only active archaeological site in South Dakota that is open to the public. The Site’s Boehnen Memorial Museum and Thomsen Center Archeodome are among the most unique attractions in the state.

The people who lived at the Mitchell Site circa 1,000 AD were part of the Middle Missouri cultural tradition, with close cultural and economic connections to the Mississippian urban center of Cahokia. We estimate that, at its height, approximately 600 people inhabited the village that once stood here. Thought to be ancestral to the Mandan tribe, these villagers lived in earthen lodges and were highly skilled farmers and hunters. They helped to develop what would become the modern strains of corn that are grown today, along with being part of a vast trading network that crisscrossed the entire continent—500 years before European settlement.

Investigate the shelter construction, innovative hunting tools and agricultural techniques of these resourceful people. Special events like live digs, story tellers, Archeology Day, Children’s Day, and mo985.27re are scheduled throughout the summer. Our picturesque grounds are perfect for picnics, birdwatching and lakefront biking and hikes, and there is a kid’s dig where artifacts may be dug for in exchange for a real arrowhead!

In order to facilitate the optimal visitor experience, last call for admissions is 30 minutes prior to closing.

Admission: Call for Group Rates 605-996-5473
Adults: $10
Senior Citizens (60+): $5
Students (Ages 18+ with valid ID): $4
Children 17 and Under: Free

Open now for the season!