Explore the past, discover the wonders, and experience history.
Hot Springs is home to various museums that showcase the region’s rich history, prehistoric discoveries, and cultural heritage. Whether you are fascinated by ancient fossils, local art, or historic architecture, Hot Springs offers engaging and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
The Mammoth Site
Step back to the Ice Age!
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs is one of the most significant prehistoric excavation sites in the world. This active archaeological dig is home to the largest concentration of mammoth remains ever discovered. Visitors can walk through the indoor dig site, where over 60 mammoths – both wooly and Columbian – have been unearthed. Visitors can view real fossils as they are being uncovered, enjoy interactive exhibits, and participate in hands-on programs like simulated digs and fossil casting.
The Mammoth Site offers a unique glimpse into the prehistoric past and is a must-see for everyone!
World Fossil Finder Museum
Uncover the wonders of prehistoric life.
The World Fossil Finder Museum offers visitors an extraordinary journey through time, showcasing some of the most impressive fossil discoveries from around the globe. Perfect for science enthusiasts, families, and curious minds, this museum celebrates the fascinating world of paleontology and the ancient creatures that once roamed the Earth. The World Fossil Finder Museum is home to a remarkable variety of fossils, featuring specimens from South Dakota and beyond.
Come uncover the past and experience the wonder of Earth’s prehistoric treasures.
Fall River Pioneer Museum
Come experience the legacy of the Black Hills pioneers.
Housed in a beautiful 19th-century sandstone school building, the Pioneer Museum brings the history of early settlers to life. From artifacts of daily life to tools, clothing, and photographs, this museum paints a vivid picture of the pioneers who built the region. They have exhibits that include early settler artifacts, historic classrooms, period clothing, and tools from the 1800s and early 1900s.
The Pioneer Museum offers a fascinating look at life during South Dakota’s frontier days and the determination of those who called Hot Springs home.