Just about three miles outside of Mitchell and easily reached, this combination archeological "dig" and museum traces the history of the Lakota tribe. The "dig" can be visited year round since it is enclosed in a wonderful building with a walkway allowing you to view the entire area (about a block square) from above.
located on lake Mitchell, a great place to let the kids unwind and learn about prehistoric Indians and how they lived. They have both indoor and outdoor activities for the family to enjoy
If you're at all interested in history/archaeology and/or Native American culture, put this place on your to-do list. The museum, while not terribly large, was full of information (especially when the tour guide pointed things out that might not otherwise catch your attention). The introductory film was worth the time, and if get to visit the archaeodome (or whatever the spelling is), it's definitely worth seeing.
Great for 2 hours. We saw a short film. A guided tour. A large boned bison. A reconstructed house and tools and food and living a daily life. It was not large but it really showed you life as it was. They are under excavation so we were able to go to the 24/7 excavation site and see what they were digging up and see the lab. All very cool. Lots of walking and bricks for sale
What I thought was interesting about this place is that the people who lived here were in contact with Cahokia. The guides were very helpful, and it's neat to see an archaeological dig in progress. It's fairly close to the Corn Palace, so if you're stopping at one, might as well check out the other.
Forget the Corn Palace, go visit this wonderful place instead. This old prehistoric Indian village is currently being explored and you should take some time to go and see it. Very nice displays, personal tours, wonderful staff, and interesting facts. I especially liked the information about the way Indians used to live and what they ate. Very pretty area on top of everything! I would definitely recommend this site and encourage you to take the time to explore it.
We are closed for the season due to an expansion and remodel project here at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village. We are so sorry you were not able to tour the Village. Our website and FaceBook page advises visitors to call first from November 1st to March 31st as we cannot be here every day in the winter months. We did send you a direct response with a free admission offer earlier and do hope to see you here some day. The Village will open for the season on April 1st with new exhibits coming soon, a fresh new look for our Boehnen Memorial Museum and much, much more!
At this site, you learn not only about the Prehistoric Indian Village, but also how archaeologists learn about them. In the "dome" you can watch them as they (very slowly) uncover new artifacts, and learn about how they determine the meaning of the things they uncover. For example, it the museum they have a replica of what one of the Indian lodges would have looked like. They determined what the walls were made of based on archaeological findings...but they guessed at what the ceiling was made of based on what similar houses used for ceilings a mere hundred years ago or so, because there was no archaeological evidence left of the roofs! Overall, it was a very educational look at what we know about the past, how we know it, and what we are still only guessing at.
I have alwasy been fascinated by the American Indian culture and this Archeodome was really amazing! You can see first hand the work of the archeologists and their findings.The Visitor Center has a recreated village home that is superbly done. There are plenty of excellent artifact exhibits that should not be missed! The tour guide is very knowledgable and answers all questions with professionalism. If you are in the area, be sure to check this one out!
Enjoyed learning about the early inhabitants of the Mitchell SD area. Loved the museum, village area, archeological dig site, & knowledgeable guides. Would recommend it for young and old.