City: Rapid City, SD

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (605) 394-6923

Address: 222 New York St.

Description: Housed in a spectacular building, this museum is a techno-wonder. Your own journey through it starts with a dramatic movie about the geologic and cultural history of the Black Hills. Then continue with a self-guided tour that’s both educational and entertaining, thanks to hand-held sound sticks that allow you to walk, stop, and listen at your own pace. The sound sticks explain the exhibits in Lakota or English. The Journey was designed as an interactive excursion through time, beginning with the earth-shattering birth of the Hills and moving through detailed accounts of the Native American way of life, the arrival of white explorers, the gold rush, pioneer days, paleontology and archaeology, ranching and farming, and much more.Here’s a secret: When you reach the tepee, sit on the bench in front of it, hold the sound stick to your ear, and wait for the moon to come up over the tepee. You’ll be treated to a holographic visit with Nellie Two Bulls, Lakota elder. Other exhibits also “materialize” if you wait for them. The museum was designed to provide a contemplative experience; it’s not to be hurried through—take your time and enjoy. We recommend you make the Journey one of your early stops: It will enhance your understanding of the rich culture of the Black Hills. The gift shop, stocked with Native-made crafts, is above average. The Journey houses two galleries, the Sioux Indian Museum Gallery, and another displaying original South Dakota and midwestern artists. The museum is open daily year-round. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In winter it’s open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon through Sat and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sun.