South Dakota is rooted in Native culture. In fact, more than 71,000 individuals of Native descent call the state home — including members of the Lakota tribe, who trace their nation’s birth to the Black Hills. One of the best places to dive into the past and present of South Dakota’s tribal nations is at Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, which tells stories of the Northern Plains people through engaging exhibits and programs.
This article is sponsored by Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center.
Things to See & Do
Aktá Lakota, which means “to honor the people” in Lakota, reflects the museum’s mission to preserve and share the rich heritage of the Northern Plains people. Inside, visitors can view well-preserved clothing, accessories, tipis, utensils, weapons and other objects made from materials such as beads, feathers and animal hides. Many of the artifacts are from the early reservation period between 1800 and 1930. There are also many pieces of fine and contemporary art on display.
The museum hosts rotating exhibits, such as Wóyake: Language in Lakota Art, which features paintings and other works that honor storytelling through the written word and the versatility of the Lakota language (on display through October 31, 2024). Look for masterpieces by artists such as Keith BraveHeart, Dyani White Hawk and Nathaniel Ruleaux.
Don’t miss a visit to the on-site Medicine Wheel Garden, home to native plants and a water feature that honors the resource’s healing power and importance to the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota tribes. The gift shop — which has a bounty of items produced by local artisans, including jewelry, quilts and ornaments — is also a must-stop.
Know Before You Go
Aktá Lakota is located at St. Joseph's Indian School in Chamberlain, a city on the banks of the Missouri River in south-central South Dakota. You can get there from Interstate 90 by taking Exit 263 and driving north 2 miles through downtown Chamberlain.
Admission to the museum is free, but visitors have the option to donate an amount of their choice to support its programs ($5 per person and $15 per family is recommended but not required). Guided tours are available upon request at the reception desk.
Learn more about the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center
