Written from Hermosa, SD
(Click on Pics to Enlarge)
Our last "touristy" thing to do in the Rapid City area was to visit
The Journey Museum. A few of our friends
Bill and Kris Osborne and
Roger and Mary Baird had recently gone and gave it "thumbs up". We visited on a Sunday and the museum is very under used.
The museum is divided into four main areas to include the South Dakota School of Mining and Technology, the South Dakota Archaeological Research Center, the Sioux Indian Museum, and the Minnilusa Pioneer Museum. All of these are combined to tell the story of the geological formation of the area up until the present day cultures and peoples of the area. I will admit that I didn't pay a lot of attention to "rocks" in school and a bit of this was over my head, but the presentations were still nicely done.
I especially enjoyed the exhibits dedicated to the Lakota Indians in this area. There were many areas dedicated to their beautiful craftsmanship involving clothing and everyday household goods.
Some of the bead work is just amazing to see.
A large part of the museum involves "hands on" exhibits for the younger folks and there are a good number of oral programs given throughout the day to help visitors better under the Lakota culture. Here is an area where a program on the tipi is given.
Unfortunately, I didn't take many pictures of the pioneer days and the westward immigration of the settlers to this area, but I was able to catch Karen sitting "side saddle" on a demonstration model.
During the visit we attended four of the audio-visual presentations presented by the museum. These were presented in the
Wells Fargo Theater. Rather than take up space here, go to the above link and see for yourself. We especially enjoyed
The Journey and
Lakota Star Knowledge films.
If you like local museums, this one should be put on your list for a visit. The cost was reasonable at $10 for adults ($8 for seniors) and allows visits to return for a second day of admission.
Thanks for dropping by to take a look!
That was way cool! Have to check out that museum on our next trip to SD. If it wasn't for all the winter stuff, we could see ourselves settling down in the Black Hills when we hang up the keys. ;c)
ReplyDeleteWho knew there was so much to see and do in the Black Hills? Certainly not me before coming there for the first time last year.
DeleteI'm with you on the Native American craftsmanship and bead work. We attended a Pow Pow in southern Colorado last year and got to see the dancers regalia up close and I was blown away by it.
ReplyDeleteLarry, attending a pow wow is on our list of "to do" things.
DeleteThis looks like a great find. I have never heard of it. We don't do many cities so we skipped Rapid City. Looks like we had better return. I hope the Lakota exhibit was currated by the Lakota. We are still at TRNP until next week.
ReplyDelete