LIFESTYLE
DACOTAH PRAIRIE MUSEUM
The Dacotah Prairie Museum was founded in 1969 to preserve and share the history of the Dakota prairie and its inhabitants. Over the decades, it has become the county’s premier history museum, serving as a storehouse for their collective memory while providing archival, research, exhibit, and educational services. Located in the historic Northwestern Bank building (built in 1889), the museum has focused on telling the stories of the people who lived in the area, the past and present, and continues to expand how those stories are shared with new generations. “Our exhibits range from historic artifacts and photographs to immersive educational environments and rotating art displays,” said director Patricia Kendall . “Visitors can explore Brown County history through archival images, objects from everyday life, and community-donated artifacts.” A major new addition is the Rosemarie & Dean L. Buntrock Gallery —a Global Biodiversity Experience , which introduces animals from North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa in an interactive format. Guests are welcomed by a full bison mount (coming summer of 2026) in the lobby are guided through global habitats, biodiversity, and the impact of human activity on wildlife. For younger visitors and families, Country School Days is a hands-on children’s exhibit modeled after a one-room country school. Children are encouraged to complete chores, pack lunch, and take part in reading, writing, and arithmetic through imaginative play. Historic photos and local school facts invite storytelling and reminiscing across generations.
This month visitors can experience several engaging displays, Kendall says. These include Fashion from the DPM Collection (February 21–May 2), which highlights clothing and textiles from their archives, as well as Historic Hecla, South Dakota (Photos) (December 20–February 28). upcoming ART Solo exhibition by Roberta Goldade beginning in March,” said Kendall. “Historically, we explore everything from Indigenous history and early settlement to homesteading, town life, recreation, and modern community development in Brown County.” “We also host rotating art exhibits by local and regional artists, such as the One of the most meaningful aspects of the staff is watching people, especially families, engage together. "Seeing children role play in Country School Days, adults reminiscing over historic photographs, or visitors discovering a family connection creates powerful moments of shared learning and connection,” said Kendall. Whether it’s delving into local history, or history in general, the staff suggests starting curious and to not get overwhelmed. “You don’t need to see everything in one visit—take your time, read what interests you, and ask questions,” said Kendall. “Museums are meant to be explored at your own pace, and every visit can reveal something new.”
For more information, visit dacotahprairiemuseum.org.
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