SOUTH DAKOTA

The Journey Museum gives visitors a look at artifacts from ancient Indian tribes and settlers who lived in the area, shows them what type of dinosaur bones were discovered beneath the plains, and teaches them how the hills were formed. For more information, visit: www.journeymuseum.org/english/.

Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is an annual event in October that is open to the public. Watch cowboys and cowgirls race across the Dakota plains, herding more than 1,500 buffalo. For more information, visit: www.travelsd.com/about/events/buffaloroundup.asp.

Badlands National Park
Located in southwestern South Dakota, this park is known nationally for its spectacular views of ancient, eroded cliffs and its rich collection of fossilized mammal remains. Visitors are welcome year-round, but in summer months the park hosts a variety of activities including ranger-guided tours, talks, and activities for children. The Ben Reifel visitor’s center is also a good place for explorers to begin learning about the park and the history of the region. Check their website for directions, a calendar of events, and more information about the educational opportunities at the park: http://www.nps.gov/archive/badl/exp/home.htm.

The Black Hills Caves is a unique cave system full of rare underground rock formations. Explore the caves and get an up-close look at what the world looks like beneath the surface. For more information, visit: www.travelsd.com/placestogo/caves.as.

Archaeology and Paleontology in South Dakota is a Web site hosted by the South Dakota travel agency. On this site is a list of archeological and paleontology sites open to the public and school groups, as well as a list of museums. To view the list, go to: www.travelsd.com/thingstodo/archaeology/ .

An archaeology weekend sponsored by the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village occurs every summer in Mitchell. During two days, children have an opportunity to watch flint-napping, make their own pottery vessel, throw atlatls and watch state archaeologists excavate at the Archaeodome, where there are portions of earth lodges from a 1,000-year-old Indian village. In the nearby lab, kids can wash and identify artifacts. A smaller simulated site is set up for youngsters to have a first-hand experience in archaeology. For specific dates and other details, call (605) 996-5473, or visit www.mitchellindianvillage.org or http://www.usd.edu/anth/orgs/mitch.html.

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