All historic houses to visit in South Dakota

Step into the past at 22 historic houses in South Dakota. These preserved homes offer a glimpse into the lives of notable figures and everyday people from different eras.

Are you interested in exploring historic homes? Here are the must-see historic houses in South Dakota:

  1. Adams Museum1

    Adams Museum

     Deadwood, SD
    The Adams Museum, located in Deadwood, holds the distinction of being the oldest history museum in the Black Hills. It was established in 1930 by W.E. Adams, a businessman and former mayor of Deadwood. The museum is a testament to the rich history of the region and offers a unique insight into the past.
  2. Mount Rushmore National Memorial2

    Mount Rushmore National Memorial

     Keystone, SD
    The Mount Rushmore National Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is a significant monument in the United States. It features giant sculptures of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These sculptures, each measuring between 18-20 meters in height, can be seen from a great distance.
  3. Ben Reifel Visitor Center - Badlands National Park3

    Ben Reifel Visitor Center - Badlands National Park

     Interior, SD
    Badlands National Park is a treasure trove for paleontologists and history enthusiasts alike. The park boasts a wealth of fossil sites, including those of prehistoric horses, sheep, rhinos, and pigs. Moreover, findings from human civilizations dating back 11,000 years have been discovered within the park.
  4. Crazy Horse Memorial4

    Crazy Horse Memorial

     Crazy Horse, SD
    The Crazy Horse Memorial, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, USA, is a monument project that has been ongoing since 1948. The monument is being built in honor of the famous Lakota leader, Crazy Horse. Despite not being completed yet, the monument is a testament to the art of sculpture and fine craftsmanship. Once completed, the Crazy Horse Memorial will stand as the world's largest monument.
  5. Prairie Homestead5

    Prairie Homestead

     Philip, SD
    The Prairie Homestead is a unique sod house located at 21070 South Dakota Highway 240, north of Interior, South Dakota. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle of the early settlers in the region. It's a great place to learn about the history and culture of South Dakota.
  6. South Dakota State Capitol6

    South Dakota State Capitol

     Pierre, SD
    The South Dakota State Capitol, located at 500 East Capitol Avenue in Pierre, is the official state capitol building of South Dakota. It is home to the South Dakota State Legislature and the offices of various state officials, including the Governor of South Dakota. The building, which was constructed between 1905 and 1910, is a significant landmark in the state and a key point of interest for visitors.
  7. 7

    South Dakota State Historical Society Museum

     Pierre, SD
    The South Dakota State Historical Society is the official state historical society of South Dakota. It operates across the state but has its headquarters in Pierre, South Dakota, located at 900 Governors Drive. This location serves as the central hub for the society's operations and activities.
  8. Minuteman Missile National Historic Site8

    Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

     Philip, SD
    The Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, established in 1999 near Wall, South Dakota, serves to illustrate the history and significance of the Cold War, the arms race, and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) development. This site is a testament to a significant period in American history, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about the Cold War and the arms race.
  9. Fort Sisseton Historic State Park9

    Fort Sisseton Historic State Park

     Lake City, SD
    Fort Sisseton, located near Britton, South Dakota, has a rich history dating back to 1864. It was officially designated as a State Historical Park in 1959, marking it as a significant location for historical preservation and education. Visitors to the park can explore the grounds and learn about the fort's past, providing a unique insight into the region's history.
  10. The Pyle House Museum10

    The Pyle House Museum

     Huron, SD
    The Pyle House, also known as The Pyle Home, is a historic site located at 376 Idaho Ave., S.E. in Huron, South Dakota. This late Queen Anne-style house was built in 1894 and has since been preserved as a house museum. It stands as a testament to the architectural style of the late 19th century and offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
  11. Andrew and Mary Stavig House11

    Andrew and Mary Stavig House

     Sisseton, SD
    The Andrew and Mary Stavig House is a significant landmark in Sisseton, South Dakota. It is conveniently located at 112 First Avenue, West, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The house's location in the heart of Sisseton makes it a central point of interest for those interested in the region's history and architecture.
  12. Old Courthouse Museum12

    Old Courthouse Museum

     Sioux Falls, SD
    The Old Minnehaha County Courthouse, situated at the intersection of Main Avenue and 6th Street in Sioux Falls, is a historic building that once served as the county courthouse for Minnehaha County in South Dakota. This location is easily accessible and is a significant part of the city's history.
  13. Codington County Heritage Museum13

    Codington County Heritage Museum

     Watertown, SD
    The Codington County Heritage Museum, previously known as the Kampeska Heritage Museum, is situated at 27 First Avenue Southeast, Watertown, South Dakota. The museum is housed in the historic Carnegie Free Public Library building, which adds to its charm and historical significance.
  14. Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village14

    Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village

     Mitchell, SD
    The Mitchell Site, also known as 39DV2, is a significant archaeological location in Mitchell, Davison County, South Dakota. It was recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, highlighting its importance in the history and archaeology of the region.
  15. South Dakota Hall of Fame15

    South Dakota Hall of Fame

     Chamberlain, SD
    The South Dakota Hall of Fame serves multiple purposes. It is a museum that details 'acts of excellence' and hosts an annual honors ceremony. It also runs a statewide K-12 South Dakota History Program. Additionally, it houses a Visitor and Education Center in Chamberlain, which opened its doors in June 2000.
  16. Austin-Whittemore House Museum16

    Austin-Whittemore House Museum

     Vermillion, SD
    The Austin–Whittemore House, sometimes referred to as the Austin–Whittemore Museum, is a historic building located in Vermillion, South Dakota. This house was originally built in 1884 and has since been transformed into a historic house museum. It also serves as the headquarters of the Clay County Historical Society. This house is a significant part of the local history and offers a glimpse into the past.
  17. D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives17

    D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives

     Spearfish, SD
    The D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives, located near Spearfish, South Dakota, was established in 1896. Its primary purpose was to introduce and establish populations of trout in the Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming. This hatchery is one of the oldest in the United States and plays a significant role in the preservation and propagation of trout species in the region.
  18. Mellete House18

    Mellete House

     Watertown, SD
    The Mellette House, a historic home and museum, is situated at 421 Fifth Avenue Northwest in Watertown, South Dakota. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the history of the state through the life of one of its prominent figures.
  19. 1881 Courthouse Museum19

    1881 Courthouse Museum

     Custer, SD
    The 1881 Courthouse Museum is a significant historical site located in Custer, South Dakota. This American museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the rich history of the region.
  20. Dacotah Prairie Museum Foundation20

    Dacotah Prairie Museum Foundation

     Aberdeen, SD
    The Dacotah Prairie Museum, formerly known as the Western Union Building, is a historic bank building located in Aberdeen, South Dakota. This building has a rich history and has been a significant part of the city's commercial district. It is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a notable destination for those interested in history and architecture.
  21. 21

    Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve

     North Sioux City, SD
    Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve is a state park located in Union County, South Dakota, United States. It offers a unique opportunity to experience nature and history in a serene setting.
  22. 22

    South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center

     Pierre, SD
    The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is also home to the State Archives and Museum. These institutions manage the South Dakota Digital Archives, a comprehensive collection of digital resources that document the state's rich history and heritage.