Akta Lakota Museum, Chamberlain

While driving across South Dakota today I saw a few billboards advertising the museum and I decided to stop along my way. I'm so glad that I did, the staff were real friendly and helpful and the museum itself is very educational. I spent about an hour and a half there and could have spent more time but I had to get back on the road. Edit : I also wanted to add that I was traveling with my pet cat, Callie, and they let me bring her inside ( in her carrier ) and sit by the front desk while I toured the museum. That really made me feel welcomed.

Warmly welcomed and asked if we had visited before. We said no, so she told us where all the various exhibits were, even telling us to go clockwise to go from oldest dates to newest. There were many interactive displays -- good for families. Several chances to sit and watch video presentations, too. Great when you need a break. The gift shop featured native artists, both local Lakota and Navajo from the SW. The church is worth the short walk to see "Our Lady of the Sioux" outside over the doors and also inside.

What a gem of a musuem & cultural center this! It is actually an outreach of the St Josephs Indian School on the same "campus". I would recommend this for families as well as history buffs. There are artifacts galore and displays of Indian life through the ages all presented in a very classy way.We saw their current "WHY" exhibit which moved me to tears. What a tribute this center is to the Lakota people.

You definitely get a great experience learning about the Lakota culture. The museum is family friendly and somewhat interactive. The museum also has a section dedicated to learning about St. Joseph's Indian School, which is where the museum is located. Best part is that it is FREE admittance and the gift shop has beautiful items to purchase A must see while traveling through South Dakota!

This is a must- see if you are in the Chamberlain area. Allow yourself at least an hour but probably 2. The gift shop has beautiful crafts that are reasonably priced. Will be going back for sure since I didn't have time to see all of the displays.