One of the best collections of South Dakota’s ancient resources resides at the Museum of Geology at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (501 E. Joseph St., 605/394-2467 or 800/544-8162 ext. 2467, http://museum.sdsmt.edu [1], summer Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. noon–5 p.m., winter Mon.–Fri. 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., closed Sun., free).
The museum opened in 1885 and today the collection includes over 350,000 specimens of fossils, rocks, and minerals from the Black Hills [2]’ ancient past. Displays also include minerals from around the world, fluorescent minerals, and local agates, meteorites, and native gold.
There are also several life-sized models of dinosaurs on display. Many of the museum’s extensive collections are on loan to the Journey Museum [3].
Links:
[1] http://museum.sdsmt.edu
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/mt-rushmore-the-black-hills/discover-mount-rushmore-the-black-hills
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/mt-rushmore-the-black-hills/mount-rushmore-and-the-central-hills/rapid-city/sights/journey-museum