Visiting The Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center In South Dakota
- Date Visited: August 22, 2020
- Address: 1301 N Main St, Chamberlain, SD 57325
- GPS: 43.8253, -99.32477
- Phone: (800) 798-3452
- Website
- Hours: Varies Seasonally
- Price: Free
The Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center is located on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. It is open year round, but their hours vary by the season. Admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted.
The center was open in 1991 and details the lives, cultures, traditions and history of the Northern Plains Indians. Akta Lakota means “to honor the people” in the Lakota dialect and that is the purpose of the museum. They wish to honor and preserve the Lakota culture by telling their story.
The self-guided tour through the museum will walk you through a chronological history of the Lakota people. Gorgeous full-scale dioramas, interactive and educational displays and even a mini-theater are all included in the tour. Some of the historical artifacts date back to the 1800s.
Modern pieces in the museum include paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, and quilts all created by Lakota, Dakota and Nakota artists. I read that the museum has one of the most comprehensive collections of Northern Plains Native American artwork and historical artifacts in all of South Dakota.
In 2013 the Tokéya uŋkí nájiŋpi Historical/Alumni Center has added the the center. This section documents the history and accomplishments of staff and students of St. Joseph’s Indian School.
In 2014 the Medicine Wheel Garden exhibit was added outside along the Missouri River. It is open daily from May-October. The Medicine Wheel is a sacred symbol to the Plains tribes and is said to represent all the knowledge of the universe.
My favorite exhibit by far was the full-scale diorama featuring what a buffalo hunt looked like, but I also really enjoyed all the exhibits featuring traditional Lakota clothing. A lot of jewelry and tools are also on display as well as a whole canoe.
The museum is very well done and provides amazing information on everything on display. There is a gift shop for basic souvenirs as well as a small shop featuring traditional and local hand-made items.
If you’re in the area the museum is a fantastic stop.