Events

Upcoming

  • Archaeology Day

    06/13/2026

    10:00 AM-3:00 PM

    Join us for Archaeology Day at the Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum for a hands-on day exploring the ancient past of the Great Plains. From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, visitors of all ages can experience archaeology in action with interactive activities throughout the site.

    The day will include atlatl throwing demonstrations and participation, live flintknapping, artifact washing, pottery making, and guided tours of the Thomsen Center Archeodome led by Executive Director and archaeologist Christian New. Guests will have the opportunity to learn directly from archaeologists while exploring the only active archaeological excavation in South Dakota open to the public.

    Admission for the event will be half off all day, with free admission for children as always. Whether you are interested in archaeology, history, ancient technology, or simply looking for a unique family activity, Archaeology Day offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with the science uncovering the story of the people who lived at the Mitchell Site nearly 1,000 years ago.

    RSVP

  • Children's Day

    7/11/2026

    10:00 AM-4:00 PM

    Join us as we host a fun-filled day for parents and kids alike, with free admission and an assortment of activities:

    Native American cultural presenters, flintknapping demonstrations, atlatl throwing, corn husk doll making, and more!

Past

  • Wolf Moon

    01/31/2026

    !0:00 AM-3:00PM

    Join us for a day of free, family-friendly fun as we celebrate the first full moon of the year—the Wolf Moon!

    Enjoy hot chocolate and apple cider, face painting, gourd painting, artifact washing, and hands-on activities for all ages. The day will also feature traditional storytelling, games, and teachings centered on the horse, led by board members Peter Lengkeek and Belinda Joe, highlighting the cultural and therapeutic relationships between people and horses.

  • Annual Meeting 2026

    Celebrate Arbor Day with us at the Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum! Join us on Saturday, April 25th for a morning focused on trees, community, and connection to the landscape. The day begins at 10:00 AM with the Ceremony of the Little Tree at Dakota Wesleyan University, followed by an engaging 11:00 AM talk at the Mitchell Site on Kentucky coffee trees, presented by Jeff Hansen. This free event is a great opportunity to learn, reflect, and enjoy the outdoors—plus, light refreshments will be provided.

  • Mitchell's Arbor Day

    Celebrate Arbor Day with us at the Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum! Join us on Saturday, April 25th for a morning focused on trees, community, and connection to the landscape. The day begins at 10:00 AM with the Ceremony of the Little Tree at Dakota Wesleyan University, followed by an engaging 11:00 AM talk at the Mitchell Site on Kentucky coffee trees, presented by Jeff Hansen. This free event is a great opportunity to learn, reflect, and enjoy the outdoors—plus, light refreshments will be provided.