high plains heritage center museum

holmescounty

This was one of our stops on our bus trip to South Dakota. A wonderful museum on the life in this area in the 1800-1900's. Vast displays relating to cattle drives, moving across the prairie lands and ranching. The museum is located on top of a hill overlooking a large valley -- a beautiful view. If you are into the cowboy life of old, this is worth the stop.

GreatOutdoorFolk

WOW! This was a great little find! I knew Jerry Croft, known for his saddlery and his fun sense of humor and it was so precious to view so much of his contributions to the museum. Even if I hadn't met him, this museum is fascinating to those that love museums. Also, who knew 100 different kinds of barbed wire could be so cool? I had no idea there were different kinds. We will definitely be back, for sure. Thank you!

polkajazz

The view from this museum is amazing, you can see three states! Interesting exhibits evoke the old west. I liked the stuffed longhorn cows, the stagecoaches, and the cowboy art .A little pricey but worth it.

MtnLover965

Lots of exhibits about cowboy life and their equipment, local ranchers with their brands, and the development of barbed wire (many samples). If you aren't a fan of late 1800's/early 1900's western history and life in the West, you probably won't think too much of the museum, but it's a very nice museum for the info it's presenting.

stjohnar

If you are info "cowboy: and redeo and early plains history, this is a must see. If not(like us) worth seeing but too long on many aspects (sadles, redeo pictures)...

2historyfans

All the materials and signage advertised that the museum is "open daily from 9 to 5." We went close to 11 a.m. on a Sunday to find it locked up tight with no signs whatsoever to indicate why. Took a break to visit Walmart for about an hour, then drove back again to the museum. Still closed. Gave up and left town. When we called today to inquire why it was closed, the person who answered the phone didn't seem to know why. We called back a little later and got a different very defensive person who stated we should have come in the afternoon (who knew?) and then hung up on us. I don't think we'll ever try it again.

SDCooks

A good place to get up close with life in the 'old west.' There are lots of saddles,some information on the cattle and sheep industries, and exhibits of old blacksmith and leather working tools but very little explanation on how or what specific items were used for. There is an exhibit of a chuck wagon, stagecoach and hearse but no information on the specific models displayed. Focus is on the cowboy era with little on the Native American heritage of the area. Wonderful building with a fantastic view to the north, Old machinery outside Not an expensive attraction ($7 for adults and $15 for a family) and good spot to visit for local history.

NYFamilyofFourRVC

Lots of saddles and information about area. They have a $15 family rate. Our boys ages 11-13 enjoyed the displays. Can spend 1-2 hours.

jackie60363

On a rainy, cold Sunday my husband and I went to the High Plains museum in Spearfish thinking we could spend a couple of hours looking at some old west items. Everyone is different in what they find interesting but we didn't find plaques of the numerous different barb wire used in the west and early 1900's items (typewriters, etc.) as something worth paying 7 bucks a piece for. There were a couple of nice old wagons including a chuck wagon and a horse pulled hearst but only 6 days after having visited there those are the only items that stand out. We were in and out within 45 minutes. The Adams Museum in Deadwood would be a MUCH better choice if your looking more for items from the late 1800's.

ELM6

A stunning building with many works of art and attractive and interesting displays of historical note.We have seen many different types of museums out here in the Western states,this one is an example of the best of a kind .Take the kids.

RoamingAimlessly

As part of our bus tour we had about an hour and a half here to view it's many exhibits. The exhibits are spread throughout two floors and there is an elevator. We were greeted and given a short orientation about Spearfish and the center. There is lots to see -- saddles, bridles, spurs, gun, different wire fencing used, harness makers shop, and a Bison. You can see information on the Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees, champion rodeo rider's saddles. There is a plastic saddle display (who knew, plastic saddle?) as well as a hearse, surrey, and coach - all horse drawn vehicles of the day. There is a real size display of cattle given to the Indians. This center was quite interesting and the views outside were fantastic!

ShelisaD

If you want history of the area this is the place to go!! Our kids go for school trips and I still sign up to go cause there is stuff I haven't had a chance to see yet. They also host the Heritage of the American West Show once a month which is always amazing and worth a Thursday night out!

Great_Dane23

We discovered that there was going to be a dual performance at the Center with a Cowboy Ballad singer and a Cowboy poet. It was a fun performance and we also had time to enjoy the great museum exhibits.

The_fotobug

If you pass through Spearfish, be sure to take time to stop at the High Plains Heritage Museum. Bison roam the pastures surrounding the building and inside there is plenty of cowboy and native American memorabilia including interesting items from Custer's last stand. Plan on at least two hours and the price is right!

BarryandNicolaG

The High Plains Heritage Museum is well worth a visit. It has loads of old cowboy and pioneer memorabilia and its easy to pass a few hours looking at all the interesting items. It is open from9 - 5 at a cost of $7 for adults and is perched up on a hill just outside of town. Lots of bits and bobs to buy as well.