Visit the Museum of Geology

Open to the Public - Fun and Free!

Museum Goers Survey

The Museum of Geology is currently implementing the following COVID-19 Precautions:

Total capacity: 34
Please wear masks and keep 6 feet of distance - Masks required in all University public spaces
Hands on exhibits have been removed
Guided tours are limited to 10 individuals from the same household and must be pre-scheduled by phone
Please call with any other questions and to best plan your visit, our hours and contact information are under the "About" tab

Geology is a fascinating and broad science that incorporates many other sciences! At the Museum of Geology, you'll find many compelling exhibits focusing on:

PALEONTOLOGY - the study of ancient life
MINERALOGY - the study of minerals, including gems, crystals, and the rocks they form

Admission is FREE! Donations are always appreciated.

Home Photo Montage

Come and see

Fascinating mounted skeletons of dinosaurs, mammals, marine reptiles, and fish
Rare fossils from the White River Badlands, arranged in time-specific dioramas
Mineral displays including the Hall of South Dakota Minerals, meteorites, and a fluorescent mineral room that's sure to captivate
The Kids' Zone offers hands on experiences for our young visitors
Museum gift shop with toys, books, models, rocks, posters, and more!

Tours and Events

The Museum is a popular stop for tourists as well as a favorite of residents of the community
Guided tours are available for groups. Please call ahead to schedule at (605) 394-2467
Popular events for children include the annual "Night At The Museum" (fall) and "Dinosaur Extravaganza" (spring)
Paleontology & Geology field camps are available in the summer for high school students - see SDSM&T Summer Camps

Virtual Visits

If you're visiting us online, we'd like to introduce you to our online resources:

Online Exhibits - These dynamic visual presentations showcase research by South Dakota Mines faculty and students. Learn more about research and exploration here in the Black Hills and across the globe.
Virtual Tour - The South Dakota Mines virtual tour captures our unique campus using vibrant imagery, VR360 tours, and video and allows you to enjoy 360° panoramic views of our beautiful campus.
Badlands Exhibit - Step inside the Museum of Geology's Inside the Badlands exhibit.
Black Hills Story Map - Our featured Online Exhibit (see image, right).
View us on YouTube and Flickr