The Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum

05/28/2026

Mitchell was recently highlighted in this travel feature as one of South Dakota’s most unique destinations, and we’re proud to see the Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum recognized as one of the community’s standout attractions.

For over 100 years, the Mitchell Site has helped uncover the story of a thriving Indigenous village that existed here nearly 1,000 years ago. Today, it remains the only active archaeological excavation in South Dakota open to the public.

If you’ve never visited the site, this summer is a great time to explore the museum, view active research and archaeological work inside the Archeodome, and experience one of the most important archaeological locations on the Northern Plains right here in Mitchell.

Read the full article here:

Puttering along in our white Ford truck, I tap on the dashboard, ticking off the states I've been to along Interstate 90.

05/22/2026

Today is Native Nonprofit Day, and it also comes during South Dakota Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month.

At the Mitchell Site, these two observances intersect in meaningful ways. Every day, our organization works to preserve, study, and share the story of a Native village that existed here nearly 1,000 years ago along what is now Lake Mitchell.

As a nonprofit archaeological site and museum, our work depends on public support, community engagement, research, education, and preservation efforts that ensure this history remains accessible for future generations.

From ongoing excavations in the Archeodome to school tours, collections care, and public interpretation, this work continues because people in our community and beyond believe in the importance of history to current and future generations.

Thank you to everyone who supports archaeology, preservation, education, and Indigenous history here in South Dakota!

05/20/2026

We can't wait to host the vendor responsible for the delicious Pemmican bars we have in our gift shop!

We're goin' to South Dakota! From Memorial Day Mon. thru Fri. we'll be visiting our valued vendors at Dacotah Prairie Museum , , & points in between-pics to follow!

05/19/2026

Big things have been happening inside the Thomsen Center Archeodome at the Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum. From updated flooring and redesigned display cases to new artifact selections and interpretive improvements, we’ve been working hard to improve the experience for every visitor who walks through our doors.

We’re grateful to the Mitchell Daily Republic for highlighting these ongoing updates and the continued importance of preserving and sharing the story of the people who lived here nearly 1,000 years ago.

Take a look at the article below and see what’s new at one of South Dakota’s most important archaeological and educational sites.

Mitchell archeology dig site unveils interactive features

05/14/2026

Four new designs just dropped in our gift shop!

The new lineup:
• Bison Herd
• Bison Logo
• Old Bones
• Artifact Preservation

We wanted this collection to feel tied directly to the work happening here at the Mitchell Site. These are inspired by the archaeology, the Plains landscape, the collections, and the thousands of years of history we're uncovering here.

Available now in limited quantities at the museum shop or on our website:

https://www.mitchellindianvillage.org/gift-shop

05/08/2026

Cultural heritage/community highlights

05/07/2026

Today, the Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum welcomed around 150 students from three very different groups: students from Maxwell Colony, a group brought by the Sioux Falls Office of Indian Education, and 3rd–5th grade students from Andes Central.

What stood out most throughout the day was not the differences in background, culture, or life experience between these groups, but the shared curiosity they all brought with them. Every group asked thoughtful questions, engaged with the archaeological record, and showed genuine interest in learning about the people who lived here nearly 1,000 years ago.

The Mitchell Site preserves the story of an Indigenous farming community whose accomplishments included large earthlodge architecture, long-distance trade, sophisticated ceramic traditions, and a deep knowledge of the Plains environment. Watching students from such different communities come together around that shared history was a powerful reminder of why public archaeology and educational outreach matter.

Experiences like today’s continue to reinforce the importance of keeping educational access available to as many students as possible, regardless of geography, background, or economic circumstance.

We are grateful to all three schools and organizations for visiting today and for the energy and respect their students brought to the site.

05/05/2026

We are so lucky to have a community that supports us! Thank you Visit Mitchell!

It’s National Travel & Tourism Week, and we’re celebrating the stories that came long before us🏺✨

Step into history at The Mitchell Indigenous Archaeological Site & Museum—where you can explore one of the region’s most significant archaeological discoveries and learn about the people who lived here.

Have you visited the site before? 👇

05/02/2026

We were honored to host the Kiwanis Club of Mitchell at their after hours event for April. They had amazing questions and insights, and together we explored both the history of the Village and the Mitchell community's role in developing an open field into one of the most premier archaeological sites open to the public in the United States.

We look forward to hosting them again soon!

04/30/2026

Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming a group from Dakota State University to the Mitchell Site for a tour of the ongoing excavations inside the Thomsen Center Archeodome.

We spent time discussing the archaeology of the our site, the broader Initial Middle Missouri tradition, excavation methods, feature interpretation, and the long history of research taking place here. The group was able to walk directly alongside active excavation areas and see the scale and complexity of the village features currently being investigated.

One of the most rewarding parts of giving tours like these is the opportunity to connect students and faculty with active archaeological research happening here in South Dakota.

Thank you again to everyone from Dakota State University who came out and engaged so thoughtfully throughout the visit. We appreciate the interest, questions, and discussion, and we look forward to continuing to build stronger connections with universities and students across the region!