Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site

09/29/2026

Discover the history, culture and continuing legacy of Dakota homeland.

Visit the Interpretive Center, explore the Historic Site and learn how Dakota traditions, knowledge and community continue to shape Lower Sioux.

Visit Lower Sioux and experience the story of this place. Plan your visit at lowersioux.com today.

09/26/2026

On this day of September 26, 1862 the Dakota chiefs Wabashaw, Red Iron, Taopi, and Gabrielle Renville released the white and mixed blood prisoners to Colonel Sibley in hopes of getting no punishment from the Uprising by protecting the captives. Even after the captives were in the soldiers hands after their release the soldiers were making advances towards the women captives. Red Iron, Taopi, and Gabrielle Renville and their bands were allowed to stay in Minnesota after being held in Fort Snelling until the exiled Dakotas were sent to Crow Creek. Wabashaw chose to go with his people to Crow Creek.

09/26/2026

A visit to the Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site is an opportunity to learn, reflect and connect.

Inside the Interpretive Center, exhibits and cultural displays introduce visitors to Dakota history, lifeways and perspectives that are essential to understanding Minnesota’s shared history.

Plan your meaningful visit at www.lowersioux.com!

09/24/2026

Begin your visit at the Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site and Interpretive Center, where exhibits and Dakota perspectives help visitors understand the people, places and events that shaped this region.

The Historic Site and Interpretive Center is open through October 18. Come prepared to listen, learn and reflect.

Plan your visit at lowersioux.com today!

06/23/2026

What happened after 1862?

Join the Lower Sioux Agency Historical Site on June 26-27 from 1-3 p.m. for a special Victory Day Program exploring the events that began at the Lower Sioux Agency in 1862 and continued through 1890 at Wounded Knee.

Through videos, resource materials, and conversations with site staff, participants will have an opportunity to learn more about this pivotal period in history, including the Battle of Greasy Grass, also known as Custer's Last Stand.

📍 Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site
📅 June 26-27, 2026
⏰ 1-3 p.m.

Minnesota Historical Society Explore Minnesota

06/08/2026

Open to the public, join us!

05/27/2026

Join us in celebrating at the Lower Sioux Agency June 6th & 7th 1-3p each day. We will showcase an augmented reality elevation sandbox, an interactive 3D tool that projects topography and related features!! We hope to see you there!
507-697-8674

05/10/2026

Exploring Lower Sioux looks different for everyone.

Some come for history.
Some come for culture.
Some come to spend time, learn, or just see something new.

The Cansayapi Cultural Department has introduced a new tool to help guide your visit based on what you’re interested in.

Find Your Path: https://forms.gle/G8NboSZLnr47fE1YA

Answer a few quick questions and get a simple guide to places and experiences across Lower Sioux that match your interests.

A starting point- built to help you explore with intention.

We hope you have enjoyed as much as we have. And remember, you are always welcome at Lower Sioux!

Explore Minnesota

Experience the Lower Sioux Indian Community through Dakota history, land, and living culture. Answer a few quick questions to receive a recommended path for your visit!

05/07/2026

The Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site and Interpretive Center see hundreds of visitors every month between April and October.

In 2025, we saw 500+ visitors in October alone. We are proud to provide a historic and cultural experience that shows who we are as Dakota people and allows people to learn more about our way of life.

Want some more cool facts?

Here are the top 5 states interested in Lower Sioux!

#1 Minnesota
#2 Colorado
#3 Texas
#4 Illinois
#5 California

What are most of our website visitors interested in when it comes to tourism?

#1 - The Lower Sioux H**p Program and Housing Project!

Followed by our Annual Wacipi at #2!

Our hope is to increase the number of visitors we see this tourism season. Whether you want to learn more about Dakota War history, how the Dakota people historically lived, and the living culture that makes us who we are today, there is something for everyone.

Help us reach our goal of serving more visitors this season and put us on your list of places to travel to!

Explore Minnesota

05/06/2026

The upcoming annual Wacipi (powwow) is a great time to visit the Lower Sioux Indian Community.

Taking place June 12–14 this year, it brings together Dakota people and relatives from Tribal Nations across the U.S. and Canada.

Dance is at the center of the Wacipi, with Grand Entry marking the beginning of each session. This year’s Grand Entry times and dates are as follows:

Friday, June 12: 7 PM
Saturday, June 13: 1 PM + 7 PM
Sunday, June 14: 1 PM

Find the full schedule and more here: https://lowersioux.com/wacipi/

The Wacipi is also a perfect opportunity to support Native artists and makers and purchase handcrafted items.

Events will also take place at the Lower Sioux Agency Historic Site and Interpretive Center for those interested in learning more about Dakota history. All are welcome to attend and be part of the gathering, whether to support, learn, or simply spend time in community.

Can we count you in this year?

Explore Minnesota