The Dakota Discovery Museum and Art Gallery formally, The Friends of the Middle Border Museum exists to preserve and promote the heritage of the Native American and immigrant people of the Middle Border states, primarily for the the period 1600 - 1939, and interpret the museum's collection for the public through educational tours, permanent exhibitions, and special programming.
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The history and art of the area are weaved tougher through stories of endurance, conflict, adaptation and creativity. From ancient traditions to homesteader dreams, from the river's pulse to the railroad's march, the region reflects the American spirit in all its complexity. Through artifacts, murals, clothing, tools and memories, the museum preserves a legacy that continues to shape identities today. Visitors leave with a deeper sense of the land, the people, and the shared journey.
Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. = Weekdays
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Saturday
Closed Sunday
Closed May 26, 2025, July 4, 2025, September 1, 2025
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Admission:
Seniors (63+): $6
Adults (18-62): $7
Youth (6-17): $3
Children (Under 6): Free
Educational Groups:
Please call 605-996-2122 or email history@dakotadiscovery.com two weeks prior to visit for scheduling and special rates.
Follow the Dakota Discovery Museum on Social Media for current news and updates.
Museum Location
1200 West University Ave
Mitchell, South Dakota 57301
(Located on the Dakota Wesleyan University Campus)
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Telephone:
605-996-2122
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Email:
history@dakotadiscovery.com
Featured Exhibit: Fred Mohling
8/18 - 9/30
Discover the paintings and community works of South Dakota farmer-artist Fred Mohling (1894–1984), whose art reflects the quiet beauty and resilience of rural life. Drawing on a lifetime of farming, family, and community, Mohling created over 150 oil paintings, countless drawings, and beloved public displays that celebrated the land and the people who lived upon it.
