Visit the Museum of Geology

Open to the Public - Fun and Free!

Important Parking & Access Update:

Due to the construction of the new Mineral Industries building, parking in front of O'Harra/the museum is unavailable. Please use the parking lot on the East side of the building. Enter campus through the Gold Entrance on the University Loop Road. There are signs posted along this road to help you navigate to this parking lot. For a map explaining access click here. If you have questions or would like assistance planning your visit please call us at (605) 394-2467. 

What is Geology?

Geology is a fascinating science that studies the Earth and its processes, including tectonic plates, rocks, minerals, and fossils. 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

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

• 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 Eggstravaganza" (Spring)
• Paleontology & Geology field camps are available in the summer for high school students - see SDSM&T Summer Camps
  

2024 Events

• Spring Rock and Fossil ID Day - Saturday, February 17 - 1:00-4:30 pm
• Dino Eggstravaganza - Saturday, March 23, 12:00-4:30 pm
  
• Fall Rock and Fossil ID Day - Saturday, September 14 - 1:00-4:30 pm
  
• Night at the Museum - Saturday, October 19 - 12:00-4:30 pm

Admission

• Adults (16+) $10.00
• Children (6-15) $5.00
• Seniors (60+) $8.00
• Veterans $8.00
• Tours*
  • School Tours: $3.00 per student, teachers and chaperones are free
  • Private Tours: $6 per person, plus a $20.00 fee

Admissions prices are suggested, but not required. Tour fees are required. 

*Tours must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Tours larger than 25 people must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. 

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 
• Other related destinations in the Black Hills - Activity Sheet.