Akta Lakota Museum
Akta Lakota Museum
5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Visit the Aktá Lakota Museum to experience a living lesson on the Native American way of life, past and present. As an outreach program of St. Joseph's Indian School, we pride ourselves on not just providing an experience but creating an atmosphere conducive to learning and healing into the hearts of our students as well as our visitors. We have an outstanding collection of cultural, historical and artistic works that relate specifically to the Northern Plains Indian Tribes, the ancestry of the students served at St. Joseph's. Our historical collection honors the past while our contemporary collection represents the creative spirit of today's world. Through your visit you’ll discover that Lakota culture is not just a thing of the past. It's alive and thriving today.
Duration: < 1 hour
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See what travelers are saying
- Paradise53018356209River Falls, Wisconsin4 contributionsDon't miss this!Astonishing Native history museum with many authentic Native items, well worth a visit. Beautiful Medicine Wheel garden.Not very far off I90. Gift shop with large variety of Native madecrafts and artwork--we had looked all over SD Native made gifts! Free admission.Wópilá táηka – many thanks for sharing your visit. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit and our gift shop! We appreciate your support in spreading the word and hope to see you again.Written October 18, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 7, 2023
- RonHornungMidland, Michigan1 contributionHidden GemOn the Campus of St. Joseph Indian School this very beautiful museum is a wonderful introduction into the Lakota Sioux culture. Very professionally curated with great dioramas and many historical items on display. Although I would not allow less than one hour to cruise this museum, it could easily take a few hours to absorb all the material presented. A very short drive from the large Sculpture "Dignity" on I-90.Pilámaya – thank you for your review of our museum. We are very proud of our museum and our commitment to providing all who visit the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Northern Plains Indian people. We appreciate your support in spreading the word!Written October 18, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Written October 3, 2023
- pahosemannZachary, Louisiana1 contributionEducational and interestingIt takes a good 5 hours to read and see everything. We kept going back there until we had read and seen everything. It was great to hear the other side of the history of Indians and feel their love of land and people. Wish American people could be more like them.Wópilá táηka – many thanks for sharing your visit. We are very proud of our museum and commitment to providing all who visit the opportunity to experience and learn about the history of the Northern Plains Indian people. We appreciate your support in spreading the word and hope to see you again!Written October 18, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Written October 5, 2023
- Alaina9 contributionsTravel back in timeStunning. I was not expecting to have such an interactive experience! This museum is unlike any other I have visited. It felt like living history. The exhibits are beautifully crafted, curated, and organized. Truly, a wealth of information beyond anything I had imagined; my father and I spent over two hours soaking it all in. Full of life, color, and lessons, the Akta Lakota is well worth your time and deserves a spot on your South Dakota itinerary. Tip! If you can, visit here first so that you can take the knowledge with you and enrich the rest of your travel through South Dakota.Pilámaya – thank you for your review of our museum. We are very proud of our museum and our commitment to providing all who visit the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Northern Plains Indian people. We appreciate your support in spreading the word!Written October 18, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 9, 2023
- Aaron ShelbyAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates454 contributionsA History LessonMy dad and I stopped by after visiting the Dignity statue right outside of Chamberlain. We appreciated learning about the histories of the Lakota people. The museum is well maintained and on the site of a religious school. They did not shy away from the horrible treatment of the Native Americans through the school system used to strip them of their culture to make them "American". Definitely stop by for an in-depth history experience.Wópilá táηka – many thanks for sharing your visit.Written June 10, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten April 30, 2024
- angieabruzzeseNarrowsburg, New York225 contributionsHighly recommend this wonderful museumsHighly recommend for a further understanding of the Indian experience in this country. We are so happy to know about and support the St Joseph Indian School, a big part of the process to help, educate and sustain the Lakota people. A must stop when traveling in South Dakota. We are so happy to discover Chamberlain, SD.Wópilá táηka – many thanks for sharing your visit. We appreciate your support in spreading the word!Written July 16, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 13, 2024
- Eileen KUrbana, Illinois1,428 contributionsOutstandingA friend recommended that we visit the Akta Lakota Museum during our road trip that passed through Chamberlain. We are glad we took the advice. This is one of the best museums we’ve seen that portrays the life of Native Americans. Akta Lakota means to honor the people, and this museum gives honor to all. Free admission but contributions are welcome.Wópilá táηka – thank you for sharing your visit. We take great pride in our museum and our dedication to offering all visitors the chance to explore and learn about the history of the Northern Plains Indian people. Your support in spreading the word is truly valued, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon!Written August 15, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten July 16, 2024
- Joe J1 contributionWell worth the time. Be prepared to want to spend more time there!!!Have always wanted to visit. Finally got my chance. I could have spent all day there. Learned a great many things. Got a chance to talk to a lady that worked there. Amy was her name, very friendly, lots of information. Will go back again.Wópilá táηka – many thanks for sharing your visit. We appreciate your support in spreading the word!Written August 15, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 18, 2024
- oxengirlFairview, Michigan539 contributionsBeauty & PeaceThis museum is one of the finest I have visited. Every aspect of the Native people is eloquently displayed with a reverence as you all through. It's so peaceful with the music, quiet execution, exceptional art & so many books to purchase. The gift shop was the best in the area & the elders who assist could not be more welcoming. This was the highlight of my trip and will return. Well Done!Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten August 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
5.0
476 reviews
Excellent
428
Very good
40
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
0
Eric S
Sioux City, IA34 contributions
Jul 2020
This place is free to visit and full of information about the Native American people from the area. We were very impressed by the collections and the museum itself. Well worth the stop. Don't forget to check out the school part of the museum and watch the story of the children.
Written July 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pilámaya – thank you ! We're so glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written August 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DogsandDragons
Holton, MI190 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
This museum is one of the reasons we chose to visit South Dakota, we wanted to learn about the Indian culture. My dad is Potawatomi however he would never discuss the culture or history so this museum is a good way for me to learn different native cultures. If you take the time to read the exhibits you will learn a lot. Some interesting displays using clothing from Dances with Wolves. I do wish the school history section had more details but the space is limited in that section. Nice selection of items in the gift shop, wish I had planned to spend more. We spent two or three hours here. Our children (15 and 20) also enjoyed the museum.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RollingKnight
Philadelphia, PA1 contribution
Dec 2020
On my drive across the USA, I stopped at this museum. This Museum has two sizable exhibits, one on the Lakota tribe and the other about the Catholic School hosting this museum. I’ve learned many things I’ve previously never knew, and to top it off, the people there were incredible.
Written December 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wópilá táηka – many thanks for sharing your visit. We appreciate your support in spreading the word!
Written January 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rkolb26
Inverness, IL175 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We sort of found this museum by accident by noticing it as a dot on the map but it was a great accident.
This a very well done, interesting museum about one part of Native American history.
Set up in chronological order it's easy to pick what you are most interested in.
The staff is very helpful and everything is spotless.
Would definitely reccomend and go again.
This a very well done, interesting museum about one part of Native American history.
Set up in chronological order it's easy to pick what you are most interested in.
The staff is very helpful and everything is spotless.
Would definitely reccomend and go again.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pilámaya – thank you for sharing your visit. We appreciate your support in spreading the word!
Written October 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dennis M
Iowa, United States333 contributions
May 2021
Nice museum dedicated to the preservation and display of Indian life, past and present. The Catholic school that houses this museum educates Native children (who have been recommended by their elders), in American ways AND they also teach the kids Indian customs, religion and ways. Many graduates go on to Mount Maury College, nearby, to continue their studies. Contributions to the school are encouraged but not required.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pilámaya – thank you for the review of our museum. We appreciate your support!
Written July 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elizabeth L
1 contribution
May 2021
The Atka Lakota Museum in Chamberlain unfortunately clings to outdated and harmful explanations of the Plains Indians. While the museum is in possession of some amazing art and artifacts, the messaging around the tour and the display is a missed opportunity for Native-Led voices to be heard. The tone and messaging through a white gaze, and while I do think folks involved have a great intention, the museum needs to be revamped with Natives in charge of the narrative. Especially given the recent discoveries of mass graves in the Canadian residential schools (which likely also exist in the US), I would encourage a re-evaluation of how the museum presents itself, its artifacts, and the lives of indiginous folks of what we now refer to as South Dakota. It is also on the campus of the St. Joseph Indian School; the sad irony of that fact in plain view. I have no doubt that someday it will change, and hopefully be a source of pride for the local tribal community. I would encourage the movement toward that day whole heartedly. I visited the museum with a group - including two Natives. One of them left in tears.
Written July 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review of our museum. We understand your frustration of what you consider outdated explanations. Our exhibits and timelines were updated in 2013 after years of research and working very closely with our Curriculum and Parent Advisory Team, all of whom are American Indian.
Since 1927, St. Joseph's Indian School has served the needs of the Lakota (Sioux) people in South Dakota. The children at St. Joseph’s Indian School are here because their families want them to be here. Some families aren’t able to care for their children. Extreme poverty may force them to choose between feeding their children and heating their homes during the long, harsh South Dakota winters. It is hard for the students to be away from home, but we are blessed to work with families who have chosen St. Joseph’s and want their children to receive a good education and other opportunities. I certainly understand your skepticism, but culture is an extremely important part of our program. We have an annual powwow, all our students take Native American Studies classes and are learning the Lakota language. Learn more at stjo.org/culture.
Written July 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alaina
9 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Stunning. I was not expecting to have such an interactive experience! This museum is unlike any other I have visited. It felt like living history. The exhibits are beautifully crafted, curated, and organized. Truly, a wealth of information beyond anything I had imagined; my father and I spent over two hours soaking it all in. Full of life, color, and lessons, the Akta Lakota is well worth your time and deserves a spot on your South Dakota itinerary.
Tip! If you can, visit here first so that you can take the knowledge with you and enrich the rest of your travel through South Dakota.
Tip! If you can, visit here first so that you can take the knowledge with you and enrich the rest of your travel through South Dakota.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pilámaya – thank you for your review of our museum. We are very proud of our museum and our commitment to providing all who visit the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Northern Plains Indian people. We appreciate your support in spreading the word!
Written October 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert C
Harmony, PA68 contributions
May 2022
What a great little museum. We saw signs on the highway and decided to take a quick detour. The location is not conducive to large RV's or long camping trailers. Thankfully we were towing a small popup! This museum have some beautiful artifacts on display. The story boards are very interesting. Their selection of books related to Native Americans is substantial. The gift shop has many great offerings as well. If you have an hour or two this stop is definitely worth it if you are interested in Native American history.
Written May 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pilámaya – thank you for your review of our museum. We are very proud of our museum and our commitment to provide all who visit the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of the Northern Plains Indian people. We appreciate your support in spreading the word!
Written May 31, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sdurham66
2 contributions
Jul 2021
I have worked in Indian country so am familiar somewhat with Indian history and culture. The Akta Lakota Museum does an excellent job of using a chronological layout to describe life before and after the White Man arrived. The artifacts and detailed description of everyday activities gave a vivid image of life in the Lakota Tribe. Well done!
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wópilá táηka – many thanks for sharing your visit. We are very proud of our museum and commitment to provide all who visit the opportunity to experience and learn about the history of the Northern Plains Indian people. We appreciate your support in spreading the word and hope to see you again!
Written July 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eric P
4 contributions
Jul 2021
The People's Museum tells a wonderful Human story of the Lakota Sioux and Northern Plains Tribes. Brilliant Vivid Displays immerse you into the lives and times of the Lakotas..St. Joseph's School section of the museum tells a heart wrenching and heart warming story of a Catholic School that learnt to get it right ..well you must see and experience for yourselves.
Written August 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much time would it take to see the museum without rushing?
Written March 21, 2017
You should allow yourself at least 60-90 minutes to see the museum. This includes an optional 22-minute film on the 'People of the Plains' shown in our theater.
Written March 21, 2017
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