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    The Mammoth Site

    4.7 (127 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated a few days ago

    The Mammoth Site Photos

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    Ryan K.

    Easily one of the best museum exhibits I've ever been to. It's clearly an active and evolving archeological site but everything was still so well labeled that it didn't even need docents. The walkways get so close and down in the pit, I understand how the mammoths got stuck. Also a great traditional museum set up outside the pit. This is a must stop place if in the area.

    Mammath
    Emily D.

    Such a cool museum and fossil site! Really unique and wonderful for the kiddos! Loved it!

    Arrow head collection
    Wen C.

    In full honestly, when I looked this place up I thought it was a tourist trap. I'm happy to report that it's not a tourist trap! It's a unique archaeologic dig site that is protected by the elements by a custom built structure. The experience begins with a 10 minute video explaining how the geologic forces created the sinkhole which trapped mammoths. Essentially, the sinkhole's sides were steep and so the flat-footed mammoths couldn't escape if they slipped in, whereas smaller animals could climb up the walls and leave. Then, you enter the doors to the site. There are walkways with QR codes to read the information explaining what you are seeing. There's also narration if you don't want to read. After you tour the site, there's another area with exhibits and an area for kids to be more hands on with sand and water. The visit ends with a gift shop area.

    Tom G.

    This active dig site is so cool. It was very informative and when will people not in the field, get to see bones still in the ground. I recommend this to people of all ages and interests.

    A view from the viewing platform looking at the many sets of bones on display
    Shalil J.

    One word to describe this site is wow. This is such an amazing experience and such a cool, active archeological site to see. Normally when you go see an archeological dig, you see maybe 2 or 3 sets of bones but given the unfortunate circumstances for the mammoths (but fortunate for us in 2024) there were over 30 sets of mammoth bones and tusks on display in this ancient lake. It was incredible to take a step back in time and witness these old creatures and be able to appreciate the size of these extinct animals. It also made you appreciate our ancestors and how they would take down these animals of old using only spears. There is plenty of writing and descriptions around the exhibit hall as well as an audio guide that you can utilize using your smartphone. It is very informative and truly a site to behold. The gift shop also has some very cool shirts and trinkets, and I definitely walked away with a mammoth shirt. For pilots, one great thing is this site is only 10 minutes from the Hot Springs Airport, and they have a loaner car you can use to come visit! This site was definitely worth a visit, and I highly recommend coming here on your next visit to Rapid City/Hot Springs. (Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in the museum, so do plan accordingly for that)

    Jessica S.

    A must stop on vacation for young children. I really didn't know what to expect and couldn't imagine how a dig site of bones would be interesting enough to spend more than a few minutes around. Well, I was wrong. There is a lot of valuable history, artifacts, and behind the scenes knowledge. Our 5 year old LOVED this part of the trip. It was a highlight for sure and we all learned a great deal. I also like that it's not a fussy museum where kids are restricted. Yes, they can't climb into the dig site, but there were many opportunities to climb and touch. There is a basically a museum part, and the dig site part. The dig site is a large open room, very large, but you can see across it. I love this setup. It encouraged my son to explore more on his own but I could still keep a watchful eye on him. How cool to learn about our country from so many years ago!

    Recreated
    Penny R.

    So worthy the entrance fee!!! Seeing the actual dog site and being able to walk around and see the layers and to be able to envision the making of the fossils. Museum is well set out with a variety of exhibits. Very good explanations with the signage and there is an audio program you can download.

    Inside
    Noelani M.

    This is a must see if stopping by in Hot Springs, SD. You learn a whole lot and it's so interesting to see all the mammoth bones right where they were found. I recommend bringing your kids and it is handicap accessible During the summer, you can see the folks working on the dig site and they have a snack bar

    Kelsey P.

    Been coming up this way for years and haven't visited. Finally went and was amazed at how much there is in such a small space. The history is incredible and the fact that it is an active archaeological site is really cool to see. If you're in the area it is a great attraction to see

    Inside gift shop
    Debi W.

    Plenty of parking. We went inside and discovered it was a bit more than we wanted to pay, $12 for seniors. We opted to browse the gift shop and then left. The most interesting thing is the arrow display.

    It's hard to miss!
    Janet S.

    Nothing more to say that has not already been said. It's quite unique as all the bones are still in place. You will need about 30 mins to an hour depending on how much audio you listen to. Do watch the movie ahead of the exhibit and peruse the gift shop afterwards.

    09.20.20
    Harlee S.

    A cool site where you can witness active digging. It's not the biggest place, but it is worth the money. The Mammoth Site is fun for kids and adults with lots of facts to learn and fun to be had. To start, you can buy your tickets and then sit down for the short introduction film before entering the site. The place itself isn't that big, but they have made it in a way that is interesting for all and so that everyone feels and sees the incredible history and significance of this site. I thought that it was so cool to see all that is still being uncovered and discovered, especially since this site has been around for several decades. At the end there is a big gift shop where you can browse and take something home. Overall, I think The Mammoth Site is worth a visit and fun for all.

    Kristen Joy L.

    This "museum" is so cool! An active dig site, it's something I found on Google to explore since we were staying in Hot Springs. We chose to break up a work day by spending an hour or so going through the site... and it did not disappoint! They also offer volunteer opportunities and active digs. If we spend more time in this area I'm definitely going to look into those programs. To get down in the pit with the bones would be so incredible. One of the most amazing parts was where they had a core sample drilled and said the fossils extended ANOTHER 65 FEET (!!!!!) down below what's been uncovered so far. That's crazy! The gift shop, while small, does not disappoint... especially with their t-shirts. Very family friendly and a great outing for home schoolers!

    Hebior Mammoth Skeleton in lobby.

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    2 years ago

    Disappointed that they have gotten rid of the life size replica of a bone and hide structure and the flat face bear.

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    3 years ago

    Loved the Mammoth site it was very informative and really so cool. Very clean and neat place.

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    2 years ago

    Such a neat spot! So incredible they respected this amazing area enough to build the building around it!

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    Review Highlights - The Mammoth Site

    This is an active dig site which makes it something unique to this location and something you do not see every day.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Black Hills Institute of Geological Research - Outside

    Black Hills Institute of Geological Research

    4.6(17 reviews)
    35.4 mi
    $

    **June 2025: Monday Afternoon Visit**…read more When I was researching things to do in and around Hill City, this shop/musuem came up highly recommended. Hours: 9am-6pm Adults $7.50 Admission There's parking right alongside the museum and on my visit the area was not very busy. The museum is very small and I think the gift shop is actually the same size or slightly bigger than the exhibit; however, they had a pretty impressive selection of T-Rex skulls, other dinosaur bones, and misc fossils. Some were real and some were accurate size replicas, but the size of these dinosaurs were pretty intimidating and honestly I'd probably be terrified if these ever came to life. I think I spent maybe an hour or so inside reading all the cards and seeing all the bones. I think if you're looking for things to do you could add this, but it would be a if I had extra time in my South Dakota agenda. Enjoy!

    My son is a big dinosaur fan (well, let's be honest, I am too) so of course we had to stop by here…read moreduring our MEA Fall Break vacation in 2021 to South Dakota. They were closed on the first day we tried to come (make sure to check time availability) but we wanted to check this place out so we made another trip from Rapid City on another day. This place isn't very big but they pack a lot of specimens into it. I was impressed by how many T. Rex specimens they had on display and the variety of dinosaurs shown. I had watched the Dinosaur 13 documentary a few months before coming to this place (it is actually how I found out about it) so it was interesting viewing this place and the town from that narrative. My kids were fascinated by the scale of the fossils and had a blast getting up close to the fossils. You have to pay admission (moderate price per person) to see the fossil displays but you can walk around the gift store for free. The gift shop is stocked with so many dinosaur lover gifts and fossils and was a big hit with the family. It made for a fun afternoon. Tip - Make sure to visit the giant open pit mine in the next town over, we made a day of visiting both.

    Photos
    Black Hills Institute of Geological Research - Pricing

    Pricing

    Black Hills Institute of Geological Research
    Black Hills Institute of Geological Research - Fossils

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    Fossils

    Crazy Horse Memorial - what the finished memorial will look like

    Crazy Horse Memorial

    3.4(546 reviews)
    28.8 mi

    Crazy Horse Memorial was honestly one of the most impressive stops of our entire South Dakota road…read moretrip. Pictures really do not prepare you for how massive this mountain carving actually is in person. The scale is unbelievable, and learning that it has been actively worked on since 1948 makes it even more fascinating. What surprised me most was how much there is to do besides just looking at the mountain. The museums, cultural exhibits, artwork, and history throughout the memorial made the experience feel much deeper and more meaningful. You can tell there is a huge focus on honoring Native American culture and preserving history, which made the visit feel educational as well as visually incredible. We also highly recommend doing the bus tour to get closer to the carving because it really helps you understand the size and detail of the project. The views from the property are beautiful, and there are so many great photo opportunities everywhere you look. If you are visiting the Black Hills or heading to Mount Rushmore, this is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. It ended up being one of the most memorable places we visited in South Dakota, and I would definitely go back again. Check out our videos on our socials @reessroots

    Rip Off! $12 a person and you can't even get to the sight unless you pay another $5 a person…read more You can see what you want to see from the road - stop and take a picture and save your time and money. In addition, it's a scam, because the carving has barely changed in 40 years. This will never be a finished product. Don't waste your money at this private site.

    Photos
    Crazy Horse Memorial - Crazy Horse

    Crazy Horse

    Crazy Horse Memorial - Crazy Horse

    Crazy Horse

    Crazy Horse Memorial - Gift shop

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    Gift shop

    The Mammoth Site - museums - Updated May 2026

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