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Do you like mammoth bones and/or paleontology? If so, this is one of the best locations in North America. A Land developer, who was planning to build new homes, stumbled onto this mammal trap and donated it to the government. So far, they have discovered #67 mammoth bones among other mammals. Be prepared for at least 2 hours of history and excitement (or maybe more) via a scanned qr code audio lecture and 15 mt feature movie. However, you and your traveling companions will enjoy every minute of their experience.
Was visiting from out of town and decided to visit the Mammoth Site. Not sure what to expect, we went in with an open mind. It starts off with a movie explaining how the area was created and how the mammoths ended up in the sink hole and ultimately meeting their demise. After the movie you head into another room which exposes the mammoths bones in the sink hole. As you walk around the path they have QR codes for you to listen to recordings explaining what you are viewing. It is set up perfectly! You then enter another room showing items from another site. Very educational for both adults and children. A must see for sure!!
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.
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.
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)
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 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!
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.
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
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
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.
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.
2 months ago
We were staying at the little hotel right next door (which is amazing, by the way), but it was an easy walk from that parking lot to this one, and so we decided to go here, even though it was not on my itinerary originally. If you don't know me, which I'm almost positive you don't, swaying from my itinerary is not something that I usually do or something that I take lightly...so it kind of has to be awesome for me to do that. I came because a few of the reviews said that this place was even better than they had expected, and I am very happy to report that this is true. This entire place looks and feels like a labor of love. We didn't get to watch the entire movie in the theater, but whatever we did see, shows how much of an effort it was to go through and make this building and exhibition. This is the kind of place that makes you feel like you are a homeschooler, which I love. I loved how educational it was, and how much we learned during the trip here. The QR codes are awesome to go at your own pace and learn at each different station. There were people there that were willing to answer any questions and others that were digging up at the site and it felt like a very interactive experience. Because I had not already planned for this in advance, we were only able to give the site around an hour and a half, but I think to fully enjoy it, you would need to have around 3 hours worth of time available to come here. I'm grateful that we were even able to go for as long as we did. It was well worth the trip. The gift shop was also great. And we got binoculars and cute little magnets to take with us. read more
Well done! Very informative displays and easy to navigate. QR codes at each site play a narrative of what you are looking at during the self guided tour. Takes about 1-2 hours to see everything. Gift shop is okay and there is a snack shack out front selling hotdogs/hamburgers/ chicken strips and nachos. I would highly recommend stopping by The Mammoth Site if you are in the area. read more
5 months ago
The Mammoth site is a must see if you're in hot springs. It's a nice history lesson and a great visual on mammoth fossils. If you have kids it is a must see for them and a great learning opportunity for their knowledge. Stop by the mammoth site and get a historical lesson on the mammoth site and how they got there. read more
Do you like mammoth bones and/or paleontology? If so, this is one of the best locations in North America. A Land developer, who was planning to build new homes, stumbled onto this mammal trap and donated it to the government. So far, they have discovered #67 mammoth bones among other mammals. Be prepared for at least 2 hours of history and excitement (or maybe more) via a scanned qr code audio lecture and 15 mt feature movie. However, you and your traveling companions will enjoy every minute of their experience. read more
Was visiting from out of town and decided to visit the Mammoth Site. Not sure what to expect, we went in with an open mind. It starts off with a movie explaining how the area was created and how the mammoths ended up in the sink hole and ultimately meeting their demise. After the movie you head into another room which exposes the mammoths bones in the sink hole. As you walk around the path they have QR codes for you to listen to recordings explaining what you are viewing. It is set up perfectly! You then enter another room showing items from another site. Very educational for both adults and children. A must see for sure!! read more
3 months ago
3 months ago
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. read more
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. read more
8 months ago
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) read more
3 years ago
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! read more
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. read more
3 years ago
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 read more
2 years ago
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 read more
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. read more
3 years ago
We love The Mammoth Site! It has been 11 years since we last visited. It was just as exciting and with so much more to see and experience. We brought our 2 pugs in their stroller which was a lot of fun for us and them. They kept looking at the huge skeletons and bones. It is fun and educational for all ages. Highly recommend. read more
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. read more
3 years ago
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! read more
5 years ago
Driving through Hot Springs, we saw a sign for the Mammoth Site and decided to stop since we had some time. It's $12 a person for a self guided tour of their rather large dig site. There is an app for your smart phone to download for the different stops on the tour. The site itself is fascinating and actively being worked. We saw one paleontologist chiseling away at something. You can see mammoth skulls and tusks in the dig as well as a host of other bones. We were through the tour and site in 45 minutes. There is of course a gift shop but nothing caught our eye. read more
6 years ago
Don't you love it when a local builder sees the value in preserving a site like this rather than paving right over it. This land was originally slated to be a housing development until they unearthed some Mammoth tusks. The developer sold the land back to the city at cost and the rest is archaeological history. Volunteers and scientists have slowly been uncovering more and more over the years. This is a fascinating and unique museum. How many places in the world can you visit an actual working dog site? My family really enjoyed peering over into the covered dig site and checking out what's recently been unearthed. This isn't a big museum but it is definitely a unique site to see if you're in the area. read more
Unique, a perfect stop on a cloudy grey day after going to Mount Rushmore. Very interesting history of this site and how it came to be. Who would have guessed there would an active indoor archeological dig you can visit. Great displays and very educational. Despite being indoors it is big an airy and the staff all wore masks including the folks doing the digging. We were able to chat with them to better understand what was going on. Definitely worth the detour. read more
When I was a kid visiting relatives in Hot Springs, the Mammoth Site consisted of a bunch of tents in their back yard (literally). It was nice to see how the museum has come along after visiting almost 40 years later. I thought the opening video was nice. The exhibits were well-done and offered very good explanations of what's been found and how they got there. To watch the video, walk through, and read roughly 60% of the stuff, it took about 1.5 hours. It's a good museum. read more
4 years ago
If your in Hot Springs SD. You have to stop here. The video to the end of the Tour was really interesting. My wife is a teacher so we have to do this cra...stuff, but I'm glad we did. Do yourself a favor and try and get on Christian's tour. He is the older gentleman who is funny, knowledgeable, and a really nice dude. Gives you a Mr. Rogers feel. read more
3 years ago
Had a great visit here. The informational video helped lay out the site, then the actual dig site was pretty cool. My kids loved all the bone replicas they could actually touch and the water exhibit. read more
Usually I'm skeptical these types of things being a tourist trap, but this was hands down one of the best experiences on my recent trips with regards to museums (indoor activities) Our guide Anthony Gordon was very knowledgeable, was enthusiastic, comical, got the group engaged, was able to answer questions confidently. Great guide. I learnt alot from the introductory video and the tour. The exhibits were good too. I highly recommend it if you are in the area. read more
2 years ago
4 years ago
We were recommended to stop here on our visit to the Black Hills and we were so glad we did! The place was breathtaking and eerie (in a good way). Definitely start with the video to get the background before visiting the Bonebed. Plan on spending about 1 1/2 hours here to soak it all in. The building is beautiful and the staff were friendly. We had a nice chat with one of the diggers, Bruce, who was meticulously working on exposing a small section of none in one of the "shallow" sections. Definitely make your way here if you're in the Black Hills! read more
5 years ago
So cool and huge! We learned so much here. Took the time to read and do everything and couldn't believe our eyes. It was awesome. We would recommend doing this activity. It took us about 2 hours to do the whole thing. read more
4 years ago
I stopped at this site on my way to Badlands National Park and it was well worth it! The site is very informational, up close and personal, and quick and easy! read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
The short movie and tour of the dig site was great! My kids loved learning all about the mammoth and the short nosed bear. You can see the paleontologist working while on tour. We did the junior paleontologist program where the kids got to do their own dig. It was well run and very fun and educational for the kids. read more
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More info about The Mammoth Site
1800 US 18 Bypass
Hot Springs, SD 57747
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(605) 745-6017
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http://www.mammothsite.org
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