Go Back to Prehistoric Times in South Dakota
Due to the Black Hills’ area long history, there are many archeological wonders to be found hidden deep in the rich and rocky soil of South Dakota, affording visitors the rare opportunity to see fossils and authentic dig sites during their vacation. The following attractions in the Mount Rushmore area offer fun and education to visitors of any age.
This activity allows visitors to enjoy a guided tour of a working archeological dig site. Visitors can learn about mammoths and their history, as well as see real mammoth skeletons. While at the Mammoth Site, visitors can also see the paleontology laboratory and experience multimedia presentations of archeological endeavors in the Black Hills. This activity includes a guided tour of the site, but you will also have time to explore on your own. You can also see scenes from the movie Hidalgo at this site.
To continue your education on the area’s geology, a visit to the Museum of Geology in Rapid City is a great addition to your vacation. This site is a teaching and research facility that contains over 250,000 fossils and 6,000 minerals. Collections at this museum include White River Badlands fossils, Jurassic and Cretaceous reptiles and mammals, and Black Hills minerals. This museum also has several rare specimens and fossils on display that you will not find at many other places. The museum it typically open daily and is a great experience for anyone interested in the interesting geological construction of South Dakota and the Black Hills.
No area is more of a tribute to the geological makeup of the area than the Badlands National Park. This natural attraction features canyons, gullies, sharp cliffs, and other topographical features that reflect the centuries of wear and erosion that crafted the landscape you see today. The Badlands also contains a large collection of fossils from the Oligocene Epoch of the Animals, and more pre-historic fossils are still being uncovered by paleontologists. The park covers over 200,000 acres, and many hiking and walking trails are available.
WOW!..I used to see this place everywhere, but never knew what it was..this mammoth site looks amazing!