Historical Museum Attractions in Mt. Rushmore, SD
Friday, May 2nd, 2008While the Mount Rushmore area of South Dakota offers near limitless views of natural beauty and wonder, there is also a wealth of exhibits featuring the human element of our nation, and how this element has affected everything from our social to geologic atmosphere and conditions. From galleries honoring our various presidents to museums that delve into ancient man, there are a variety of interesting museums that can make a great addition to any vacation in the Mount Rushmore area.
National Presidential Wax Museum
At the National Presidential Wax Museum you’ll come face to face with life-sized replicas of every American president. Each president is depicted in a historic setting ranging from President Roosevelt in Yalta to President Kennedy hard at work in the Oval Office. Whether visiting the National Presidential Wax Museum on its own or as a compliment to a day of touring Mount Rushmore, this museum is an entertaining way to brush up on your presidential knowledge and cherish our nation’s past while on vacation.
Wounded Knee: The Museum paints the picture of America’s native culture and the subsequent attitudes and actions that tragically changed the face of North America. The museum focuses on the struggles of the Lakota during the late 1800’s and the events that lead to the Wounded Knee Massacre. Through a variety of newspaper reports, film, photograph and personal accounts, the story of Wounded Knee is presented in an entertaining and emotionally moving way that can help connect visitors to the past, and better understand the history of our nation.
While the first two museums mentioned provide insight into our nation’s presidents and the cultures of the Dakota area during the 1800’s, The Journey Museum paints an encompassing picture of South Dakota from pre-historic times up until the arrival of European settlers. The museum is broken into four sections that include: Museum of Geology, Archaeological Research Center, Sioux Indian Museum and Minnilusa Pioneer Museum. Standing on its own or coupled with the other museums of the area, The Journey Museum insight and interesting facts to compliment any vacation in the Mount Rushmore area.
