From opera houses to galleries, discover South Dakota’s art scene on your next road trip

This paid piece is sponsored by Travel South Dakota.

The arts are alive and well in South Dakota.

In any given week, you can find yourself enjoying classical music, art openings, local bands, live music and even some surprises. It all combines to make this last little bit of the long winter feel almost bearable.

No matter what your arts and entertainment taste, there’s likely a destination within an easy drive of the Sioux Falls area waiting for you.

Plus, checking in on your State of Create Passport from Travel South Dakota means you can explore a state full of artistic wonders while winning prizes along the way.

Here’s just a sampling of what you’ll discover.

South Dakota Art Museum

Brookings

The South Dakota Art Museum is home to a dynamic mix of exhibitions.

The museum highlights contemporary works from South Dakota and culturally significant work by Oceti Sakowin artists and historical pieces reflecting the region’s cultural heritage. Some exhibits are interactive, and the museum offers activities and a creation station, making it a welcoming experience for guests of all ages.

“Guests can explore art at their own pace and find moments of inspiration in the galleries,” director Donna Merkt said.

Merkt is especially excited about “The Founding Gifts,” an exhibition that highlights the foundational collections that shaped the museum. It highlights original works by Harvey Dunn that he exhibited in De Smet in 1950 before gifting them to SDSU and the De Smet library.

“This exhibition re-creates Dunn’s original display as closely as possible, complemented by archival materials that highlight his enduring impact,” Merkt said.

The exhibit also includes pieces collected by the South Dakota General Federation of Women’s Clubs when it helped found the museum and traditional Oceti Sakowin artworks donated by Ben Reifel, the first Lakota to serve in the U.S. House.

“This exhibition tells a story of generosity, vision and cultural preservation,” Merkt said. “It celebrates the museum’s origins while sharing art that continues to inspire today.”

This exhibit opens fully in April and will be up through the summer. Merkt said she hopes guests enjoy the museum and leave with a sense of connection to the world.

“Art is for everyone, and it connects us as humans,” she said.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays from January through March. Admission is free.

National Music Museum

Vermillion

The vault has been opened at the National Music Museum in Vermillion – and you get to see what’s in it.

This winter, the new exhibit “Treasures from the Vault” opened in the Larson Gallery, featuring some of the finest stringed instruments in the museum’s collection. The overall collection spans hundreds of years and features more than 15,000 instruments, from priceless violins to celebrity guitars.

The popular Discovery Saturday is an ideal time to visit, allowing guests to enjoy hands-on activities and specialized tours. The most recent event in March launched Women’s History Month with a performance of “She Is Music” with Kay Krekow.

Deputy director Carol Robertson said the museum is full of activity.

“The spring concert season is in full swing,” Robertson said. The performances often feature instruments from the museum’s collection. Concerts, tours and special events are included with museum admission.

The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for those 65 and older, and children 17 and younger are $5.

Goss Opera House

Watertown

An incredible restoration of a 135-year-old opera house delivers a different experience with every visit.

The Goss Opera House in Watertown is filled with charm and brings a wide mix of programming throughout the year.

“No two experiences are the same, which is what makes it special,” director Jamie Mack said.

Mack said the energy and atmosphere of the Goss make it an unforgettable experience.

“One visit might mean an intimate acoustic concert while another could be a lively theater performance or community event that brings the space to life in a completely different way,” she said. “You might stop in to explore Maud’s Mercantile, discover handcrafted gifts from local artists or enjoy a meal at Mavericks before a show.”

In March, guests can enjoy “Dancing with the Celts” and “Tusk: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute.”  The “Celts” program is a celebration of Irish music and dance.

“It’s the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day and experience the joy and tradition of Celtic culture,” Mack said.

The Fleetwood Mac tribute band is “spot-on,” Mack said, offering a night of amazing music for everyone from casual fans to die-hard lovers of the band.

Other regular events include “Dinner and a Movie” evenings, which pair classic films with a themed meal.

“The Goss is more than just a building. It’s a place where creativity thrives, memories are made, and people of all ages can find joy and community,” Mack said. “I hope they leave the Goss Opera House feeling inspired by the experience.”

Matthews Opera House & Arts Center

Spearfish 

Any visit to the Matthews Opera House & Arts Center in Spearfish is an immersive cultural experience.

“Whether it’s attending a live concert, a thought-provoking play or an art exhibit, visitors find themselves surrounded by creativity and history,” executive director Heath Johnson said. “The intimate setting fosters a strong connection between the audience and performers, making each event feel personal and engaging.”

The Matthews was built in 1906 and has a fine arts gallery on the street level. Upstairs, the theater hosts community plays, national performance acts and music concerts.

Johnson said the upcoming season includes productions of “Harvey” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Plus, the Rushmore Music Festival Series will showcase some of the finest classical musicians, offering a world-class listening experience, he said.

“We’re also featuring ‘Mind Matters,’ an arts exhibit and programming series that highlights the positive effects of art on brain health and overall well-being,” Johnson said. “Each of these events reflects our commitment to diverse, high-quality arts programming that enriches our community.”

Johnson said he hopes guests feel inspired, connected and engaged with the arts during their visits.

“Whether they discover a new artist, experience a powerful story or simply enjoy the community atmosphere, our goal is to create meaningful moments that resonate beyond the event itself,” he said.

The fine arts gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. You can find information on events, hours and tickets at matthewsopera.com.

South Dakota Symphony Orchestra

Sioux Falls

The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra has several performances left in the 2024-25 season, including “A Celtic Celebration” on March 15 and “Giants in the Earth: The Norwegians in the Dakota Territory” in April.

The orchestra performs classical and contemporary works and often features programs with a sense of place for South Dakotans. Led by award-winning conductor Delta David Gier, the orchestra recently announced its 2025-26 season, which you can find here.

The orchestra was founded in 1922 at Augustana University and now has 75 members. It regularly performs at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science.

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