Watch S.D. history come alive with these easy road trip destinations

This paid piece is sponsored by Travel South Dakota.

Interactive sites. An active archeological dig. These are just two of the South Dakota cultural destinations waiting for you this spring. Step back in time at fun historical sites within an easy drive of Sioux Falls.

Along the way, check in on a digital passport through Travel South Dakota to win prizes while discovering hidden gems across the state.

Here’s a closer look at four destinations perfect for a day trip or a stop as part of a longer getaway.

Fort Sisseton State Park

Lake City

It’s easy to immerse yourself in history at Fort Sisseton State Park, along the rolling prairies and lakes in northeast South Dakota.

The park is named after the nearby Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe. The grounds include 14 historic buildings, including the officers’ quarters, barracks, guard house and more from the time of the frontier.

Sitting atop the Coteau des Prairies, or Hills of the Prairies, the 1864 fort originally was a frontier Army outpost called Fort Wadsworth. With an ample supply of brick-making clay and lime, drinking water from the lake, thick stand of trees for timber and fuel, and a terrain perfect for strong, natural defense, the site was ideal for a fort.

Guests can tour the buildings and listen to tour guides through a mobile app. Live tours also are offered several times a day during the summer.

Ali Jo Tonsfeldt, park manager, said tour guides give first-person accounts of what it was like living at the fort during the time of the soldiers while also sharing other historical tidbits about the park.

“We are keeping history alive with classes such as calligraphy, ink-making, painting and formal etiquette,” Tonsfeldt said. “But we also have annual events, such as the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, where the 1800s come alive with reenactors, rendezvous and much more.”

There’s also the Harvest Festival and the Frontier Christmas, where guests can experience an 1800s holiday with all of its traditions.

“But even outside of the events, the fort is a peaceful place to come enjoy history, have a picnic lunch and take part in some of the amazing outdoor recreational activities that South Dakota has to offer.”

The park includes camping cabins, a storybook trail, birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, canoeing and stargazing.

“Fort Sisseton’s peaceful setting offers a great place to not only explore but also have a picnic and enjoy being outdoors,” Tonsfeldt said.

She wants visitors to know that the park has something for everyone – from activities to peace and quiet.

“Fort Sisseton is one of the best-hidden gems in South Dakota,” Tonsfeldt said. “We offer camping rentals, cabin rentals, large event rentals, kayak and canoe rentals and a beautiful setting to tell the stories and history of South Dakota’s past. You will find a little something for everyone in the family.”

Find this and other destinations in the Peaks to Plains digital passport.

Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center

Fort Pierre

You don’t have to know a lot about rodeo to be impressed with icon Casey Tibbs. And a visit to the rodeo center that bears his name is the perfect spot to learn more.

“The center is more than just a museum about legendary Casey Tibbs,” said Kalyn Bergeson, executive director. The nonprofit’s mission is to preserve the history of rodeo — South Dakota’s official state sport — and promote it for future generations. The museum covers all aspects of rodeo, from youth to professional.

“Even those who are not familiar with rodeo and the Western way of life find enjoyment in the plethora of knowledge that can be found here,” Bergeson said.

Born in Fort Pierre in 1929, Casey Tibbs was a rodeo cowboy, businessman and actor. Starting his career at age 12, Tibbs would go on to win nine world championship titles across bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and all-around cowboy disciplines.

Tibbs was a highly decorated rodeo star in the 1950s and appeared on the cover of Life magazine. He went on to have a long career as an actor and then stuntman. He was one of the founders of the Rodeo Cowboys Association and wrote a syndicated rodeo column.

A typical trip to the rodeo center can include guided tours and events, all with a one-of-a-kind view overlooking historic Fort Pierre and the Missouri and Bad rivers, Bergeson said.

The Casey Tibbs Foundation was established in 1989 with a mission to promote rodeo. The center opened in 2009. There is no “hall of fame,” which was part of Tibbs’ wishes before he died, she said. The center honors the lives of Tibbs and Mattie Goff Newcombe, a rodeo pioneer who was a saddle bronc competitor and a world champion in trick riding. It also honors ranch families, cowgirls, cowboys, promoters and livestock.

“It was especially important to Casey Tibbs and Mattie Newcombe to recognize all South Dakotans who excel in all facets of rodeo,” Bergeson said.

“Our current displays recognize ranch life, South Dakota world champions and Olympic rodeo contestants, rodeo queens, 4-H Rodeo, South Dakota High School Rodeo, Little Britches Rodeo, college rodeo, South Dakota Rodeo Association, South Dakota Great Plains Indian Rodeo, stock contractors, rodeo personnel and much more.”

The Foundation hosts two annual events. The Match of Champions will be June 7, and the tribute dinner is held in November. Both are fundraising efforts for the center.

Find this and other destinations in the Missouri River Getaway digital passport.

Mitchell Prehistoric Indigenous Archaeological Site

Mitchell

Formerly know as the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village, the Mitchell Prehistoric Indigenous Archaeological Site is one of the most important archaeological sites on the upper Great Plains, said Steve Kinsella, a member of the site’s board.

“Visiting it will give people a true sense of what life was like in the region more than a thousand years ago – long before Columbus came to what would become the United States,” Kinsella said.

He said the people who lived there were farmers who helped create what would become the modern strains of corn that grow in South Dakota today. He also said they traded as far as St. Louis and created stone tools, pottery and decorative goods.

A visit to the village can include a little something for everyone, including hands-on activities for kids. There are gardens with plants used by the region’s Indigenous people for medicine, food and decoration. The Boehnen Memorial Museum has exhibits, a life-sized reconstructed earth lodge and a video that details the village.

“We also have the Thomsen Center Archeodome, where the excavation of a portion of the village is taking place and where research into the village and the discoveries archaeologists have made is ongoing,” Kinsella said.

It’s the only active archaeological site in the state that is open to the public, and it’s a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Kinsella said.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays.

Find this and other destinations in the Family Fun Escapes digital passport.

Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes

De Smet

Start planning now for later this spring and summer, because if you spend any time in South Dakota, you need to experience a trip to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes.

Visitors can see the original Ingalls home, built by “Pa” Ingalls in 1887.

There’s also the original homestead, first school of De Smet – attended by Laura and Carrie – and original surveyor’s house.

If you’ve read the books – or even watched the TV show – you’ll love seeing things you’ve only read or heard about. Guided tours are available, talking about the Ingalls’ arrival to Dakota Territory in 1879, the Long Winter of 1880-81 and the lives of the family.

Each historic structure offers a glimpse into living conditions during the late 1800s while also showcasing some original artifacts.

Plus, enjoy covered wagon rides, interact with farm animals, and try your hand at traditional pioneer chores. It’s a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the daily life of the prairie just like Laura did.

Find this and other destinations in the Northbound Family Adventures digital passport. Plus, save 20 percent off merchandise at the Ingalls homestead with your passport.

Spring hours start in May, with activities ramping up after Memorial Day. Visit here for more information.