2023-01-23 03:45:45
FIND YOUR INNER NATIVE, EXPLORER AND PIONEER SPIRIT WHEN YOU EXPLORE WHAT LIFE WAS LIKE FOR OUR ANCESTORS Do you ever wonder what it was like to be one of the first people to make a home in our region, looking out for miles across the wide-open prairie and saying, yes, this is the place? With a mix of hands-on learning, and museums filled with authentic artifacts, there's something for everyone when exploring our beginnings. LAURA INGALLS WILDER Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books come alive when you explore DeSmet and experience our pioneer heritage first-hand. Covered wagon rides, a one-room schoolhouse session, and hands-on homesteading activities will have you feeling like you've been transported back to 1880. Don't worry; the plumbing has been updated for your comfort. PIONEER TOWN At Prairie Village, you can walk down a turn-of-the-century main street and explore the ins and outs of over 40 historic buildings. Ride one of the world's last remaining steam-powered carousels that has been restored to its original condition and their steam-powered train around the entire campus. LEWIS & CLARK Stand where Lewis and Clark stood at Spirit Mound Historic Prairie, just six miles north of Vermillion. This is one of the many spots in our region that the Corps of Discovery passed through in 1804. Visual displays about their journey can be found at the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center and the Mead Cultural Education Center. NATIVE AMERICAN ROOTS Before there were one-room schoolhouses and dusty saloons, there was the Sioux Nation. As of 2022, Native Americans make up more than 15% of South Dakota's population. Experience the rich heritage of nine Sioux tribes when you explore our historical sites, museums and art galleries. Explore Prehistoric Indian Village, a 1,000 year old Indian village with a live archeological dig site. It is believed that there are 80 buried lodges on thi site and work continues today to unearth them. Learn more at www.southeastsouthdakota.com/journey/history-heritage.
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