“The sacred Tatanka on display”
30-60 million bison once roamed the great plains of North America. By the close of the 19th century, it's estimated that less than 1,000 bison survived. This is their story. Tatanka is a Lakota word that literally means “bull buffalo,” but Tatanka meant more than that. Ceremonies and daily life revolved around sacred reverence for Tatanka. While at Tatanka, you'll enjoy: a larger than life bronze sculpture featuring 14 bison pursued by 3 Native American Horseback Riders, Hands-on Interpretive Center, Native American Gift Shop and Snack Bar.
Reviews
If you're in the area, definitely stop here. It's nice to remember that there's more to South Dakota than just Deadwood and cowboys and outlaws. Have a guide take you around the artwork and museum thing, otherwise you won't get the context and importance of what you're looking at.
This is a very special place that is worth the time. Lots of great artifacts and some beautiful sculptures. Great gift shop with some authentic Native American crafts. Had a great tour guide who made the visit special.
Came from Georgia and got here at Wednesday, 2pm and the gates are locked. Called and got voicemail that said hours were 7 days a week from 9-5. Really bad. Very disappointed.
It is a small but very informative museum. There are lots of movie props and clothing from the Dances with Wolves film since Kevin Costner funded this museum. We really enjoyed the sculptures and artifacts in the museum. Make sure you watch the film before you go out to see the statues.
This place did honor the Native American relationship with the Buffalo and the sculptures were amazing, but it was a total ego stroke for Kevin Costner. On one plaque, his name was mentioned 3 times in 2 sentences 🙄, and they’re selling DVD’s of the Bodyguard in the gift shop, for crying out loud.
The sculptures are quite amazing in their realistic recreation of a bison hunt. The museum is small, but the presentation was nice. My kids were not really interested, and there weren't any hands on activities as advertised. The idea Mr. Kevin Costner had is a good one. I would like to see it become more of a cultural appreciation center. I learned that Mr. Costner was the first person in over a hundred years to ride in a buffalo stampede. My respect for him as an actor grew enormously due to the huge risk and danger he faced.
Really nice displays. They had native Americans on hand to answer questions and share some of their experiences. I wonder if Kevin Costner ever visits?
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Tatanka: Story of the Bison
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- Sun - Sat: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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