Imagine finding an entire village that’s more than 1,000 years old… buried beneath the ground. That’s exactly what happened in 1910. A student from Dakota Wesleyan University stumbled upon this amazing find near Mitchell. The site has been protected since 1975, and excavation continues. This is the only archaeological site in South Dakota that’s open to the public, and in November, admission is free!

The Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village is located at 3200 Indian Village Road in Mitchell.
MariefromGeorgia/Tripadvisor
In addition to a large excavation site, this place has tons of Native American displays and artifacts.
https://www.facebook.com/mitchellprehistoricindianvillage/photos/a.574735045937733.1073741828.126409324103643/660666607344576/?type=3&theater
Check out the earthen lodge.
Management/Tripadvisor
This reproduction lodge shows you the type of dwelling that the indigenous people would have lived in.
D M/Tripadvisor
The diorama shows what the village may have looked like.
D M/Tripadvisor
The people who lived here 1,100 years ago were farmers and also hunted bison.
MelissaKo/Tripadvisor
Visitors can observe the site from the walkway above.
Roberto52Bruno/Tripadvisor

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Students from Augustana University help excavate the ruins.
MarieFromGeorgia/Tripadvisor
When you visit, you'll learn about their techniques and methods.
Sabrina S./Tripadvisor
You can also see archaeologists cleaning and preparing the artifacts.
Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village/Facebook
While visitors can't dig and excavate, they can help with sorting projects and other tasks.
MarieFromGeorgia/Tripadvisor
Get an up-close look at some of the artifacts that have been found here.
MariefromGeorgia/TripAdvisor
Arts and crafts projects help connect you to the people who once lived just feet away from where you're standing more than 1,000 years ago.
Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village/Facebook
Watch for events at the village, like the Lakota Games on Ice, which is held every January.
Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village/Facebook

Visit Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Have you visited the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village? We want to hear about your experience there!

If you’re looking for more ancient excavations, check out Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.

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