Arts and Culture in the Black Hills of South Dakota

We all are South Dakotans; but not all of us are rodeo cowboys or deer hunters! Life is nicely rounded out by a surprisingly diverse venue of fine arts: museums, galleries, symphonies, rock concerts, sculpture, painting, quilting, handicrafts, festivals, and local history and heritage. Think about it, the two largest sculptures in the world — Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse — are right here in our back yard! So you can bet that we've plenty of "little" statues, too.

You can also absorb a totally new type of personal enrichment here: The heritage and culture of the Lakota Sioux Indians, who comprise about 11% of South Dakota's citizens. Even our state name, "Dakota," is a Sioux phrase meaning "alliance of friends." You'll see the Sioux influence in our peoples, arts, music, mass media, fashions, jewelry, architecture and interior design. You can experience the spectacle of a powwow, try out sleeping in a tipi, or purchase fine handmade Native American goods.



Links to Consider:
South Dakota Arts Council
National Historic Landmarks
Public Sculptures & Statues
Rapid City's Presidential Sculptures
South Dakotans for the Arts
South Dakota Museums
Powwows & Celebrations
South Dakota Magazine