NATIONAL NATURAL LANDMARK
The Mammoth Site For centuries the bones lay buried—until discovered by chance in 1974. While excavating for a housing development, earth-moving equipment exposed one of South Dakota’s greatest treasures. The Site was found to contain the largest concentration of Columbian and woolly mammoth bones discovered in the world. Fortunately, through the work of local citizens, The Mammoth Site was preserved and in 1980 was added to the list of National Natural Landmarks. Today it is a working museum, laboratory, and research facility where paleontologists and volunteers preserve these historic relics.
NEW AT THE SITE
See the full-sized replica of a mammoth skeleton—lovingly referred to as Sinbad.
The Learning Center at The Mammoth Site opened in April 2015 and includes two 53-seat theaters, a 10-minute HD introductory video, and universally accessible walkways that allow visitors a close-up view of the fossils. Guided tours now have a wireless Tour Guide system enabling visitors to have more access and a clear digital sound.
At least 61 mammoths have been discovered and excavated here, along with the remains of a Giant shortfaced bear, camel, llama, and numerous invertebrates.
TOURS INCLUDE
Copy courtesy of The Mammoth Site
After the 10-minute introductory video and a 30-minute guided tour, stroll around the dig area at your own pace. Then, explore the Ice Age Exhibit Hall featuring a working lab, full size replicas of mammoths, short videos on geology, and site history. SPECIAL PROGRAM
Fully enclosed and protected by a climate-controlled building, the sinkhole and exhibit of mammoth bones attracts visitors year-round. The bones are on display as they were discovered—in the now-dry pond sediments—and make an amazing in-situ museum exhibit.
106
BLACKHILLSVISITOR.COM
If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, The Mammoth Site now has The Mammoth Site Excavation and Preservation Program. Visit mammothsite.org or call (605) 745-6017 for more information about these programs.