Museum of Geology


All that drama underground has produced some spectacular rocks. See these plus dinosaur bones and some stellar fossils here at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Journey Museum & Learning Center

1.07 MILES

This impressive downtown facility is four museums in one, looking at the history of the region from prehistoric times until today. Collections come from…

2. Statues of Presidents

1.23 MILES

From a shifty-eyed Nixon in repose to a triumphant Harry Truman, lifelike statues dot corners throughout the center of Rapid City. Collect all 42. Maps…

3. Reptile Gardens

6.59 MILES

Reptiles, snakes, giant tortoises and many more critters inspire countless 'wows.'

4. Bear Country USA

8.15 MILES

Oodles of bears big and small in this drive-through park live off the land and hope you'll do something forbidden like offering them a Big Mac, or your…

5. Mount Rushmore National Memorial

18.43 MILES

Visitors can't help but be impressed by the sheer scale and massive physical effort of the team behind Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota…

6. Custer State Park

23.04 MILES

Mt Rushmore may lure travelers to the Black Hills, but it's nearby Custer State Park that often creates the most lasting memories. Not only does it boast…

7. Crazy Horse Memorial

27.15 MILES

The world's largest monument is this 563ft-tall work-in-progress (with a lot of work to go). When finished it will depict the Sioux leader astride his…

8. Sturgis Motorcycle Museum

27.92 MILES

This small hall-of-fame-style museum packs in a surprising number of bikes, including vintage and rare models. Its Hall of Fame honors luminaries in the…