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South Dakota's Original 1880 Town

24280 SD Highway 63, I-90 Exit 170 · Midland, SD

Why you should go…

South Dakota's Original 1880 Town is a collection of more than 30 buildings dating from the 1880s through the 1920s, moved from towns across the state and furnished with period relics and photographs. The site includes a Casey Tibbs rodeo exhibit and props used in the film Dances with Wolves. It sits just off Interstate 90 at exit 170, about 22 miles west of Murdo, South Dakota. The attraction operates seasonally from May through October.

  • #history
  • #old west
  • #museum
  • #family
  • #roadside attraction

Good to know

General attractions guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Book the time slot, not just the ticket

    Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.

  • Grab the daily schedule on arrival

    Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.

  • The first hour is the quietest

    Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.

  • Budget past the ticket price

    Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.

What's around here?

The closest stops to South Dakota's Original 1880 Town, ordered by straight-line distance.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Prairie Homestead Historic Site

    Under $25

    A preserved 1909 sod dugout homestead near Badlands National Park with a self-guided tour.

    25 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    South Dakota Department of Tourism

    Free

    The state tourism department's office in Pierre, coordinating travel information and promotion for South Dakota.

    45 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center

    Free

    State history museum in Pierre showcasing South Dakota's Native American, homesteader and pioneer heritage through exhibits and collections.

    46 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums