Are you looking for a new adventure in good ol’ South Dakota? Whether you’re an amateur paleontologist, a history lover, or simply intrigued by the Ice Age, this unique site is an absolute must-experience. View larger-than-life mammoth replicas, see an active paleontology dig site up close and personal, and visit the location of the world’s largest collection of mammoth remains! This place is an absolute South Dakota gem that we are incredibly lucky to have in our state!
Let’s check it out!
You’ll find the Mammoth Site at 1800 US 18 Bypass Hot Springs, SD 57747. Though off the beaten path, this museum is like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Visitors can take a tour of this national landmark that’s home to the largest concentration of mammoth remains in the whole entire world.
Loonyhiker / Flickr
Your tour will begin with a 10-minute introduction video that details the history and significance of this active paleontology site. You’ll then embark on an exciting 30-minute guided tour around the sinkhole where the bones remain of animals who fell in and drowned millions of years ago.
Jody Halsted / Flickr The site’s current mammoth count is at 61. They have 58 Columbian and 3 wooly mammoths.
This unique site has been preserved inside the museum and is still being actively excavated, making visitors feel as though they too are a part of the action on the living archeological dig.
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota / Facebook
Stroll through the area at your own pace, and view the staff hard at work in the bone bed as they remove fossils.
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota
Visitors are also granted entrance into the Ice Age Exhibit Hall that is home to full size replicas of mammoths as well as a Giant Short-Faced Bear.
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota / Facebook Pictured is a replica of a Columbian mammoth as well as a replica of a woolly mammoth. Talk about massive!
This area is also where you’ll find many interactive Ice Age exhibits that people of all ages will find intriguing.
Alex W. / Flickr
Interested in learning what goes on behind the scenes of a working paleontology laboratory? Feel free to peek in the windows. The kind and informative staff is always willing to answer any of your questions.
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota / Facebook
The Mammoth site is open 7 days a week. Visit Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. on Sundays; the last guided tour begins one hour before closing.
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota / Facebook
Visitors also have the option of requesting a self-guided tour that will allow them to explore the area completely at their own pace. For more information, feel free to visit their website to plan your day!
Loonyhiker / Flickr
Jody Halsted / Flickr
The site’s current mammoth count is at 61. They have 58 Columbian and 3 wooly mammoths.
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota / Facebook
The Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota
Pictured is a replica of a Columbian mammoth as well as a replica of a woolly mammoth. Talk about massive!
Alex W. / Flickr
Have you ever spent the day exploring the Mammoth site? What was your experience like? Feel free to tell us in the comments!
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