Trip AdvisorSouth Dakota's Original 1880 Town
South Dakota's Original 1880 Town, located in Murdo, transports visitors back to the late 19th century with its authentically preserved buildings and artifacts. This living history museum offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers who established communities in the Dakota Territory. As visitors wander through the town's dirt streets, they'll encounter a variety of structures, including a saloon, a general store, a schoolhouse, and a church, each furnished with period-appropriate items that provide insights into the daily life and routines of the era.
The town's saloon, a lively hub of social activity, features a long wooden bar, vintage gambling equipment, and a stage for musical performances. Visitors can imagine cowboys and pioneers gathering here to share stories, enjoy a drink, and unwind after a long day's work. The general store, stocked with goods from the late 1800s, offers a glimpse into the consumer culture of the time, with its shelves filled with canned goods, dry goods, and other essential items.
The schoolhouse, a simple yet functional building, served as a place of learning for the town's children. Visitors can see the wooden desks, chalkboards, and textbooks that were used to educate young minds in the late 19th century. The church, a modest structure with stained-glass windows and wooden pews, provided a place for spiritual solace and community gatherings.
Beyond the buildings themselves, the 1880 Town offers a variety of exhibits and displays that delve deeper into the history of the Dakota Territory. Visitors can learn about the challenges and triumphs of pioneer life, the impact of the railroad on the region's development, and the cultural traditions of the diverse communities that settled here. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, such as reenactments, demonstrations, and living history programs, which provide a more immersive experience for visitors.
The Original 1880 Town is not merely a collection of buildings but a living testament to the spirit of the pioneers who settled the Dakota Territory. It is a place where visitors can step back in time, connect with the past, and gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges and triumphs of those who came before. The town stands as a reminder of the resilience, ingenuity, and determination that shaped the American West.
Trip Advisor
Trip AdvisorA 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about South Dakota's Original 1880 Town
South Dakota's Original 1880 Town displays a fourteen-sided barn built in 1919. It took three days and thousands of dollars to move the barn 45 miles from its original location south of Draper, South Dakota, to the town.Attraction Advice
South Dakota's Original 1880 Town is open daily from May 1 through October 31 from 7 AM to 9 PM (last ticket is sold at 4 PM). Admission is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for youth (ages 13-18), and $8 for children (ages 6-12). Children under age 6 are free. Group discounts are available.
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- Sponsored by: Murdo Area Chamber of Commerce
- South Dakota's Original 1880 Town
- Midland SD , SD
- (605) 344-2236