So Many Mammoths In One Place At This Fun Museum
In Hot Springs, South Dakota lurks a wonderful little museum that deserves a place on any Black Hills vacation itinerary, especially if you have budding paleotologists in the family. Or even if you have jaded teenagers, this compact museum will win them over with its impressive number of mammoth skeletons in one place (at least 60 so far have been found).
We found The Mammoth Site to be a unique museum that was educational and engaging for the whole family and absolutely worth the ticket price. It was a nice change of pace for the kids from the steady stream of hiking and biking we did in the Black Hills, especially on the rainy day we visited.
What IS The Mammoth Site?
The world’s largest collection of mammoth bones in situ. It is an Ice Age sinkhole that you can easily walk completely around and even take the catwalk over the top to see the skeletons in depth and how they are being excavated.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SITE
There was a sinkhole in this spot 140,000 years ago, during one of the warmer periods of the Ice Ages. It must have looked very inviting with warm water and grass growing around the edges but the sinkhole had slippery shale lining its steep sides, making it very difficult to climb out of. The sinkhole was also surprisingly deep, about 60 feet in parts of it. All of this made for an excellent mammoth trap.
There are 2 kinds of mammoths buried here, the smaller woolly mammoth and the larger Columbian mammoth that was truly enormous in size. The majority of the remains are Columbian mammoths.
Over time, silt eventually filled in the sinkhole, burying the remains and preserving them. Silt turned to rock, which ensured the bones would still be around for us to find in great shape, thousands of years later.
In 1974, an excavator using a backhoe was clearing the site for a housing development and discovered the first tusk by accidentally scraping it (you can see that tusk on the tour and also in the picture below). It took a while to figure out just how many bones were here, but eventually researchers realized this was a veritable treasure trove of Ice Age information.
The #10 marker shows the mammoth rusk that was sliced by the excavator in 1974, starting this whole shindig.
There are other Ice Age flora and fauna remains found on site, that were similarly trapped like the mammoths, or maybe died nearby and their remains were washed into the sinkhole. The huge extinct short- nosed bear skeleton was a crowd favorite for the kids but you can also see much smaller species like clams and snails that are equally important in telling us about the environment that existed here during the Ice Ages.
Why You Should Take Time To Visit
The Black Hills has an abundance of really cool things to see, making planning a week long trip there an exercise in narrowing down choices. So why do I think The Mammoth Site deserves a place on the list?
IT IS UNIQUE IN THE WORLD
For all you bucket list people, The Mammoth Site has the largest amount of mammoth remains in situ (“in place”) in the world. Unlike other museums that have collected mammoth remains from lots of different locations to exhibit, these bones are from mammoths that lived and died here.
IT DOESN’T TAKE A LOT OF TIME
The sinkhole itself isn’t huge so neither is the museum. It took us a little over an hour to see everything and I am a museum person and love to read all the signs. (I also make the kids read all the signs and they love it too, I swear.)
THE SIMPLE SELF-GUIDED TOUR IS WELL THOUGHT OUT AND INTERESTING
I thought the walk around the site with its 9 stops was well organized and informative. Points of interest in the Bonebed (what they call the sinkhole site) were labelled clearly with flags and arrows and it was easy to follow along in the brochure.
I also liked the decent number of interactive elements in the museum. From the life size mural depicting how large mammoths really were (which the kids all wanted to measure themselves against) to the whole set up of the Bonebed itself with its catwalk over the top the excavation kept the kids and me engaged in learning in more ways than just reading information.
You could download an audio tour for your smart phone, grab a free booklet, or just read the signs at each stop. Whatever works for you or your kids. Again, a nice touch to provide multiple ways to learn.
IT IS INDOORS
Works for hot days, cold days, rainy days, etc. It makes for a nice change of pace from the otherwise mostly outdoor attractions in the Black Hills.
Every kid wanted to walk up and measure themselves against a Columbian mammoth. Apparently they had to eat at least 500 pounds of food a day to sustain themselves. I had a moment of sympathy for parents of teenage mammoths.
What We Did On Our Visit
Getting There
We arrived around 1130am on a rainy day in early October after visiting nearby Wind Cave National Park (about 20 min away).
The Mammoth Site is just outside the main strip of historic buildings of Hot Springs, South Dakota, which itself is located 50-60 min south of Rapid City and 40 min south of Custer.
I was surprised that the parking lot had a decent amount of cars since early October is the beginnings of the off season in the Black Hills but it was a Saturday. Still, the museum wasn’t crowded at all. I could see summer being a different issue though.
Click to Enlarge Maps Below
Entrance and Tickets
We parked and walked up to the front doors, stopping to look at the large rocks and signs taking you from the Precambrian Age, 2.5 billion years ago, up to the late Pleistocene, the age that the sinkhole occurred. I thought this was a neat way to decorate the pathway up from the parking lot and set the scene for your time travel back to the Ice Age.
We entered the museum, paid our entrance fee, and took a gander at the large replica woolly mammoth skeleton in the lobby. Woolly mammoths are the smaller of the 2 kinds of mammoths found in the sinkhole, the other kind being a Columbian mammoth.
We watched the 10 minute video first before going into the Bonebed. It was worth watching and tells you all about the Ice Age environment when the sinkhole was formed, as well as how the site is being excavated.
The woolly mammoth skeleton in the entrance lobby of the museum.
The Bonebed
Once we entered the double doors into the active excavation site, we looked for Stop #1 which was a little away from the doors you enter. It was nice to start there because this stop is about the formation of the sinkhole and how it was discovered but it is not absolutely necessary to start there if it is crowded. You can start anywhere and circle back around since the self- guided tour is a loop.
We then proceeded around the Bonebed in the order of the numbered stops. We looked for the little black mammoth icons marking each numbered stop on the path and then read the corresponding pages in our booklet.
You could read the sign at each stop as they had the same info as the booklet but with a large group, it was nice that everybody could read the information without having to crowd around the sign. So definitely grab some booklets.
We didn’t do the app for our smartphones mostly because I didn’t know about it ahead of time. I looked at it after our visit though, and the info on the app appears to be exactly the same as the booklet we got. The difference being you can have it read to you through your headphones. So lots of choices for people to do what’s best for them. I really liked that.
*There are other informational signs besides the numbered stops so make sure to look out for them. They had info that wasn’t in the booklet or app.
It took us about 40 minutes to go around the Bonebed and read all the signs which was plenty for us. It wasn’t crowded at all, so I think it would have taken us longer if we had to wait on people to shuffle along in front of us.
One of the things I found very interesting was how easy it was to see the original layers of silt at the bottom of the sinkhole as the now distinct lines in the rock. You could clearly see where there had been disturbances in the silt, like the giant mammoth footprints they point out. The kids and I could readily picture the sinkhole as it was in the Ice Ages, like walking in a muddy pond or in the marshes of South Carolina.
You start at this end of the Bonebed and make your way around.
Click to enlarge photos below
The Exhibit Hall
After we were done seeing the Bonebed, we walked thru the double doors into the Exhibit Hall which was small but had some nifty stuff. There was a replica of a European mammoth bone house that you could go inside, replicas of mummified baby woolly mammoths that have been discovered elsewhere in the world, and lots of information about pygmy mammoths. These miniature mammoths were something I didn’t even know existed before my visit here and is now my favorite animal ever.
The kids were a little done by the time we got to the Exhibit Hall and hurried me through my newfound fascination with pygmy mammoths so we didn’t spend a ton of time here, just about 15 minutes. I wish I could have spent longer in the Exhibit Hall but hungry kids wait for no one.
Click to enlarge photos below
DEPARTURE AND LUNCH
We left The Mammoth Site around 1 pm and headed to Custer to find something to eat, about a 40 min drive.
We didn’t find many places to eat in Hot Springs, especially in the beginnings of the off season but I am hearing that more restaurants are opening up in town so might be worth a google search when you visit. It is a cute historic town with actual hot springs which is a big tourist draw in the busier summer season.
If I planned it better and we were here in summer, I would absolutely pack a picnic and sign the kids up for an afternoon atlatl throwing lesson at the museum (more on that below). I mean, how better to spend a summer afternoon than watching children throw spears at wooden cutouts of bison and mammoths?
Other Stuff You Might Want To Know
OPENING HOURS (per the website in 2022)
March 1 - May 19: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm everyday
May 20 – August 15: 8:00 am - 8:00 p.m everyday
August 16 – August 31: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm everyday
September 1 – October 31: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm everyday
November 1 - February 28: Mon-Sat 9:00 am - 3:30 pm, Sun 11:00 am - 3:30 pm
TICKET PRICES (per the website in 2022)
Children 3 & Under - Free
Ages 4-12 - $11.00
Active & Retired Military - $11.00
Ages 13-59 - $14.00
Ages 60 & Over - $12.00
FOOD
There are a couple of picnic tables by the parking lot that looked nice and shady.
There is a restaurant on site called the Bonebed Cafe but it wasn’t open when we were there in October. It isn’t big, just a takeaway window serving stadium fare like pizza and hot dogs.
There were a few nice and shady picnic tables by the parking area
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO CHECK OUT
There is a Kids Cave by the gift shop for small children. I saw an area for play digging for fossils that I know my kids would never want to leave when they were younger.
If you go downstairs, you can watch the scientists at work through the laboratory windows. We missed this and I only saw it was a possibility when I was looking at the brochure later.
There are additional classes you can sign up for but they are only offered in the summer. Book online ahead of time to make sure you get a spot or check the whiteboard when you arrive to see if there are any spots left that day:
The Jr. Paleontology Program is extremely popular and teaches kids 4-12 how to dig for fossils. $11.06 per kid.
The Family Dig program is basically the same idea as the Jr. Paleontology program except now parents can get dirty with their kids. $48 per family.
Atlatl Throwing class is the one the kids were most upset to miss. You get to learn how to throw a spear using an atlatl, just like how early humans hunted mammoth and other large mammals. Ages 8 and up, $12 each.
You can buy a bag of dirt in the gift shop and take it to the sluice outside to pan for gemstones and fossils. Again, this wasn’t open when we were here in October but the kids would have loved this when they were younger.
The Kids Cave for small children. Lots of hands on stuff for them.
Where To Eat Near The Mammoth Site
HOT SPRINGS
If you didn’t bring a picnic or want to get something from the Bonebed Cafe, you can head around the corner from The Mammoth Site to the main drag of Hot Springs. I really liked the historic buildings on this street where there was a pretty greenway along the creek too. There wasn’t a lot of restaurants when we were there but could be worth a quick Google search on your visit to see if something looks good.
Although we did not actually eat here, the Upper Crust Bakery and Cafe was recommended to us (offers breakfast and lunch and has to go baked goods like donuts). There were also a couple of ice cream places we passed that looked good to the kids (they all look good to them though!)
CUSTER
One of the larger towns in the area, Custer has quite a few restaurants on its main strip but it also has lots of tourists so can have long wait lists in season. We popped into Maria’s Mexican (recommended by our bike rental people. South Dakota Outdoor Shop, across the street). It was tasty and filling and perfect if you need to feed hungry kids fast without spending a fortune.
The most memorable meal was at The Custer Wolf, a highly recommended place serving good beer, wine and pub food. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and would go again in a heartbeat. Has a cute patio too that’s a nice place to chill out after a long day hiking or biking.
Horatio’s Homemade Ice Cream is an awesome little place in the old bank building on the corner of Main and 6th. The ice cream was cold and delicious and the helpings were huge. It was the perfect end to a day biking on the Mickelson Trail. They also have sorbet and non- dairy ice cream so the lactose intolerant people can partake. They offer seasonal flavors like rhubarb and even bake their own waffle cones for goodness sake. Can you tell we loved this place?
Where to Stay Near The Mammoth Site
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A word to the wise-- Hotel prices in the Black Hills seemed expensive to us. It also booked up quickly. I guess because there is a limited season (late May to about early October) and lots of tourists during that season. We had to do a lot of searching to find something for our large family of 7 that we felt was affordable and actually available. Rapid City was more competitive than the smaller towns in the Black Hills but it meant a longer drive each day to get to the main attractions. We ended up doing two nights in Hill City and three in Rapid City.
HOTELS
HOT SPRINGS
Hot Springs isn’t a big place and the hotel choice isn’t huge. We often use points for hotel stays so tend to stick to the larger chains of which there aren’t any in Hot Springs so we did not stay there.
CUSTER AND HILL CITY
If you want more hotel choice, I would pick Custer (40 min away) or Hill City (60 min away) instead of Hot Springs.
We stayed two nights at the Holiday Inn Express Hill City- Mt Rushmore and it was great. Exactly what you would expect from a Holiday Inn Express and walking distance to the main street in Hill City where all the restaurants are located. There was also a Holiday Inn Express in Custer that we looked at as well. These were my top choices in those towns.
RAPID CITY
This is the big city for the Black Hills and has by far and away the most hotel choice and best prices. The caveat being you have to drive farther each day to get to the main attractions of the Black Hills like Custer State Park, Mt Rushmore, and Wind Cave National Park. Although I preferred it when we stayed closer, I did not find the extra driving to be a huge deal and we definitely saved some money.
Outside of Downtown
We also stayed two nights at the Residence Inn in Rapid City. I like Residence Inns in general because they have a suite with 2 bedrooms, a small kitchen and most importantly- 2 BATHROOMS! So important for our large family and preventing fratricide. And the rooms have a full kitchen, helpful for keeping picnic supplies and snacks for long days exploring.
You could even cook dinner in your hotel room, because they have stoves and dishes. The Residence Inn wasn’t downtown, but it was a quick 10 minute drive away since it is right off of exit 61 from the interstate. We compromised on location for more room and a better price point, and we were really happy.
We also spent one night at the Fairfield Inn, which was located at the same interstate exit as the Residence Inn. It was fine as well, although I liked the Residence Inn better because most of the rooms are bigger and have full kitchens.
* Pro Tip- If you have kids that are into that kind of thing, there was a huge indoor water park (WaTiki Indoor Water Park) at this exit (exit 61 from I90) that seemed very popular. Both the Fairfield Inn and the Residence Inn are attached to the water park, but the Fairfield Inn is directly attached with rooms overlooking it whereas the Residence Inn has an indoor walkway connecting it. The Fairfield Inn also advertises the water park in its description, so it was more crowded at morning breakfast with lots of families in bathing suits.
Also gathered around this apparently super popular water park was a Home2Suites by Hilton Rapid City, a La Quinta by Wyndham Rapid City, and a Courtyard by Marriott Rapid City. I guess all those hotels right next to each other kept the prices competitive, because this little area by exit 61 off I90 had the best prices we found in the Black Hills.
In Downtown Rapid City
My choice would be the Alex Johnson Hotel, a historic hotel that’s walking distance to the restaurants and shops in Rapid City’s neat little downtown. The lobby is very cool with its Germanic Tudor vibe (as they call it) but the rooms have been updated and modernized.
It has a wonderful rooftop bar with the signature neon sign that’s a landmark for downtown. The hotel also has several suites that could fit a family up to 6 people. It is on my list for future stays in Rapid City as it looks amazing and I have heard great things about it.
Vacation Rentals Near The Mammoth Site
If you are spending a couple of day in the Black Hills, then you might think about renting a cabin. There are literally hundreds of cabin rentals in this area at all kinds of price points so it is easier to find a VRBO than a hotel sometimes. It is nice to have a homebase -- get to unpack once, more room, able to fix dinner at your lodging after a long day hiking instead of having to go back out to a restaurant, often cheaper to eat meals at your lodging too.
* A VRBO was our original plan but it didn’t work out because we had reservations at Cedar Pass Lodge in Badlands National Park in the middle of our time in South Dakota. So we had two days in the Black Hills at the beginning of our trip and three days at the end, which is why we stayed in hotels instead of a vacation rental. Next time, we will book our trip earlier and not have to plan around whatever available dates the Badlands park lodge has left. I bookmarked a lot of vacation rentals I liked though, so here they are.
A couple of tips to keep in mind when looking:
some of the more remote ones with gorgeous views are on iffy gravel roads not fun in rental sedans
check for AC if visiting during late summer and don’t want to deal with cooling down the cabin when you get back in the evenings
consider how far you want to be from restaurants/ grocery stores/ dollar stores. They can be few and far between in the Black Hills which is great when you want to get away from it all and not so good when a kid realizes he forgot to pack something important. Ask me how I know Hill City has a Dollar General that stays open late and sells underwear.
the price per night can vary widely throughout the year. The same cabin can be $500 a night in season and $100 a night in the off season. It means the nightly average can be way off for your specific nights.
NEAR HOT SPRINGS
Cabin Southern Hills Serene Getaway is a cute little 2 BR/ 1 BA cabin with wonderful reviews and borders Wind Cave National Park. It is small but has gorgeous scenery and is very secluded. 5 people max and averages $200 a night.
Wind Cave Cabin - Just Wonderful is a large 3 BR/ 2 BA cabin with a hot tub and awesome views. The A- frame cabin sleeps 6 in beds and has air mattresses for up to 10. Averages $200 a night.
NEAR CUSTER
Whitetail Springs Ranch- 3 BR Log Cabin On Private Acreage w/ Personal Pond is a large cabin on 17 acres of a beef ranch. Older cabin with stone fireplace and great reviews. Sleeps 10 and averages $258 a night.
Peaceful, Private Log Home With Exceptional Views And Amenities is a large 4 BR/ 2.5 BA log cabin set on a secluded hillside in a pine forest with gorgeous views. Cute fairy garden to explore for little kids and a few miles from Custer.. Sleeps 9 max and averages $379 a night.
Farmhouse Cabin In The Black Hills (Cabin #1) is a picturesque little cabin on a goat farm with 2 BR/ 1 BA. It is a little out from Custer but located in a beautiful valley. The owners have built several of these brand new and super cute cabins near each other, but you still have a little space and your own fire pit area. Great reviews. Sleeps 7 max and $225 a night.
NEAR HILL CITY
Creekside Cabin On The Mickelson Trail is a cute little cabin (looks to be a converted mobile home) with 2 BR/2 BA. It is right by a lovely creek and the awesome Mickelson Trail so it’s very convenient for bikers. 2 minute drive into Hill City. Sleeps 6 max and averages $156 a night.
Spacious Home- Centrally Located In The Black Hills- Hot Tub, ATV is a very large 4BR/ 3.5BA home that comes with a hot tub, bikes for the nearby Mickelson Trail, and an ATV. 10 minute walk to Hill City and nice views in a more modern development. Sleeps 12 max and averages $258 a night.
Final Thoughts
I really liked The Mammoth Site and so did the kids. I thought it was an unusual place (can honestly say it is the one and only sinkhole filled with mammoth bones that I have ever visited) with a good self- guided tour that was interesting for kids and adults. I also liked that it only took us a little over an hour total to visit, which made it easy to pencil into our itinerary when we found ourselves with some time.
We dropped by The Mammoth Site after we were already at nearby Wind Cave National Park, as rainy weather changed our hiking plans for the morning. Being indoors, I could also see it being a welcome change up after outdoor activities in the summer too.
Happy Trails- Amanda