Tucked into the vibrant campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings, the South Dakota Art Museum is a cultural gem that celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the Northern Plains. Since opening its doors in 1970, the museum has become a sanctuary for creativity—featuring everything from traditional Native American art and South Dakota folk works to bold contemporary pieces and rotating exhibitions that inspire fresh perspectives. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a curious traveler, this museum invites you to explore stories told through paint, pottery, fabric, and form—each one deeply rooted in the landscape and spirit of the region.
Here are a few pieces from the permanent collection, not including Harvey Dunn’s work, that I found compelling.
Unfortunately, for the above images, I forgot to capture the details about the piece and the artist. The images below include the title of the work and the artist.
After exploring the museum, I decided to wander around campus and was greeted with a spectacular flower garden.
