The Story
The Tri-State Museum traces to a June 1955 meeting after Mrs. Roy Williams of Hammond, Montana donated a collection of Western artifacts and $1,000. Local citizens formed a nonprofit and built an original cinder-block museum, expanded in 1964 and 1972. Its signature exhibit is the Johnny Spaulding Cabin, a homestead structure dating to 1876 — 13 years before South Dakota statehood. The museum moved into its current building in 2004, sharing the site with the Center of the Nation monument.
Surprising Facts
→ The founding gift came from a private individual who donated artifacts and $1,000 in 1955.
→ Its centerpiece cabin dates to 1876, predating South Dakota statehood by 13 years.
→ It shares its site with the Geographic Center of the Nation monument.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tri-State Museum?
Tri-State Museum is at 415 5th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD. Explore it on the When It Was interactive map.
How old is Tri-State Museum?
Tri-State Museum dates to 1955, making it more than 71 years old.
Can you still visit Tri-State Museum?
Yes — the site at 415 5th Ave, Belle Fourche, SD still stands and remains in use today.