Tatanka: Story of the Bison - Deadwood, South Dakota

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Kevin Costner’s Bison and Interpretive Center tells the story of the bison (buffalo) of the plains states during the 1820’s to today.

Tatanka is a Lakota word that literally means “bull buffalo,” but Tatanka meant more than that. Ceremonies and daily life revolved around sacred reverence for Tatanka. The bison provided not only clothing and meat for the tribes but it also was thier source for weapons and utinsils. Every part of the buffalo (bison) was used by the tribes.

In the 1820’s there began a mass killing of the bison by the whites with the goal of making money from the hides and driving the buffalo to extinsion so that they could run the tribes out and take over the land for themselves. A few people saw what was happening and saved just 1,000 of the animals from mass slaughter. It is with these 1,000 that the herds have now been rebuilt to 400,000 of today. These are primarily on ranches and private reserves.

Kevin Costner stated at the grand opening of Tatanka that "I believe today that this place is bigger than the dream I had for it. What it means to anyone that will come here will be up to them. Tatanka was not designed as the white man’s version of the Native American. Rather it stands as a centerpiece for two cultures, one whose very lives depended on the buffalo and one who saw it as a means to an end. It recognizes and accepts that this is our mutual history. It can also represent the chance to move forward."

Tatanka offers the following for your enjoyment.

Larger than life bronze sculpture featuring 14 bison pursued by 3 Native American Horseback Riders.

Hands-on Interpretive Center

Native American Gift Shop

Snack Bar

Hours and Admission: Open May 15th - September 30th
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Daily Passes: Senior (65+) - $6.50
Adult (12+ years) - $7.50
Child (6-11 years) - $5.50
5 years and under - FREE
Groups of 15 or more - $6.50

Season Passes: Senior (65+) - $9.50
Adult (12+ years) - $10.50
Child (6-11 years) - $8.50
5 Years and under - FREE

Driving Directions
U.S. Highway 85 – One mile north of Deadwood, SD 57732

From Rapid City: Take I-90 (N/NW) to Sturgis - and use Exit 30 (last exist into Sturgis) - there is a stop light

at the end of the exist - turn left (west) which is Hwy 14. You will have a nice drive through Boulder Canyon and just as you see buildings in Deadwood be ready to turn right (towards Spearfish) - you will travel up a hill and at the top of the hill you will turn right into the entrance of Tatanka. Travel time is approximately 1 hour.

From Spearfish: Head east on I-90 and take exit 17 (approx. 10 minutes from Spearfish) - you are now going south on Hwy 85. This is a short drive that starts on level ground and then starts up a hill, dips down just a bit and then brings you to the top - Just as you are at the top you will see Tatanka on your left. Enter the left lane and then the turning lane. If you go down a steep hill it means that you passed us by - just turn around and go back up the hill (turn right at the top). Travel time is approximately 25 minutes.

If you are in Deadwood you will take the main road going through the town - head north (opposite of going to Lead) - you will find yourself at an intersection at the top of an incline - you need to turn left (towards Spearfish) - this is up a hill. At the top of the hill you will see Tatanka on your right. If you are going down hill or see a sign for Sturgis you missed your turn.

Phone
605-584-5678