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
Related posts:
What about these snack bars? How many? How much? How do we pay?
The snack bar is where you can get something for you to eat, the cost depends on what you buy. You would pay with cash or a credit card.
I was lucky enough to be in the area during the grand opening. The entire place is just gorgeous! The bronze statues were amazing in their detail, and everywhere I looked was just so – right. I bought several shirts as souvenirs, some of wich I still have. I met Kevin Costner – He was such a nice guy! – and my husband took a couple of pictures of us standing side by side.
I’d love to repeat that day!
We visited Tatanka a few years ago and it is still so fresh in my mind. I was totally in awe of the magnitude of the sculptures, but the most memorable event was the storyteller in native dress. His story made me see both sides of the history and the passion that came across in the telling made it unforgettable. I will be back
I was working nearby at the new lodge moving furniture and went there on my break to get a cup of coffee. The woman behind the counter informed me that I would have to pay admission in order to get a cup of coffee. I told her that I am a full-blood Oglala Lakota from Oglala, and that Crazy Horse Memorial doesn’t charge Natives, so why was Tatanka charging admission for Lakota people?
It’s really a shame how Kevin Costner is using the Lakota culture for his own gain.
Thank you.
My wife and I visited in 2008 and enjoyed the stop so much we went back again in 2009. I guess we should have remembered the visit from 2008. The older lady who runs the place was in the process of one of the many bus tours they do there when my wife and I arrived. Without greeting us or anything she met us outside and cursly informed us that we must pay at the front desk which we already knew. We went inside and paid the young lady working the front desk who was very professional and helpful. We asked about the 5 minute video and she went and turned it on for us. When we came out I saw the older lady glaring at us because I suspect she had skipped that part of the experience for the bus tour. In any case the rest of our experience at Tatanka was ruined. I for one will never go back!
I visited Tataanka on my recent trip to The Black Hills. It was one of the highlights.The sight is breathtaking and I really enjoyed the presentation from the Native- American woman. But mostly, was hearing the grand-opening speech from Kevin Costner in the video, that brought tears to my eyes. Thank-you soo much Kevin, for saying what has to be said and having the passion to inform others. You expressed my feelings.
I have just returned from a visit to many of our National Parks out West. One of the MOST moving was the stop at Takanta. In hearing the presentation from the Native American speaker, my interest in the History and Culture of The Navtive ways has been peaked. The White race has been greatly cheated in learning of their beliefs