Adaptation Gallery: Geologic Time
Geologic events on Earth reshaped our environment many times over. Faced with a changing climate and landscape plants and animals struggled to survive. Witness everything from the frightful sea creatures living in primordial oceans to the surge and extinction of dinosaurs. This exhibit is an incredible journey through the earliest history of life in North Dakota.
Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples
Discover the allure and scope of the North Dakota Heritage Center’s collection as you visit The Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples, dedicated to the Native peoples of North Dakota. Get up close and personal to the tribes of North Dakota, as they were before encountering colonial settlers and also as the principal nations they currently are. The record of the Early Peoples starts more than 13,000 years ago when people first set up to journey into North Dakota. This journey starts with the Paleo Indians, the earliest documented hunters. The enormous Bison skeleton is an excellent example of the animals these big-game hunters brought down only using spears and strategic hunting patterns. Examine the remarkable handmade craftsmanship within their tool technology. Study just a few major breakthroughs of human innovation during this time, from the development of the bow and arrow to the formation of clay pottery. Envision North Dakota’s earliest cities. Look inside a tipi and imagine it as your home. Experience the way of life of plains village farmers. Learn how the introduction of guns and horses impacted tribes, creating great hunters and powerful warriors. Ponder the elegance and delicacy of the State Museum’s extensive collection of textiles, moccasins, saddlebags, dresses and more.
Inspiration Gallery: Yesterday and Today
The Inspiration Gallery: Yesterday and today tells the tale of North Dakota and its community through a multitude of themes that continues to shape it’s history. Discover the agricultural history of North Dakota as you examine innovations in industry and the results of energy evolution. You will discover the unique culture and traditions of which the people of North Dakota prides themselves on.
Governor’s Gallery
The recent addition of the Governors Gallery features temporary and traveling exhibits, along with educational programs. The Power of Human Connections Exhibit, is produced by Touchstone Energy Cooperative of North Dakota and in part sponsored by the State Historical Society and its Foundation. This exhibit explains the rustic electric development story, its effect on North Dakota, and their plans for the future.
Don’t miss the extraordinary hand-painted mural of Double Ditch Indian Village in 1550 as you explore this fully handicapped accessible facility. Be sure to bring your camera as there are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the exhibits. You can even take home an ancient souvenir from the museum’s gift shop!