History
The High Plains Heritage Center was started by Harry Blair and Edgar Gardner in the 70s.Two passionate ranchers worried the story of settlement in the High Plains would cease to exist.Through donations and other efforts, the ranchers were finally able to buy the property that would soon become the central educational and cultural center of the Western Great Plains. The Center’s doors opened to the public on September 1, 1989.
Today
Explore the many indoor exhibits featuring western artifacts, the active 200 seat theatre located in the center of the Heritage Center, the Transportation Room and other outdoor displays. As the hub of cultural arts and education, the High Plains Western Heritage Center is a place where everyone can get in touch with their western roots.
Delve into cultural presentations that honor pioneering, cattle and sheep ranching, rodeo, transportation, American Indians and mining and uncover authentic, western art, artifacts and Native American exhibits that tell the stories of the five states.
Transportation Room
See what transportation used to be like in the High Plains Transportation Room. From the spectacular Spearfish Stagecoach to buggies and sleighs, you can learn about the way people traveled around the five plains states in the days of the Wild West.
Outdoor Displays
The High Plains Western Heritage Center sits on 40 acres of scenic land with exciting outdoor displays. The spring brings wild flowers and fresh, green grass making it the perfect time to visit the Center’s outdoor attractions. Explore the authentic one-room schoolhouse and see how children learned and played, the cozy log cabin and antique farm and ranch equipment.
The Stagecoach
The Spearfish to Deadwood Stagecoach located in the Transportation Room is an important part of western history you don’t want to miss out on. This remarkable stagecoach ran between Spearfish and Deadwood until 1913.
Longhorn Steers
The Longhorn Steers who live on the land of the High Plains Western Heritage Center can be easy to overlook, but watching this magnificent breed of cattle is a fun way to complete your High Plains adventure.