Civilian Conservation Corps Museum of South Dakota

From 1933 to 1942, more than 30,000 young men came to South Dakota through the Civilian Conservation Corps — a Depression-era federal program that put unemployed youth to work preserving America's natural resources. They built trails, bridges, campgrounds, and structures that define the Black Hills experience visitors enjoy today. Without them, South Dakota tourism would look entirely different. The CCC Museum of South Dakota — the official repository for the state's CCC history — preserves their story through a growing collection of photographs, artifacts, and the roster of every enrolled man who served. Exhibits trace life in a CCC camp, the projects they completed across the state, and the lasting impact of their work at sites including Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave, and Orman Dam. Located inside the Hill City Visitor Information Center at 23935 Highway 385, just steps from the 1880 Train and minutes from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Custer State Park. Free to visit. The museum store carries CCC-related books, memorabilia, and gifts.