Mead Museum

About Us

The Mead Museum is a beautiful, vibrant center showcasing local and regional history. Housed in a beautiful 1909 brick building with original marble staircase, it's a must-see destination on every trip to Yankton! Visitors can enjoy three floors of exhibits including:

• Journeying Forward: Connecting Cultures features the history of the American Indian culture of the region through the Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1804-1806. NEW ON DISPLAY APRIL 2025: A Jefferson Peace Medal. The 4-inch Jefferson Peace Medals are extremely rare and historically significant artifacts from the early 19th century. These medals were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson as part of diplomatic efforts with Native American tribes, serving as symbols of goodwill and alliance between the U.S. government and Indigenous leaders.

• Yankton State Hospital Minds, Methods, and Medicine features four rooms dedicated to the architectural history of the historic South Dakota Human Services Center, medical practices in mental health, day in the life of a Yankton State Hospital patient, farm therapy and staff life

• The Children's Transportation Museum is a fun, interactive and educational experience for the kids.

• The Yankton College galleries on the top floor

Our Heritage Park is an ever-evolving outside green space with a collection of historic buildings including a train depot, school house, log cabin and more.
Temporary exhibits highlighting Dakota Territory and Yankton County history change each summer. Go to our website for details.