A part of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, the Museum of Geology was established to help educate the public about geology and paleontology especially in relation to findings or discoveries made in South Dakota as well as the Northern Great Plains. The museum’s collection includes a wide range of mineral specimens and fossils taken from all parts of the world. Besides the aforementioned items, however, the museum also possesses displays featuring animal skeletons, historical photographs and documents, equipment, and rare and valuable maps, books as well as other research materials.

Majority of the museum’s resources is made accessible to the public. The collections of the museum have either been donated by benefactors or personally collected by the university’s faculty members. At present, a new building is undergoing construction to provide an additional wing for the museum. For those interested, the museum has an in-site store and – soon – an online shop as well. Visitors may shop at the site for gifts, clothing, toys & models, puzzles & games, jewelry and other accessories and collectibles, books & other educational research materials, and even mineral specimens as well.