Dakota was once divided into the Minnesota Territory and the Dakota Territory in the 19th century, as such, it was called the Middle Border. The Dakota Discovery Museum was built to showcase Dakota?s heritage and art.

The Dakota Discovery Museum is owned and operated by the Friends of the Middle Border, Inc., which was founded in 1939. Author Hamlin Garland, a Pulitzer Prize winner whose family homesteaded in Dakota Territory and is one of the museum?s incorporators, gave the name that truly depicted its objective: to promote and preserve the art, history and culture of the people of the Middle Border expanse.

The museum?s mission is represented in the Discovery Land, exhibits like the Middle Border History Gallery, Gates Changing Gallery, Terrace Changing Gallery, and art galleries.

The Discovery Land is the newest addition to the museum. It is an interactive center that is child-friendly but is also a favorite among adult visitors. It illustrates early settlements in Dakota representing the pioneers, the settlers and the Native Americans.

The Middle Border History Gallery is a permanent exhibit that brings to life what the Dakota prairies were like and takes the visitors on a journey through time to learn about the Plains Indians, how the fur trade and the Gold Rush influenced the state?s history and the story of the settlement of the Dakotas, among others. In this gallery, a Buffalo Hide Tipi is recreated to give a clear image of how the Native Indians did it. In relation to that, a buffalo mural painted by Native American artist Don Ruleaux, is also exhibited. A Claim Shack is made of tar paper and is usually 12 by 14 square feet in size, also replicated in this gallery. However small this maybe, it was home to many of the pioneers of the state when the Homestead Act of 1862 allowed the head of a household or anyone who is at least 21 years of age to own a part of a 160 acre parcel of land. They had to build these Claim Shacks, as well as plow and plant to secure ownership of the area where they prefer to dwell. Another attraction in the Middle Border History Gallery is the Sheep Wagon that the native author Archer Gilfillan lived for almost 18 years, while herding sheep in Harding County, South Dakota.

Then there?s the Historic Village Complex that features authentic buildings, containing original furnishings, which visitors can walk through. One of the structures in the complex is the Beckwith House, a grand Italianate style home built for the couple Louis and Mary Beckwith, one of the co-founders of the very first Corn Palace. This house represents the enterprising people who helped to build communities in the steppes. Another must-see in the complex is the Dimock Depot, a train station where many immigrants to the Dakota Territory set foot during the Dakota Boom of 1880s. The complex also has the Sheldon Country School preserved, as this played an important role in cultivating the young minds of its inhabitants. Lastly, the Farwell Church stands proud in the complex, as the first religious structure to serve its congregation.

The Gates Changing Gallery and Terrace Changing Gallery in the museum both host travelling exhibits about Dakota. Moreover, there are four special art galleries namely the Leland and Josephine Case Art Gallery, the Charles Hargens Studio and Gallery, the Oscar Howe Art Gallery and changing exhibits galleries.