PIERRE -- Today marks the commencement of the 2024 South Dakota Road Trip: Teachers Discovering History. Educators from across the state are embarking on three concurrent routes spanning western, central, and eastern South Dakota. Approximately 90 teachers per route will explore key historical sites integral to the state’s heritage. The journey commences this morning and concludes on Thursday, July 18, with teachers crafting lessons informed by their experiences.

"South Dakota harbors hidden historical treasures across its regions," remarked Secretary of Education Joe Graves. "This trip offers educators a unique opportunity to visit these sites, engage with local experts, and gather practical insights for integrating these experiences into their classrooms."

The western route includes guided tours and discussions with site engineers at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor’s Center in Lead. Participants will also visit Wind Cave National Park and delve into the preservation and interpretation of the late Ice Age record at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.

On the central route, educators will engage in sessions with the South Dakota Legislative Research Council, the South Dakota Supreme Court, and the South Dakota Secretary of State. They will tour the State Capitol in Pierre, visit the Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center in Chamberlain, and experience the Sutton Rodeo in Onida.

Meanwhile, travelers on the eastern route will explore the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village to gain insights into the region’s earliest inhabitants. They will hike through Sica Hollow State Park, learning its historical significance, and visit the Mead Museum in Yankton for a deeper dive into South Dakota's history. The itinerary also includes stops at Prairie Village in Madison and the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls.

The History Road Trip aims to enrich educators' understanding of South Dakota's history, geography, government, and civics. Organized by the Department of Education, the trip supports educators as they prepare to implement new social studies standards by fall 2025.