CWC Intertribal Education and Community Center | Riverton

The Tri-State Museum is a historical institution located in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The museum building is a single-story structure constructed primarily of red brick. It features a flat roof and a prominent central entrance with a concrete facade. The building's dimensions are approximately 100 feet in length and 50 feet in width. Architectural style is utilitarian, characteristic of mid-20th century public buildings.

Location & Access Logistics

The Tri-State Museum is situated at 1013 State Street in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. It is located approximately 0.5 miles south of the city center. Parking is available in a dedicated gravel lot adjacent to the building, with space for approximately 20 vehicles. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is 0.8 miles east on 5th Avenue, served by the Belle Fourche Community Transit route.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was constructed in 1958 and originally served as the Belle Fourche Public Library. It was converted into the Tri-State Museum in 1975 to house artifacts related to the history of the Belle Fourche region, encompassing parts of South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana. The museum's purpose is to preserve and display local history.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits focus on the area's ranching heritage, the development of the Belle Fourche irrigation project, and local Native American history. Visitors can view displays of antique farm equipment, historical photographs, and personal artifacts. Educational programs are offered on select Saturdays during the summer months.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are present in the parking lot. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally reliable within the museum. No food vendors are located directly at the museum; the nearest options are within a 0.3-mile radius in the downtown area.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is best visited during daylight hours for optimal viewing of exhibits. The months of June through August offer the most favorable weather for travel to Belle Fourche. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact within the museum is a saddle believed to have belonged to Calamity Jane. Local lore suggests that a hidden tunnel once connected the original library building to the town's old train depot, though no physical evidence of this tunnel has been found.

Nearby Landmarks

• Belle Fourche Reservoir (3.5km West)
• Redwater River (1.2km North)
• Butte County Historical Society Museum (0.6km North)
• Tri-State Museum Gift Shop (0.1km East)
• Belle Fourche City Hall (0.7km North)