Welcome to the Old Courthouse Museum!
Construction began on the first Minnehaha County Courthouse in 1889. The building is a product of local architect Wallace L. Dow, who designed many local buildings including the South Dakota State Penitentiary, the All Saints School, and the Thomas B. McMartin home (now the Pettigrew Home and Museum). The building is constructed of native Sioux Quartzite stone, a popular local building material of the late 19th century. When completed in 1893, Dow claimed the structure would be the “largest courthouse between Chicago and Denver.”
Interior courthouse features include slate stairs, granite pillars, stained glass windows, and tiled fireplaces. Perhaps one of the most striking features of the building is the 16 large murals on the walls of the hallways painted between 1915 and 1917. Painted by Norwegian immigrant Ole Running, the murals detail early life in Dakota, natural features, and images of his home in Norway. Running was paid $500 for his work on the walls of the building.
The courthouse was used for county business until 1962, when it became too small for court and administrative activities. A new courthouse was built to the west of the original and the Old Courthouse was slated for demolition to make room for a parking lot. Concerned citizens campaigned to save the Old Courthouse and in 1974 they were successful. The building was converted to a museum and joined with the Pettigrew Home and Museum to become the Siouxland Heritage Museums.
Today, you can visit three floors of public exhibit space that provide a colorful look at the region’s history. The second floor features the restored circuit courtroom and law library. Admission to the building is FREE! The Museum store includes unique and affordable Dakota-made gifts for the whole family. Wheelchair accessible. Open daily. Call (605) 367-4210 ext. 0 or email for more information about current exhibits and fun, educational programs for all ages.
Parking
Free two hour parking is located to the west of the museum. Enter from Dakota Avenue. Metered parking is available as well, curbside south of the museum along 6th Street and on the east side of the building on Main Avenue.
Hours
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed on major holidays
Additional Information
- The Old Courthouse Museum is wheelchair accessible. Please ask for additional information about the services available to visitors with special needs.
- Photography is allowed in the Old Courthouse Museum.
- The museum store is located on the first floor and features unique gifts, historic toys, books and souvenirs.