An Experience to Match Your Group
From in-depth discussions to hands-on learning, we offer an experience for everyone.
Let one of our professional cultural interpreters guide your group through the exhibit as they provide insight into the meaning behind the displays and artifacts.
In addition to exhibit tours, we offer educational activities to further the understanding of Dakota people and lifeways, including art projects, language classes, tours of the SMSC Collections, presentations, and more (subject to staff availability and seasonal appropriateness).
We’ve welcomed groups of all kinds and ages from across North America. Complete the request form below to schedule your visit to Hoċokata Ṫi.
School Field Trips
Get your students out of the classroom and bring history to life! Sit within a traditional Dakota tipi, touch the hides of animals traditionally hunted by the Dakota people, hear the words of the Dakota language, and more. Our immersive and interactive exhibit gives students a better understanding of Mdewakanton lifeways that can’t be experienced through books.
Visit Information
- Reservations must be made at least four weeks in advance.
- All groups must agree to follow the Field Trip Visit Guidelines.
- Student pricing starts at $5 per person.
- Free admission to school/program staff, bus drivers, and up to two chaperones per 15 students. Additional adults are $8.
- Guided tours and educational activities are available for an additional cost.
- Lunch options available—please inquire at the time of booking.
Summer, Day Care, and Home School Groups
We welcome visits from summer programs, day care centers, and home school groups. While interpreter-led tours are not available, Hoċokata Ṫi may provide self-guided exhibit activities upon request. Please note that exhibit content is appropriate for those in third grade and above.
- On-site space for lunch is not guaranteed.
- Please limit your visit to one hour.
Group Information and Guidelines
- Field Trip and Group Programming.
- Field Trip General Information.
- Field Trip Guidelines.
- Hoċokata Ṫi Map.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Complete the inquiry form on this page. A group coordinator will contact you within five business days to schedule a date and help plan your group’s visit.
Guided tours for school field trips are available for third grade and higher. If your organization is a school/youth group with mixed ages, our group coordinator with discuss if a guided tour is appropriate for your group.
Group visits are limited to 60 participants. A minimum of 10 participants is required for a guided group tour. For any educational activities added onto your tour, we recommend group sizes of 20–60.
Public guided tours are available every Wednesday at 1pm and can be purchased online or in person. These tours are limited to 15 attendees and sell out quickly.
We offer a range of fun, educational activities that provide deeper insight into Dakota traditional lifeways. Options include art projects, language classes, cultural presentations, traditional games, and more. Activities are subject to staff availability and seasonal appropriateness. For details and pricing, please see our Field Trip and Group Programming guide.
Guided tours typically last about one hour per group. Most additional activities also run for approximately one hour. Our group coordinator will work with you to build a schedule that fits your group’s needs.
Yes! Our gift shop features items for all ages, including books, jewelry, and home goods. Please note: we require a minimum of one adult chaperone for every four students. The gift shop is open Wednesday–Saturday, from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
Yes, we ask that all self-guided tours of 10 visitors or more complete the form on this page to schedule a visit. This helps us ensure a smooth experience for your group and for other visitors.
Group visits are available Wednesday through Saturday.
Yes! We offer a variety of lunch options through Native Harvest Catering, which is owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Pricing and menu details will be provided during your consultation with our group coordinator. Orders must be placed at least two weeks before your scheduled visit.
No, there is no restaurant or café at Hoċokata Ṫi. If you have not scheduled lunch from Native Harvest Catering with our group coordinator, you can find nearby dining options here.
If your school or group would like to bring lunch, please inform our group coordinator. Space to eat lunch is subject to availability.
