Community Calendar

Rare Jefferson Peace Medal Exhibit at Mead Museum

An original 220-year old Jefferson Peace Medal on loan to the Mead Museum is on display as part of the Journeying Forward: Connecting Cultures exhibit. The 4-inch Jefferson Peace Medal is extremely rare and a historically significant artifact from the early 19th century.
The peace medals were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson as part of diplomatic efforts with Native American tribes, serving as symbols of goodwill and alliance between the U.S. government and Indigenous leaders. The Lewis & Clark Expedition handed out 89 of them to leaders of Native Nations on their journey between 1804-1806. This medal is one of less than 5 on display in the world!
In addition to the peace medal, the Journeying Forward exhibit also had an upgrade in its history of the Ihanktonwan and Oceti Sakowin Nations, an important narrative to Yankton regional history.
The Mead Museum is located at 82 Mickelson Dr in Yankton SD. The Museum is open weekdays 10AM to 5PM and on Saturdays/Sundays from 1PM to 5PM.

*This event occurs during operating hours*

Get in the Halloween spirit with a spooky showdown in our haunted Laser Tag arena! Step into the fog, dodge the eerie glow, and see if you can blast the spookiness away in this chillingly fun experience. Enter if you dare - because the thrills (and the scares) are waiting!

The University Libraries at the University of South Dakota is presenting its biennial international altered book exhibition “Bound and Unbound VIII,” juried by Bratislava, Slovakia-based altered book artist and illustrator, Isobelle Ouzman, now through Jan. 5, 2026.

“Bound and Unbound VIII” is located in the exhibition cases on the second floor of the I.D. Weeks Library. It is open to the public for viewing during library operating hours, which can be found online. The exhibition can also be viewed online in the Digital Library of South Dakota https://explore.digitalsd.org/digital/collection/exhibitions/search/searchterm/Bound%20and%20Unbound%208:%20Altered%20Book%20Exhibition/field/relatig/mode/exact/conn/and.

The University Libraries Art and Exhibits Committee, sponsor of the exhibition, seeks to showcase a diverse range of international altered book art, to present the work locally and to build an online research collection of altered books.

Step into the magic of the season at our Nordic Yule Market, open October 11 – January 10 at the South Dakota Art Museum Shop! Inspired by traditional Nordic and German holiday markets, this festive shopping experience features:
• Handcrafted gifts from Nordic and local artists (50 new vendors!)
• Special events including live music, sip & shop, and family-friendly activities
• A cozy reading corner
• Meet & greets with your favorite characters
• Free gift wrapping on select days
 
Every purchase supports museum exhibitions and programming—thank you for making a difference with your holiday shopping!
 
Mark your calendars for extra-special dates:
• Nov. 20–22: Gifting for Good Holiday Sale (with area cultural institution stores!)
• Dec. 4: Sip & Shop with Nordic band Project Constellation & free gift wrapping
• December 13, 10 – 12: Meet Anna and Elsa at Community Art Day!
• Open until 7 on Thursday's in November and December
 
Follow us on social media for updates, sneak peeks, and event details!
 
Event Dates/Times:
Open October 11th – January 10th
• Saturday’s 10 – 4
• Sunday’s 12 – 4

• Monday – Friday’s 10 – 5

• Open until 7 on Thursdays in November and December

• Open until 8 on Friday, October 24th
• December 18th 5 – 7, Santa Meet and Greet
 
Closure dates:
• October 13th

• November 11th

• November 27th

• November 28th

• December 25th

• December 26th

• January 1st

• January 4th

Curious about the groundbreaking research taking place a mile underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility? Wondering about neutrinos, dark matter, or extremophiles but not sure who to ask? This is your chance! Join us for "Ask a Scientist" and connect with SURF physicist and experiment support scientist Mark Hanhardt.

Get answers to your questions and dive into the science happening at America’s deepest underground laboratory!

Rare Jefferson Peace Medal Exhibit at Mead Museum

An original 220-year old Jefferson Peace Medal on loan to the Mead Museum is on display as part of the Journeying Forward: Connecting Cultures exhibit. The 4-inch Jefferson Peace Medal is extremely rare and a historically significant artifact from the early 19th century.
The peace medals were commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson as part of diplomatic efforts with Native American tribes, serving as symbols of goodwill and alliance between the U.S. government and Indigenous leaders. The Lewis & Clark Expedition handed out 89 of them to leaders of Native Nations on their journey between 1804-1806. This medal is one of less than 5 on display in the world!
In addition to the peace medal, the Journeying Forward exhibit also had an upgrade in its history of the Ihanktonwan and Oceti Sakowin Nations, an important narrative to Yankton regional history.
The Mead Museum is located at 82 Mickelson Dr in Yankton SD. The Museum is open weekdays 10AM to 5PM and on Saturdays/Sundays from 1PM to 5PM.

Reach beyond books and join us at the library for this gentle and accessible yoga class that is perfect for those with limited mobility. No fee or equipment required!
When: Every Monday Time: 1:30 – 2:15 PM Age: General/Adult Registration: No registration required
When: Every Friday Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM Age: General/Adult Registration: No registration required
No Yoga 9/1, 10/13, 11/28, 12/26

Love bingo? Crazy about cookies? Then you’re in for a real treat!
Join us for a fun-filled event where you can enjoy a themed bingo game, snack on delicious cookies, and even win some sweet prizes! Whether you're a bingo pro or just in it for the snacks, this is your perfect combo of fun and flavor.
When: Monday, October 27th Time: 4:00-4:45PM Age: K-2nd Grades Registration: No registration required

Kids age 6-10 are invited to the S.T.E.A.M. at the Sturgis Public Library on Monday, October 27th at 4pm. This month we will be featuring "Haunted Bridge Builders", a S.T.E.A.M. activity for kids age 6-10. Design a bridge strong enough to hold a mini pumpkin using only candy corn, marshmallows, and toothpicks.

Look absolutely spooktacular this Halloween and learn all sorts of makeup techniques to go with your costume. Want your zombie to look extra rough or your fairy to have extra sparkles? With help from Gina Sommers and her students from Appoise Esthetic School of Aberdeen, you will learn tips and tricks to making the costume of your dreams.
When: Monday, October 27th Time: 5:00PM-6:00PM Ages: Tween Grades 3-5