The Verendrye Museum in Fort Pierre is named for Louis and Chevalier Verendrye, two French bothers who explored the upper reaches of the Missouri River in the 1740’s. In 1743, they planted a lead plate on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River in what is now Fort Pierre, claiming the land for France. The Verendrye Museum was incorporated in 1968 as a 501(c)(3) non- profit organization. It is located in the old Community Hall, a 110 foot by 44 foot 1930 vintage building owned by the City of Fort Pierre. The museum houses a collection of South Dakota and regional artifacts documenting the early history of the area including aspects of the Fort Pierre to Deadwood trail. The Museum is funded by the citizens of Fort Pierre, Stanley County and patrons of the museum. 

The building which presently houses the Verendrye Museum on Deadwood Street was built in 1933 and was originally the Legion Community Hall. The Historical Society of Old Stanley County had a vision of establishing a museum, which was realized in 1968 with the opening of the Verendrye Museum.

The Verendrye Museum is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during the tourist season of Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you're in Fort Pierre in the off season you can see some museum displays at the Fort Pierre Log Cabin Information center located at 04 E. Main Ave. Special arrangements can also be made to visit the museum in the off season. Call 605-223-7761 for more information.