BELLE FOURCHE—A new mini exhibit is now on display in the space that greets visitors near the museum entrance. Rock On opened to an all-day reception at the Tri-State Museum on Saturday, April 11.
Red Onion Marketplace made chocolate cupcakes with rock candy topping and coconut lime cupcakes for the reception. Coffee and drinks were also provided.
The newest display introduces the public to the various forms of minerals and rocks. You can learn that there are numerous minerals and that minerals make up rocks. But, there are only three types of rock: sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic. The latest display at the museum offers many examples to explore and learn all about the hard, solid topic!
For the kids there are handouts, books and learning centers that encourage youth to spend time learning all about rocks and minerals. There is also an electronic quiz to take to see how much you know about rocks and minerals!
Jean Maher, assistant director, explained that the museum staff has planning meetings to determine the yearly exhibits and likes to have exhibits that show science and nature and general interest displays.
Rock On was offered to the public back in 2015. “We have refreshed it with new boards, pictures and items in the display too,” said Maher.
The museum exhibits are an all-hands-on-deck experience. Kristi Thielen, director, does all of the research. Maher is in charge of the design while Jada Udager, Collections Archivist, gathers all of the artifacts for the exhibit and Kim Reausaw, Store Manager/Volunteer Coordinator, puts together the touch screen quiz.
The mini exhibit runs through June 13, 2026. Come to the museum and take in the latest mini exhibit and check out the temporary exhibit Downtown Belle Fourche. It is a trip back in time with artifacts and stories from past businesses that called downtown Belle home. It only runs through May 22. Then it will make way for a new temporary exhibit about Vaudeville opening on May 23.
April’s Family Fun Day is coming up this weekend, Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m. Bring your friends and family to learn about The Science and Beauty of Crystals. One lucky kid will win a free book and all kids can take home a fun packet full of games and coloring pages. There will be refreshments! Let the museum know if you are coming—not mandatory, but helpful!
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