Hoċokata Ṫi

A must see if you are in the Twin Cities and the whole region. This cultural center serves as a museum and a community center for the nation. The gift shop has art and other products all from small businesses. Once you arrive there is a small introduction from the staff and you are allow to learn at your leisure. There is a free parking lot but you can also take a ride share, just be mindful of surge pricing.

This cultural center is a sight to behold! I love the architecture- both the exterior and interior are modern and flowing, yet so thoughtful in how it connects with the greater meaning of the Dakota people (who find symbolism in circles and cycles). The sky-light in the ceiling mirrors the tribe's logo. The lower level is specifically members-only, so if you are visiting, you will not be able to view the lower level. We discovered that there was a fun masquerade happening after-hours the day we visited; it's nice to know there is involvement all the time from community members!The upper level is where visitors can come to explore the museum and learn about this region's specific segment of the Dakota tribe and the dialect they speak. You will get to see authentic and historic pieces that were unearthed in the burial mounds right here in the Shakopee area! Wow! Also many outfits worn by men and women. Two painted murals are very impressive as well. There are many exhibits to read from and interact with, many of which also include Dakota language read aloud so you can listen along. I especially liked learning that the tribe had specific words for older and younger brothers/sisters.My favorite exhibit was the teepee lined with real buffalo skins that you could sit inside and listen to recordings of oral history stories that might've been told back in the day while pretending to be next to a warm bonfire! Very immersive. I also really liked the origin story told at the beginning of the self-guided tour; the video played in 360 degrees as well as directly above you as if you were looking up at the sky/stars. It really made it special and memorable. Another fun experience for younger visitors is the bead stringing simulation with colored wooden blocks- choose a fun pattern and assemble like a puzzle!You will also be exposed to the tragedies that befell the tribe with the invasion of European settlers and learn the harsh struggles the community had in retaining its culture during that time. Further, there are exhibits of more contemporary times as the community has been able to secure more land, grow, and look toward providing for its future generations. Really remarkable the strength and hope showcased at the end of the tour and really wraps up the experience nicely.The rate for adults/general admission is $8. Seniors, educators, and students get a discount for $5. There is an occupancy limit of fifty individuals at a time. Be sure to stop at the giftshop to purchase unique gifts that benefit the community and the artists themselves that create the crafts. You'll find lotions, balms, incense, food items, maple syrup, incredible quilts, blankets, plushies, keychains, beanies, jewelry, pins, postcards, decorative pieces, books, and more. There is also a library full of great literature to learn even more if you choose, free of charge.Honestly, if you are in the area, this place is a must-go! Wonderful experience, and the employees are very friendly and knowledgeable too.

This was the best, Dakota museum I have ever been to! I could spend hours here; I spent approximately an hour and a half. It is super family friendly but also historically accurate (even the stuff that is probably hard for some to stomach). The exhibit is tailored for Natives and Non-Natives but also Dakota speakers (most of the exhibits are translated into both)! I would recommend this place to everyone. I loved it here! I will be back!P.S. check out the museum store and library!

Outstanding museum. Not to be missed. I take my out of town visitors there when available. Check out their website.

Amazing place to go learn some of Minnesota's history and about our local native communities

We had the privilege of visiting Hoċokata Ti [ho-cho-kah-tah-tee], the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's (SMSC) cultural center in Shakopee, MN, while attending our family reunion in Minneapolis. It was an easy drive, about 30 minutes or so from the Mall of Americas area. The Center is architecturally stunning! As you drive up the road to the center you are captivated by several massive tepee structures situated behind the Center. We were later informed that they are ceremonial building not open to the public, but you can appreciate how awe-inspiring they are from a balcony view inside the center.The staff who greeted us were super friendly and helpful, making sure our visit was enjoyable. Our tour, which cost only $8 for adults, started with a short, beautifully narrated film projected in a circular room with a simulated sky component that was enchanting as well as educational. The museum exhibits are well-done and incorporate some interactive elements. There is enough to appeal to all ages and it is easy to navigate. We spent about a little under 2 hours in the museum. After the film and tour of the museum, we spent quite a bit of additional time in the gift shop, which features a wide variety of Native-made art, jewelry, books, music, craft items, and foods. I'm a foodie, so I took home a pound of hand-harvested wild rice and enjoyed sampling a unique snack - cactus sticks, that were surprisingly tasty to everyone. Upon exiting the center, staff provided coloring books and crayons for the kids, which was a nice touch.Personally, I don't know how anyone can visit the area and overlook visiting a site which showcases the indigenousness people and their culture. It should be visibly promoted on state and local tourism sites and shared with hotel guests looking for recommended excursions in visiting the Twin Cities. I had to be intentional, doing a google search, to find anything on Native-American cultural sites and experiences in the area. My recommendation: Don't overlook Hoċokata Ti during your visit to Minneapolis and St. Paul. It is so worthwhile and stimulating.