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Dacotah Prairie Museum Announces Buntrock Gallery Grand Opening: A Global Biodiversity Experience
Aberdeen, SD — The Dacotah Prairie Museum is proud to announce the opening of the Buntrock Gallery, a remarkable new addition made possible through the generous support of the Dean L. and Rosemarie Buntrock Foundation. The gallery’s soft opening is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, December 20.
Dean Buntrock, a Columbia, South Dakota native and founder of Waste Management Co., has enabled the museum to bring an extraordinary vision to life. “Thanks to Mr. Buntrock’s generous support, this exhibit will far exceed what we could have created on our own,” said Patricia Kendall, Museum Director. “We are incredibly grateful for his contributions in making this gallery a reality.” Further, Kendall states that this will make the Dacotah Prairie Museum even more of a must-see attraction in northeastern South Dakota, bringing additional tourism and commerce to the region.
Exhibit Description: The Buntrock Gallery — A Global Biodiversity Experience
Visitors to the Buntrock Gallery will embark on an interactive and immersive educational journey, discovering animals from around the globe. Upon entering the museum’s lobby, guests are greeted by a striking full bison mount—an iconic denizen of the prairie—setting the stage for an exploration of global wildlife. Informational panels throughout the gallery offer insights into the collection and invite visitors to learn about our planet’s incredible biodiversity.
The gallery showcases animals native to North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some species, like the familiar pheasant, will spark recognition, while others, such as the Dall sheep, provide new opportunities for discovery. The exhibit encourages visitors to explore the habitats of these animals and understand how human activities impact their world.
Special thanks for this exhibit go to the Dean L. and Rosemarie Buntrock Foundation for their vision and support.
