Major Attractions
Madison's Prairie
Village is a living history museum created from turn-of-the-century
buildings moved from around the state to create a community that never was. Prairie
Village is located two miles west of Madison on Hwys 34 and 81. Prairie Village
consists of forty restored buildings, agriculture displays, steam tractors, sawmill,
operating railroad with turntable and round house, steam carousel and chapel car
"Emmanuel". Camping is available with 150 electrical sites. You'll
also find a gift shop, daily carousel rides and train rides during special events.
From the Steam Threshing Jamboree to Railroad Days, Prairie Village presents several
events that will take you back in time. The church can be rented for weddings or
facilities for picnics and family reunions.
A lifelong resident of the Madison, South Dakota area, John C. Green has earned recognition
in the art community through his faithful rendition of outdoor and scenic images
that capture the spirit of his native state. He is an established artist with superb
credentials. He recently celebrated his 30th year as a professional artist. John
has received recognition in many art contests across the country. He is a three
time state duck stamp competitive winner and received the Judge's Award of
Merit for his painting of mallards at the National Wildlife Art Show. The South
Dakota Hall of Fame also selected him as State Artist of the Year in 1991. Though
he has over 55 sold out limited editions already to his credit, John C. Green's
career is just beginning. John's studio is located in downtown Madison.
The Smith-Zimmermann Museum is located on the campus of Dakota State
University. The Smith-Zimmermann Museum allows you to explore Victorian furnishings
in four period rooms along with early forms of transportation. The parlor has original
furnishings and a unique souvenir cabinet along with a dining room setting, a 1920's
style kitchen and 18th Century bedroom. Also displayed in the museum are farm equipment
and tools including saws and a replica claim-shanty that helps visitors interpret
living conditions of homesteading days. The collection reflects the ethnic background
of pioneers and their way of life during the development of eastern South Dakota.
The museum is open year-round with free admission and donations welcome.
The Dakota Prairie Playhouse and Conference Center is a regional, multi-use
facility in Madison. The complex contains an 80 ft. x 80 ft. conference center,
large enough to accommodate banquet seating for 500 people and a theatre with seating
for 700 people. The Dakota Prairie Playhouse has had many exciting additions since
its origination and continues to house great entertainment for the Madison area.
The theatre portion of the complex is a year-round performance facility with continental
style seating. The theatre is designed to permit a wide range of performing arts
including drama, dance, and music. Williams & Ree, Always...Patsy Cline, Offutt
AirForce Military Band and SDSU's Prairie Repertory Theatre are just a few
of the artistic talents that have graced the stage.
You will truly enjoy the shopping experience presented by historic
downtown Madison. When visiting Madison, you will find everything and anything,
from antiques to boutiques and bookstores to bakeries. What you won't find
are endless parking lots, warehouses of merchandise and crowds hustling to get to
the bottom of their shopping lists. Enjoy shopping as it was meant to be, while
taking a relaxing stroll through our many unique shops.