Rating:
Dates: June 22, 2006
"The Adams House is a delight for its wonderful architecture, lovely furnishings and history. I even thought I could detect old, extremely mild cooking odors in the kitchen area--a testament to those decades passing when the house was totally undisturbed. The tour guides are well-versed and able to answer any and all questions. It was a most enjoyable experience, and one I definitely want to repeat!" - Monika

Rating:
Dates: July 11, 2008
"The Adams Museum and the Adams House are, hands-down, two of the most underrated things to do in the Black Hills. They get a fair amount of publicity, but for some reason, not a lot of people stop to see them. Don't make the mistake - they're worth the trip.

History buffs will love them both, of course, but even families not terribly interested in history (or with small children who tire of museums pretty quickly) will dig a trip to the Adams. The museum is relatively small, and the layout of the exhibits means you can quickly see the artifacts and displays you want at your own pace. And since it's free, you won't feel guilty about ducking out early if you've got antsy kids or a lunch date. The Adams House does charge for a tour through the mini-mansion, but it's well worth the cost. Unlike other historic homes around the country, the Adams House was preserved virtually untouched for more than a half-century, leaving many of the home's 19th-century decor and furnishings in-tact. They tale they tell is incredibly compelling, starting with a great rags-to-riches story, through the death of a man's entire family and ending with his discovery of happiness once again. Small kids might find the tour a little tedious, but most teens and adults will love it. " - Dustin