Dakota Drum Company

I highly recommend this place for Native American hand-​crafted items unique to the Plains region. Sonja Holy Eagle, who paints and designs much of the store’s art work, is a very sweet and friendly woman who is happy to explain the cultural significance of the crafts she makes. It’s a great place for shopping if you are from here or visiting and wanting to send your friends and relatives something very special. Sonja’s prices are very reasonable and she also will package and ship your item for a very low fee.

The shop is beautiful and the best part is the owner and artist, Sonja Holy Eagle. She was kind and spoke with us at length about her artistic process and drum-​making. I wanted to stay longer talking to her, because she was just so wonderful. Beautiful art. You should definitely visit the store if you are in Rapid City or nearby.

While on a long family vacation, my teenage son, who is very much into music and plays a variety of instruments, wanted to find an authentic Native American drum. We visited several stores which claimed to sell Native American products, but there was always an issue of quality, authenticity, and/​or price.
Then, when leaving the Black Hills, before starting the home stretch of our trip, we stopped in the Dakota Drum Company. My son’s wait proved worthwhile. Sonja, the owner of the store, was very helpful in explaining the products, and we discovered, she was also the artist who painted the drums. We spent a long time in the store while my son made his selection, and Sonja was very informative, not just about the products, but about the Lakota culture and practices.
When my son had decided upon the drum he wanted, Sonja explained the meanings of the painting details on the drum and provided us with additional information. He now has the drum proudly displayed in his room.
It must be noted that the prices are not cheap — but very fair given the high quality, authentic nature of the products
In addition to drums, there is other art work to be found, and my wife purchased a few things.
Even if you are not in the market for a Native American drum, it is worthwhile to go in the Dakota Drum Company and look around.