Most people recognize Kevin Costner for his work in such classic films as Dances with Wolves, Bull Durham and Field of Dreams. But when he’s not making movies, one of the passions this Oscar-winning director quietly pursues is a South Dakota monument he spearheaded called Tatanka: Story of the Bison. A tribute to the Lakota people of the Black Hills, and the bison that freely roamed there 150 years ago, Tatanka is the result of Costner’s long-held dreams, which became a reality after years of hard work and determination.

After exploring the Black Hills himself 30 years ago, Costner says he was enamored with not only the beauty of the land, but also the rich history of the local Native peoples and the settlers who eventually migrated there. He was also captivated by the buffalo, and the role these regal creatures played in sustaining the way of life of that day. These interests ultimately led to his involvement with Dances with Wolves in 1990, and it was in the making of this classic film that the idea of Tatanka emerged.

With an abiding vision to create realistic insight into Black Hills history, Costner ultimately acquired a large tract of land north of historic Deadwood on which Tatanka now sits, which he aptly characterizes as a “sacred place.”

In June 2003, Tatanka opened with a state-of-the-art visitor center featuring original Native American photographs and artifacts. It also houses Tatanka’s centerpiece: the massive, lifelike bronze sculpture created by Peggy Detmers depicting bison pursued by Lakota hunters on horseback.

As a friend of IMI partner Mike Collins, through mutual affiliation with the BMW Charity Pro-Am at The Cliffs and the AT&T National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, Costner took some time out from working on three films slated for release in 2005 to talk with Resort Living about Tatanka and its place in history.

Resort Living: Your first visit to the Black Hills was 30 years ago, just after high school. Was this the first time you can remember being inspired by Native American history?

Kevin Costner: It was even before the Black Hills. I love history. It’s part of who I am. That’s what took me to the Black Hills in the first place. I was always attracted to the Native American people of the Great Plains, their history, and their way of life.

RL: What can people look forward to seeing at Tatanka today?

KC: It’s in the beginning stages right now. It’s still a very humble thing. It’s just a place where people can get a sense of Black Hills history and perhaps gain something from the story we are trying to tell there.

RL: What reaction have you received from the Native American community?

KC: It’s been really positive. They didn’t expect [Tatanka], and I don’t think they initially knew what it would be like. But as it has taken shape, I think it’s a place they feel pretty proud of, because it represents their culture at its highest moment.

RL: What is your ultimate vision for the cultural attraction?

KC: First, I want Tatanka to be here 100 years from now. I also want to continue to broaden its scope. Some live Lakota demonstrations are currently being planned for the coming season, while other aspects continue to be envisioned for the future. 

To check on developing events and attractions at Tatanka: Story of the Bison, visit storyofthebison.com or call (605) 584-5678. Other things to see in and around the Black Hills include historic Deadwood, Mount Rushmore, Spearfish Canyon, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, Custer State Park and much more. Visit www.blackhills.com for more information.