Author of Black Elk Speaks and numerous other works of prose and poetry, John G. Neihardt is the Poet Laureate in Perpetuity of Nebraska. To commemorate his life and work, the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site was established on the site of his former home in Bancroft, Nebraska. The site consists of a museum dedicated to the life and works of the author, study, library, and Sacred Hoop Prayer Garden.

The main museum building contains the Memorial Room, a library, a meeting room, and administrative offices. The Memorial Room is circular reprising the Sacred Hoop motif of the outside garden. Display cases line the outside. The displays show various landmarks in Neihardt's life along with copies of his publications and various memorabilia, including items given to Neihardt by the Lakota holy man, Black Elk.

The Study is the only structure remaining from the original property on which John Neihardt lived and worked from 1900 to 1920. The Study was actually erected for August Hartman in the 1890s prior to Neihardt's occupancy. Neihardt rented the building from 1911 to 1920 for use in his writing. The building consists of only one room, which is furnished today much as it might have been when Neihardt used it.

The Sacred Hoop Prayer Garden is a living symbol of the Hoop of the World from the vision of the Oglala Lakota Holy Man Black Elk, found in John G. Neihardt's Black Elk Speaks. The Prayer Garden was designed by Neihardt. The symbolism is explained on signs along the quiet garden paths.

Admission to the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site is free and open to the public. One Sunday a month (Sunday at the Museum, date will vary by month so see “Events” page for those dates) 1:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.