Daniel Zielske's first experience in Minnesota Archaeology came from the field school classes he took while working on his undergraduate degree. He later worked under Kathy & Dr. Richard Strachan of Impact Services of Mankato, Minnesota. He continued to work as a archaeologist throughout all of his anthropology graduate work. While working for Impact Services, Mr. Zielske worked on a number of projects including the Mankato southern bypass (CR 90), bison antiquious kill sights near New Ulm, kiln sights near Le Seur, and more. His work also includes experimental archaeology in the building of a replica of an ancient kiln in order to see if they could properly cook churt in order to prepare it for use in stone tool making. He is also become fairly handy at making a variety of stone tools himself.

As a part of his work in archaeology, Zielske was exposed to the ancient petroglyphs of Jeffers, Minnesota. This fueled his fascination with ancient myth and religious practices. These experiences would later push him to study Dakota and Lakota medicine traditions. He still lives and practices these traditions with the Native people today.

Archaeological Sites Worked in Minnesota:

CSAH3 Bridge Renovation, Phase 2
Swan Lake Building Disposal, Phase 1
County Road 11 Renovation, Phases 2 & 3
Fritsche Creek (2 sites), Phases 2 & 3
Hagaman Dam Project (6 sites) Phases 2 & 3
Le Seuer Pumping Station 2, Phases 1, 2, & 3
Mankato Southern By-pass Project (13 sites), Phases 1, 2, & 3
Kilkenny Bridge Renovation Project; Phases 1, 2, & 3
Sterninski Sites (2 sites), Phase 2 & 3
Melvin Sites (2 sites), Phases 2 & 3
Duck Lake Projects A & B(2 projects, 1 site), Phase 1
Lake Benton Project, Phase 1