Just as the beautiful Dignity: Of Earth & Sky statue looks out over the Missouri River near Chamberlain, you can gaze upon the wonderful artistic offerings of central South Dakota. In Pierre, South Dakota’s capital, view memorials saluting Americans’ political achievements and military sacrifices, and head south to take in the majesty of Dignity herself before exploring other artistic and cultural offerings around Chamberlain. Read about some of the featured stops on this trail, and discover more great places by exploring the grid below.
1. South Dakota State Capitol Military Memorials
Located in the center of South Dakota along the Missouri River, Pierre is the second-smallest state capital (by population) — yet the city’s collection of sculptures dedicated to the United States Armed Forces is truly impressive. A plaza between the State Capitol and Capitol Lake contains a somber and impressive reminder of military sacrifices throughout history. Six full-sized bronze figures stand at attention at the World War II Memorial, each representing a branch of service in which South Dakotans served.
Steps away stands a full-sized sculpture of an American GI in the Korean War. The plaza also features the Vietnam War Memorial, where a statue of a soldier stands proud while an American eagle statue flies above to honor the contributions of Native people to the U.S. Armed Forces. There are also two sections of granite panels memorializing South Dakotan casualties during the Korean and Vietnam wars, while panels honor the state’s firefighters and first responders. The combination is a beautiful and powerful tribute to human bravery and sacrifice captured in sculpted stone.
Discover more must-see military monuments, museums and memorials in South Dakota.
2. Fighting Stallions Memorial
Those aren’t the only statues to behold on the Capitol grounds. Just south of the military memorials is the Fighting Stallions Memorial, a tribute to eight South Dakotans — including Governor George Mickelson — who died in an airplane crash on April 19, 1993. The memorial is a larger bronze version of the original 1935 mahogany carving by Crazy Horse Memorial® sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski.
3. Trail of Governors
As you stroll the Capitol grounds, be prepared to encounter more than 30 famous South Dakotans in sculpture form. They’re part of the Trail of Governors program, which features life-sized statues of every past governor. More can be found around the city’s business district, and sculptures will continue to be added for future governors.
4. Dignity: Of Earth & Sky
On a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 near Chamberlain stands Dignity: Of Earth & Sky, a 50-foot-tall statue that welcomes travelers to the Missouri River and encourages them to pause and take in the beauty of South Dakota. Dignity depicts a Native woman gracefully wearing a quilt featuring 128 stainless steel blue diamond shapes designed to flutter in the wind. During the day, the quilt glitters in the sun. LED lights cast a peaceful glow at night. No matter when you visit, Dignity stands proudly and invites you to take in the sweeping views around the area.
Throughout Chamberlain, visitors can see historical sculptures in Main Street parks as they explore downtown shops and restaurants. Visit the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center to explore authentic Native artwork and cultural exhibits, and head to the South Dakota Hall of Fame to see portraits and tributes honoring the state’s most influential leaders and innovators.
More artistic stops in central South Dakota:
- Two monuments in Mobridge honor Sitting Bull and Sakakawea (Sacagawea) near their final resting places
- In Lemmon, see the scrap metal sculptures of John Lopez at the Grand River Museum and Kokomo Gallery
- Murals decorate the Lakota Cultural Center and Gift Shop in Eagle Butte on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation
Art & Museums in Central South Dakota
