Native American Scenic Byway
Native American Scenic Byway
The Native American Scenic Byway: Highways 1804 & 1806These two historic highways, 1804 & 1806 follow the Missouri River north to south, cutting right among the scenic rolling hills and bluffs lining the river valley. It's a winding gorgeous cruise, treating you to sights of wild beatuy you wont get on the interstate. Much of the Byway additionally coincides with the Lewis & Clark Trail. The Scenic Byways runs throughall five tribal lands bordering the Missouri River, and is dotted with small, historic prairie towns and river cities. This route is firmly in the road-less-traveled club; it exists for those who want to take their time through the stunning country of Central South Dakota.
Map of the Native American Scenic Byway
The Native American Scenic Byway provides the opportunity to see the lands of five tribal reservations bordering the Missouri River. The allied tribes are known as the Oceti Skowin Nation, speaking three dialects: Dakota, Lakota, Nakota.
These five tribes along the Native American Scenic Byway are: Standing Rock Reservation, Cheyenne River Reservation, Lower Brule Resveration, Crow Creek Reservation, and Yankton Reservation
Highway 1804 & 1806, South Dakota
Sights in Chamberlain - Oacoma
A popular stop for those traveling the Native American Byway is in Chamberlain-Oacoma. The Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center is a free museum which tells the unique stories and history of the Northern Plains Indian people. Stop by the Dakota Plains Gallery & Gift Shop on Chamberlain's main street to see an authentic Native American Art display. Dignity: of Earth & Sky statue is located at the Chamberlain Welcome Center and Rest Area (eastbound and westbound) just off I-90 at mile post 264.4. The statue has a beautiful view of Chamberlain and overlooks the Missouri River.
Wander through the Capitol Area - Pierre & Fort Pierre
Seperated by the Missouri River, Pierre & Fort Pierre host many things to see and do in the Capitol City area. Tour the grand South Dakota Capitol Building, the newly renovated walking path around the capitol lake shows off the grounds and monuments. The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is a must see for SD's unique history. Visitors can also stop by the Oahe Dam Visitor Center for free tours of the Oahe Powerhouse or for the spectacular view of the massive Lake Oahe. Fort Pierre is notably South Dakota's oldest city at over 200 years old and is home to the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center, showcasing SD's rodeo champions. Stroll through the Verendrye Museum and its other historic locations like the Ft. Pierre Depot, 1905 County Jail, Sansarc Country School, and the Log Cabin Visitor Center. A few miles out of town off highway 1806 you can drive through the Fort Pierre National Grasslands.
Journey through Mobridge
Mobridge is another beautiful river city that offers plenty to see on your journey. Step inside a replica of an arikara earthen lodge and see a multitude of artifacts at the Klein Museum. As the museum is focused on the life of Chief Sitting Bull we reccomend a stop by Sitting Bull & Sakakawea Monuments located just a few miles out of town. Another great point of interest is the Oscar Howe's Murals which depicts Dakota life at contact and interactions with settlers. The Walleye Up Statue, created by South Dakota artist John Lopez can be found on Park Boulevard street.
