Monuments Historical Monuments History of South Dakota

South Dakota has an incredibly rich history, from the Native American tribes that roamed the Great Plains, to the settlers that moved west and made South Dakota home.

There are many monuments across the state that commemorate and celebrate our history. While our state’s claim to fame is Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills, the Missouri River region is also home to many beautiful historical monuments.

Dignity:
of Earth and Sky

Dignity: of Earth and Sky

Located on a bluff between exits 263 and 264 on Interstate 90 near Chamberlain, Dignity is a 50-foot-tall, stainless steel statue that honors the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. The statue was designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere and was a gift from the McKie family in Rapid City. Dignity is a Native American woman dressed in a traditional two-hide dress. She holds a quilt that features 128 diamond shaped tiles that glitter in the sun. At night, these tiles light up casting a gorgeous light in the night sky. Located right off the interstate near Chamberlain, Dignity is an easy stop on your next trip to the Missouri River and trust us she is even more beautiful in person!

Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull Monument

Located in a remote spot on Highway 1806 the Sitting Bull Monument overlooks the scenic Missouri River. The monument is seven miles southwest of Mobridge, SD and is believed to be the final resting place of Native American Leader Sitting Bull. The bust was created by sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, well known for the Crazy Horse Memorial located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This statue is in an isolated park that remains undeveloped and free to visitors. This is a beautifully secluded spot perfect for history buffs, or those looking for a gorgeous spot to have a picnic.

Sakakawea Monument

The Sakakawea Monument sits on the same overlook as the Sitting Bull Monument. The Sakakawea Monument was created with funds raised by Mobridge school children in the 1920s. Sakakawea was a Lemhi Shoshone woman who helped the Lewis and Clark Expedition. She served as an interpreter as well as helped establish contacts with the Native American populations they encountered along their journey.

Walleye Up Statue

Located in downtown Mobridge, SD the Walleye Up statue is a whimsical structure designed by local artist John Lopez using pieces of scrap metal. The statue is an ode to the state fish of South Dakota: the walleye. These fish are plentiful in the Missouri River and are a favorite food at many local restaurants. John Lopez is also known for his work in creating some of the President statues featured in downtown Rapid City. This statue is a perfect nod to the state's ranching and fishing heritage and is a must-see if you are traveling through the Mobridge area.

Fighting Stallions
Memorial

Fighting Stallions Memorial

The Fighting Stallions Memorial sits on the capitol grounds in Pierre, South Dakota and is a memorial to the eight South Dakotans who perished in an airplane crash in April of 1993. Four state employees, the governor of South Dakota, and three corporate leaders were all killed in the crash. The memorial was chosen because it represents South Dakota’s struggle to overcome adversity and the courage of our people to achieve. It stands as a tribute to those who made a sacrifice to believe in the future of our state. Hundreds of South Dakotans volunteered their time, materials, and monetary contributions to aid in the completion of this project.

South Dakota
Veterans Memorial

South Dakota Veterans Memorial

Also located on the grounds of the State Capitol are the South Dakota Veterans Memorials. These sculptures and memorials commemorate the people of South Dakota who have lost their lives protecting our freedom. This park features memorials for the Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II. These sculptures are a powerful reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that many South Dakotans have taken to protect our liberty. If you visit Pierre make sure to walk the grounds of the State Capitol to gaze at these wonderful sculptures.

Trail of Governors

The grounds of the South Dakota State Capitol is the perfect place to spend the afternoon admiring beautiful sculptures. Among the many sculptures on the Capitol grounds is the Trail of Governors. This path celebrates leaders of South Dakota and features life-sized statues of all past South Dakota governors. The statues form a trail from the State Capitol grounds to downtown Pierre near the Missouri River. As of 2021, twenty-eight statues have been placed along the trail with many more to follow.