State of South Dakota

The South Dakota Dignity Statue is a favorite stop of mine when traveling across the state. I have been to this location multiple times and have scheduled trips around being able to photograph the statue in the morning hours.

My first visit to this location was by chance on a road trip with my dad back in 2017. My wife and I stopped to admire the statue in 2021 while visiting Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore. In 2022, my dad and I again stopped at the statue on our way across the state.

Brief History of the Location

The South Dakota Dignity Statue is a stainless steel statue that stands in the heart of South Dakota. The statue is located on a hilltop in South Dakota at a visitor center near the city of Chamberlin. This magnificent statue can be seen for miles and is a popular tourist attraction for travelers on I-90. Standing 50 feet tall, the Dignity Statue overlooks the vast prairies, rolling hills, and the Missouri River.

The unique design of the statue depicts a woman wrapped in a quilt stretching out both of her hands. One of the Native American woman’s arms is raised high, and another is reaching out towards the earth.

Since its installation in 2016, the Dignity Statue has been featured in magazines and has attracted visitors from all over.

The South Dakota Dignity Statue was created by sculptor Dale Lamphere, who worked with members of the Dakota community to ensure that the statue accurately reflected their traditions and beliefs. The South Dakota Dignity Statue is a powerful symbol of the dignity and strength of the Dakota people. It reminds us of the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations.

The statue was a $1 million gift from Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City to celebrate the 125th anniversary of South Dakota’s statehood.

If this article interests you, read about other South Dakota roadside attractions I have visited or browse through all the roadside attractions I have been to.

Location

Chamberlain Lewis & Clark Welcome Center & Rest Area
I-90, Chamberlain, SD 57325

The South Dakota Dignity Statue is stunning and is a testament to the strength and resilience of the Dakota people. The statue is a reminder of the importance of preserving our natural resources for future generations. The South Dakota Dignity Statue is a must-see destination for anyone visiting South Dakota and a symbol of the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Visit travelsouthdakota.com for more information about the location.