It is extremely easy to miss this striking Dignity Of Earth And Sky sculpture because it cannot be seen from the road. However, it is an essential stop to plan if you are traveling along I90 in South Dakota. The artwork is a powerful tribute to the courage and perseverance of the Native American people who have for so long called South Dakota home.
The awe-inspiring Dignity Of Earth And Sky sculpture is a stunning combination of art and history. Located on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 near Chamberlain, South Dakota, the stainless steel, 50-foot-tall statue was designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people.
Representing the rich Native American culture of South Dakota, the 50-foot Native American woman gracefully wears a dress patterned after a two-hide dress of the 1850s. She holds an outstretched quilt featuring 128 stainless steel blue diamond shapes designed to flutter in the wind. During the day, the quilt – a representation of respect, honor, and admiration in Native American culture – glitters in the sun with color-changing pieces that move with the wind. At night, LED lights cause the diamond shapes to glow in the night sky, casting a peaceful presence easily visible from Interstate 90.
Dignity of Earth and Sky Statue Location
Located at the Chamberlain SD Rest Area facility between exits 263 and 265 on I90
Dignity Of Earth And Sky Facts
- Located near Chamberlain, South Dakota, at the Chamberlain Rest Area, overlooking the Missouri River.
- It stands 50 feet tall and weighs approximately 12 tons.
- Renowned South Dakota artist Dale Lamphere designed it.
- Made of stainless steel, it can withstand the elements and shimmer in natural light.
- It was completed and unveiled on September 17, 2016.
- Depicts a Native American woman wearing a traditional dress and holding a star quilt—a symbol of honor in Native American culture.
- The quilt consists of 128 blue diamond-shaped pieces that move with the wind, creating a dynamic visual effect.
- Honors the Lakota and Dakota tribes, symbolizing the strength, dignity, and resilience of Native American women.
- Funded by Norm and Eunabel McKie, who donated $1 million to commission the artwork.
- The statue is illuminated at night, creating a striking visual against the South Dakota sky.
You can learn more about Dignity on the Visit South Dakota website.
The Lakota and Dakota Tribes
These tribes are two of the seven divisions of the Great Sioux Nation, whose traditional homeland spans much of the Northern Plains, including present-day South Dakota. The Lakota, often referred to as the Western Sioux, consist of seven bands: Oglala, Sicangu (Brulé), Hunkpapa, Miniconjou, Oohenunpa (Two Kettle), Itazipco (Sans Arc), and Sihasapa (Blackfeet Sioux). The Dakota, also known as the Eastern Sioux, consists of four bands: Mdewakanton, Wahpeton, Wahpekute, and Sisseton.
Historically, the Lakota and Dakota tribes were nomadic buffalo hunters, moving across the plains following herds, which provided food, shelter, and clothing. Their cultures are rich in oral traditions, spirituality, and communal values. The star quilt, prominently featured in the *Dignity of Earth and Sky* statue, is an essential symbol in both Lakota and Dakota cultures, representing respect, honor, and generosity.
The tribes played a significant role in the region’s history, including their resistance to westward expansion and involvement in notable conflicts like the Battle of Little Bighorn and the Wounded Knee Massacre. Today, many Lakota and Dakota people live on reservations in South Dakota, including Pine Ridge, Rosebud, and Standing Rock, where they continue to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
Chamberlain Rest Area’s Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
The Chamberlain Rest Area’s Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in South Dakota offers a rich glimpse into the journey of the famous explorers as they ventured through the Missouri River Valley. Overlooking the river, this center provides visitors with engaging exhibits detailing the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In addition, the facility houses a collection of interpretive panels, artifacts, and interactive displays. The display highlights the challenges and triumphs of the explorers, along with insights into the Native American tribes they encountered. One of the standout features is the stunning view of the Dignity statue, a 50-foot-tall sculpture honoring the Lakota and Dakota Native American cultures. The rest area, with its well-maintained amenities, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks, provides an ideal stop for travelers. Here, you can stretch your legs while immersing yourself in a fascinating American history chapter.
The rest area is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. This is not your ordinary rest area. Therefore, we highly recommend spending some time here visiting.
Our Experience Exploring the Chamberlain S.D. Rest Area
We had been on the road for approximately 6 hours between stops on our trip to Yellowstone, N.P. It was time to pull over, stretch our legs, and make lunch.
If you have ever traveled I90 through the Dakotas, you know that the view can sometimes get boring. In addition, there are not a lot of places to pull over to relax and stretch.
Fortunately, our hunger pains encouraged us to pull into this rest area without knowing what to find.
We spent about an hour between lunch, viewing the museum and the statue. This is an excellent example of being able to learn while traveling enjoyably.
If you are traveling through the area, east or west, along I90, we highly recommend pulling into this rest area.
Here, you can view all the exhibits, stretch your legs, and have a great picnic.
Of course, random stops like this along America’s highways and byways are what make RV travel so exciting. You never know what you will find, and oftentimes, in the most random places. The lesson here is don’t be over-focused on getting from point A to point B. There is a lot in between; you never know what you will encounter. Of course, this is one of the most excellent benefits of RV travel.
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Have you ever visited the Chamberlain, South Dakota Rest Area? How was your experience?
