2023-01-25 13:14:56
Running along the Missouri River is the Native American Scenic Byway, a paved highway that provides visitors the opportunity to see the lands of five tribal reservations bordering the river. Each tribe has a different history, cultural traditions, and landscape. Collectively, the allied tribes are known as the Oceti Sakowin Nation, speaking three dialects: Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota. STANDING ROCK SIOUX TRIBE Part of the Standing Rock Reservation is in central northern SD, made up of four bands of Dakota and Lakota people. Byway Stops: Sitting Bull Monument, Sacagawea Monument, Standing Rock National Native American Scenic Byway, Klein Museum. Standing Rock Tourism Office standingrocktourism.com CHEYENNE RIVER SIOUX TRIBE The largest reservation in the state, just south of Standing Rock Reservation, four bands of Lakota reside here. Byway Stops: HV Johnson Lakota Cultural Center, Sea of Grass Display at the Timber Lake & Area Museum. Cheyenne River Tribal Office (605) 964-4155 | sioux.org Cheyenne River GFP crstgfp.com CROW CREEK SIOUX TRIBE Sitting northeast of Lake Sharpe in the middle of the state, the area is split into three community districts: Fort Thompson, Big Bend, and Crow Creek. Byway Stops: Spirit of the Circle Monument, Oscar Howe Art Gallery at the Dakota Prairie Museum, Buffalo Herd. Crow Creek Tribal Office (605) 245-2221 | crowcreekconnections.org The ancestors of today’s tribes left many artifacts and ruins behind. Resist the impulse to pick up ancient souvenirs. Native American remains and artifacts are protected federally. LOWER BRULE SIOUX TRIBE Southwest of Lake Sharpe and the Crow Creek Reservation in the Big Bend area, the Lower Brule Tribe hosts an annual wacipi (powwow), fair and rodeo. Hunting and fishing are available as well; see their Department of Wildlife for more details. Byway Stops: Big Bend, Narrows Historical Interpretive Area, Bison Herd, Lower Brule Buffalo Interpretive Center, Dignity: Of Earth & Sky, Dakota Plains Gallery & Gifts, Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. Lower Brule Tribal Office (605) 473-5561 | lowerbrulesiouxtribe.com Lower Brule Wildlife, Fish and Recreation lowerbrulewildlife.com YANKTON SIOUX TRIBE Located above and along Lewis & Clark Lake, the tribe were the first to meet Lewis & Clark on their expedition up the Missouri in 1804. It has since been called the “Land of Friendly People”. Byway Stops: Struck by the Ree Monument, Treaty of 1858 Monument, Lewis & Clark Visitor Center, Fort Randall Casino & Hotel, Buffalo Herd. Yankton Tribal Office (605) 384-3641 Yankton Sioux GFP yanktonsiouxgamefishandparks.com SCAN HERE FOR CULTURE AND ART ON THE RIVER!
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