OAHE DAM 5 6 WACIPI: POWWOW The SD Missouri River is home to five tribes of the Oceti Sakowin nation: Standing Rock, Cheyenne River, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, and Yankton Sioux Tribe . Most tribes hold annual powwows to celebrate culture, family, history, and values. Wacipi translates to “powwow”. DIGNITY: OF EARTH AND SKY She casts a peaceful gaze across the waters of the Missouri River. During the day, the South Dakota wind brushes the diamonds in her star quilt, causing blue shades to twinkle in the sunlight. At night, she stands illuminated and strong. You can see the sculpture standing on the top of the bluffs in Chamberlain . 7 PIERRE CAPITOL BUILDILNG DIGNITY SD MISSOURI RIVER DAMS The four lakes are created by four dams: Oahe Dam north of Pierre and Fort Pierre, Big Bend Dam at Fort Thompson, Fort Randall Dam at Pickstown, and Gavins Point Dam near Yankton. These dams, run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, provide electricity and flood prevention, and are also marvelous places to visit. Oahe Dam still hosts free public tours of its power plant during the summer months. SOUTH DAKOTA STATE CAPITOL BUILDING & GROUNDS The beautiful 100-year-old SD State Capitol Building stands on the well-maintained grounds around Capitol Lake. The grounds include the Flaming Fountain, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam memorials, the Fighting Stallions memorial, and several statues that are part of the Trail of Governors, which continues into downtown Pierre. Christmas at the Capitol is hosted in the building during December, where the halls are lined with wonderfully decorated Christmas trees and live music is performed daily. 8 SD NATIONAL GUARD MUSEUM 9 CAPTION ARTS & MUSEUMS Indulge in the local arts scene amidst the beauty of the Missouri River landscape. See the intricate and delightfully wild Walleye Up statue or the historic Oscar Howe Murals in Mobridge , the Sea of Grass Display at Timber Lake , or the Dakota Plains Gallery of Native American art in Chamberlain . There are so many great museums and historical places to see along the Missouri, featuring western and native history, artifacts, and stories. Many of these museums are free, and are great stops along the road as you travel. SDMissouriRiver.com // 189 MISSOURI RIVER REGION from Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association rodeos to 4-H and high school-level events. With so many opportunities, it’s easy to “cowboy up” and add a South Dakota rodeo to your next trip’s itinerary. For t Pierre is notable for its year-round rodeo events.
South Dakota Vacation Guide 2024 South Dakota Vacation Guide: Page 189
