Cross Country Vacation Sept./Oct. 2025-Post 4

Dignity of Earth and Sky, South Dakota

The Hubster and I needed a place to stretch our legs and have a picnic.

We found it near Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Dignity of Earth and Sky is a 50-foot high stainless steel sculpture that stands on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River.

The sculpture was designed by South Dakota artist laureate Dale Claude Lamphere and portrays an Indigenous woman in traditional Plains-style dress, gracefully receiving a star quilt. The star quilt is a symbol of respect and honor in Native cultures. The sculpture celebrates the spirit and beauty of Native American women, particularly Lakota and Dakota peoples.

Dignity of Earth and Sky

*Clicking on a photo will give you a closer look!

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

There are trails and overlooks where one can stretch their legs and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

Dignity of Earth and Sky

The visitor center features exhibits on local history and the Lewis and Clark expedition. No admission is required.

The grounds are well kept and there are plenty of picnic areas.

Well worth the time to visit!

Dignity of Earth and Sky

See the world around you!

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19 responses to “Cross Country Vacation Sept./Oct. 2025-Post 4

  1. Your bringing back precious memories Laura ❤️❤️❤️

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  2. This sculpture gave me goosebumps, Laura. Further reading on this reveals such depth and commitment to art, culture, history and community. Dignity of Earth and Sky is a resounding voice echoing over the Missouri River and calling out throughout all of America: Remember who you/we are….
    I’m only familiar with the parts western parts of SD, so this was enlightening as a geographic area I’d not seen.

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    • It was a cool find for us, Laura, that’s for sure. The Hubster was talking to a member of the staff there, and she shared about the Pow Wows held there and her family’s participation. Fun to learn this young native knew here culture’s language and customs. 🙂

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  3. Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts's avatar Diann@ Little Penguin Quilts

    Our son did stop here on a road trip last summer and sent us lots of photos. What a beautiful and meaningful sculpture! I hope to see it in person one day.

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  4. Looks like a beautiful place, a bit of a hidden treasure. Great find!

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  6. She is just such a beautiful sculpture, I love stopping there!

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  12. I love that statue and the park is outstanding….the views are just amazing. I have been to the Mississipi in TN and MN, now this is on my list!

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  13. Pingback: Cross Country Vacation Sept./Oct. 2025-Post 11 | LC's Cottage

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