Chamberlain, South Dakota

An Ultra High Definition Real Time Driving Tour of Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Chamberlain, South Dakota is a town along the Missouri River. Chamberlain is the county seat of Brule County, South Dakota. It is located on I-90 and is a good stopping point for a long road trip due to having a scenic view and plenty of gas stations and places to stay.

How big is Chamberlain, South Dakota?

Chamberlain has a population of 2,500 people. It is 5.67 square miles.

What is Chamberlain Known for?

Chamberlain is known for being the home of the Dignity Statue, the South Dakota Hall of fame and the location of a Native American residential school. 

What to do in Chamberlain?

Chamberlain is worth a stop on any road trip. Despite its small size, there are quite a few things to see in Chamberlain.

Explore the Historic Downtown

Walk around and explore the shops in the historic downtown area of Chamberlain. Located near the water, there is lots to do and see. 

Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center

1301 N Main St, Chamberlain, SD 57325

The name means “honor the people” in the Lakota language. The cultural center is located on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

The museum was opened in 1991 and has exhibits on the history of the Lakota people. It is located on the campus of the St. Joseph Indian School.

Photo Op: Dignity Statue

On Interstate 90 near mile marker 264

Located at a rest stop off the highway, it is easy to add a stop to see this statue into any road trip. The statue is on the top of a hill that overlooks the Missouri River and the town of Chamberlain. The statue is lit at night, making nice to visit any time of day.

The statue was designed by Dale Lamphere and is 50 feet tall. The statue was completed in 2016. The Lakota woman in the statue is wearing the traditional dress in the style of the 1850’s and holding a quilt that has stained glass sections.

The statue is easily accessible from the parking lot of the rest stop and has several picnic tables in the area. Anyone should be able to comfortably enjoy getting to see the Dignity statue in Chamberlain.

South Dakota Hall of Fame

1480 S Main St, Chamberlain, SD 57325

The South Dakota Hall of Fame is a museum dedicated to honoring remarkable people from South Dakota. Every year up to ten people are admitted based on their accomplishments in various fields.

Photo Op: Chamberlain Bridge

I-90-BL, 57325, Chamberlain, SD 57325

This historic bridge was built in 1925. The bridge crosses over the Missouri River and connects the towns of Chamberlain, South Dakota and Oacoma, South Dakota.

Where to stay in Chamberlain, South Dakota

Chamberlain has a number of hotels including hotels that are pet friendly and hotels with plenty of parking for RVs and trailers.

History of Chamberlain, South Dakota

Chamberlain was the traditional homeland for the Lakota people for many years. The modern town was established as the railroad moved west. Chamberlain was incorporated in 1881 and the town is named after Selah Chamberlain, who worked for the railroad.

In 1925 the St. Joseph’s Indian School was established in Chamberlain. It replaced the previous school that was originally established in 1898.

In 1991 the Lakota Akta Museum was opened in Chamberlain.