Chamberlain

Things to Do in Chamberlain

Explore Arts and Culture

Visit Chamberlain’s main star, Dignity: Of Earth & Sky, to immerse yourself in Indigenous culture. Walk the Arts & Sculpture Trail to explore outdoor sculptures in Main Street parks. Then, head into town to experience delightful downtown shops, great restaurants and the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. Stop by the Chamberlain Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the South Dakota Hall of Fame — featuring notable members Laura Ingalls Wilder, Billy Mills, Tom Brokaw, L. Frank Baum and Bob Barker. Don’t forget to wander downtown to discover specialty stores, eclectic finds, coffee shops and boutiques.

Recreate on the Missouri River

Take in Chamberlain’s expansive views of rolling bluffs and open sky, magically contrasting the mighty Missouri River. Like many cities in South Dakota’s Missouri River region, Chamberlain stakes its claim to prime water recreation, ideal for boating, kayaking and fly fishing. Scenic riverfront trails cater to biking, walking and running enthusiasts. 

Walk, hike, run or bike along the river at Barger Park. This dog-friendly, family-friendly six-acre park offers sensational river views for picnics and playground time.

Enjoy Trophy Walleye Fishing and Prime Pheasant Hunting

Looking for a rod-and-reel vacation? Stay at a luxurious hunting lodge and book a professionally guided hunt. This lush riverside landscape doles out long fishing days for trophy walleye, and the surrounding bluffs dispense prime pheasant hunting and prairie dog hunting.

Find More Waterfront Fun in Oacoma

Drive, walk or bike across the impressive American Legion Memorial Bridge to Oacoma for more riverside action. Chill on a patio, rent a watercraft, or book a campsite or hotel room at Cedar Shore Resort.

Extend the Road Trip: I-90 and Native American Scenic Byway

After enjoying a Chamberlain stay, continue your journey east or west. Interstate 90 is one of the most-traveled interstates in South Dakota. Experience must-see attractions, roadside restaurants and South Dakota hospitality from Sioux Falls to Spearfish, including stops at the Corn Palace, Badlands National Park and the Black Hills.

Head south and north to take in more Indigenous heritage lessons along the Native American National and State Scenic Byway. It guides travelers through the lands of the Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux Tribes, and features numerous historical, cultural and natural attractions.

Attend a Chamberlain Event

Join the Burger Battle, Brews with a View or Good Eats Tour. Linger along a gallery stroll or sit on the edge of your stadium seat at the rodeo. Attend the Harvest Festival or Rock the Bluffs July 4th Fireworks Show. Chamberlain and Oacoma host lively events for foodies, art-lovers, history buffs and holiday enthusiasts.

Restaurants in Chamberlain

The local dining scene offers everything from home cooking to fast food and prime cuts of beef. Millions of cars pass through each year and many stop at Al’s Oasis for classic hamburgers, famous lemon cream-cheese pie and five-cent coffee. The Smoking Mule is a dog-friendly restaurant serving hearty American comfort food and craft beer. Overlooking the Missouri River, Mi Pueblo serves up tasty Mexican cuisine and refreshing margaritas. Main Street Cafe & Market gets high marks for their salad bar, steak, pie and buffalo burgers. Stop by Silver Dollar Bar, a roadhouse-style bar serving pub grub and offering pool tables, darts and video lottery. Or try local favorite Charly’s Restaurant and Lounge for whiskey-marinated steak and grilled walleye.

Places to Stay in Chamberlain

Downtown Hotels, Suites, Hunting Cabins and Pet-Friendly Lodging

Stay downtown at Cox Eye Lodging, where modern suites feature full kitchens. Get free breakfast and easy I-90 access at AmericInn Lodge & Suites. Book a stay at Days Inn, a pet-friendly hotel with name-brand reliability. Cozy up inside Bridge View Inn, a family-owned inn with river views. Stay within your budget — and please the kids — at Lee’s Motor Inn, a family-friendly motel with a pool. 

Find sport-specific lodging options too! Accommodate river fun, fishing tours and pheasant hunting excursions at Arrowwood Cedar Shore’s marina-side resort; Hillside Motel, a mainstay for fishermen and hunters; or Thunderstik Lodge, a luxurious hunting cabin with multi-day guided hunting packages. With so many places to stay in Chamberlain, the town offers travelers lodging options ranging from budget-friendly stays to luxurious full-service experiences.

Campgrounds in Chamberlain

Pitch a tent to sleep under the stars or park an RV at a comfy campsite. Either way, summertime in South Dakota begs for a camping excursion. Book a highly rated campground with full amenities, a campsite within walking distance to the Missouri River or a dog-friendly campground with access to resort conveniences.

FAQs

What’s the history of Chamberlain?

Chamberlain is named after Selah Chamberlain, a railroad director of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway. The city was established by European Americans during railroad construction. This railway crossroads is called "earth dwelling" in Lakota and continues to be deeply rooted in Lakota and Dakota culture today.

What is the driving distance to the nearest large city, Sioux Falls, from Chamberlain?

The driving distance from Chamberlain to Sioux Falls is approximately 140 miles. Taking Interstate 90, Sioux Falls is about a two-hour drive to Chamberlain.

What is the weather in Chamberlain?

Chamberlain experiences four distinct seasons:

• Winter (December-February): Expect cold temperatures, with average highs around 30°F and lows near zero. Snowfall is common, and winter sports enthusiasts enjoy the area's ski areas and snowmobile trails. 
• Spring (March-May): Temperatures gradually increase, and precipitation shifts from snow to rain and showers. Expect mild weather with potential for thunderstorms in late spring. 
• Summer (June-August): Summers are warm with high temperatures, and precipitation typically comes in the form of rain showers and thunderstorms. 
• Fall (September-November): Temperatures cool down, and the weather becomes milder with less precipitation in autumn. 

What is the geographic information of Chamberlain?

Chamberlain, a city in central South Dakota, is situated on the east bank of the Missouri River, crossed by Interstate 90 and the dammed section of Lake Francis Case. It's the county seat of Brule County. Known for its rolling hills and peaceful waters, Chamberlain offers sensational views and access to water recreation, due to its prominent feature: the Missouri River. Chamberlain’s population was 2,473 at the 2020 census. The town’s elevation is 1,404 feet above sea level.

What are the busiest times of year in Chamberlain?

Chamberlain sees its busiest season in the summer (late May to early September), due to the warm weather and opportunities for outdoor activities like boating, fishing and camping.

For more information, whom can I contact for Chamberlain travel tips?

For more information and travel tips for Chamberlain, contact the following:

• Travel South Dakota: The official state tourism website and contact center can provide comprehensive travel information for the entire state, including the Black Hills region.
  • Phone: 1-800-952-3625 (domestic toll-free) or 1-605-773-3301 (international)
  • Website: Travel South Dakota
• Chamberlain-Oacoma Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Information Center: For local insights, event information, and recommendations for accommodations, dining and attractions.
  • Phone: 605-234-4416
  • Website: Chamberlain-Oacoma Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau