A Chamberlain & Oacoma Photo Essay

It’s a moment that takes your breath away: that first glimpse of the glimmering Missouri River from Interstate 90. Located on both sides of the “Mighty Mo’,” the communities of Chamberlain and Oacoma each offer stunning views and opportunities for fun.

Anglers love the fishing, and there are plenty of campgrounds offering ideal spots for outdoor relaxation. The fields around the Chamberlain/Oacoma area also offer pheasant hunting opportunities that attract orange-clad hunters year after year.

On the eastern edge of Chamberlain, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center teaches visitors about the famous explorers. You can also climb aboard a replica of the expedition’s 55-foot keelboat before venturing outside to see the magnificent, 50-foot-tall Dignity: Of Earth & Sky sculpture as she invites you to join her in casting your gaze upon the area’s rolling hills and peaceful water. The statue was constructed to represent the courage, perseverance and wisdom of South Dakota’s Lakota and Dakota cultures, but the rich history of the Indigenous people doesn’t end there.

Visitors can see art, artifacts and educational displays at the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. Chamberlain is also home to the South Dakota Hall of Fame, featuring such notable members as Laura Ingalls Wilder, Billy Mills, Tom Brokaw, L. Frank Baum and Bob Barker, as well as a giant pheasant sculpture constructed from 1,600 railroad spikes.

On the river’s west side, Oacoma offers plenty of recreational opportunities and lodging. Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort is a sprawling hotel, marina and campground where it’s just as easy to rent a watercraft as it is to chill out on the outdoor patio. Go boating for the day, then stay the night in a resort suite, a spacious cabin or bunkhouse, or your RV at the riverside campsite.

Top Photography Spots & Landmarks

Capture the essence of the "Mighty Mo’" and the spirit of the Plains at these iconic locations:

• Dignity: Of Earth & Sky: This 50-foot stainless steel sculpture is a premier photo destination, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light catches her star quilt's 128 blue diamonds.
• Interstate 90 Overlook: Located at the same Chamberlain rest area as Dignity, this bluff-top vantage point offers a stunning wide-angle view of the river valley and the historic Corps of Discovery campsite.
• The Lewis and Clark Memorial Bridge: Walk across this bridge for panoramic shots of the Missouri River valley and the contrasting skylines of Chamberlain and Oacoma.
• Giant Pheasant Sculpture: Standing across from the South Dakota Hall of Fame in Chamberlain and crafted from 1,600 railroad spikes, this unique landmark is a must-stop for a classic South Dakota roadside photo.
• Al’s Oasis: Pose with the legendary giant buffalo statue before heading inside for a taste of the famous "mile-high" pie.
• American Creek Marina & Barger Park: These riverfront spots provide serene water views perfect for capturing local boaters, soaring eagles or the morning mist rising off the river.
• Aktá Lakota Museum Gardens: The museum grounds at St. Joseph’s Indian School feature beautiful outdoor sculptures and the "Our Lady of the Sioux" chapel, which houses significant Indigenous art.