Dignity: of Earth & 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. She is Dignity.
Dignity: Of Earth & Sky is a stunning combination of art and history. Located on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 near Chamberlain, the stainless steel, 50-foot-tall statue was designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honor the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. Day or night, the Dignity statue is a must-stop for those traveling on I-90 or the Native American Scenic Byway.
What to Know About the Dignity Statue
To craft this representation, Lamphere used three Native American models, ages 14, 29 and 55, to perfect the face of Dignity. She wears a garment patterned after a traditional two-hide dress of the 1850s. One of the statue’s most striking features is her outstretched star quilt — a symbol of respect, honor and admiration in Native American culture. The quilt’s 128 stainless steel diamonds feature color-changing pieces that glitter in the sun and move with the wind, creating a rippling effect. At night, LED lights cause the diamonds to illuminate the dark sky, casting a peaceful glow that’s easily visible from the interstate.
The statue was a $1 million gift from Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City to the people of South Dakota. The couple announced the gift in 2014 to celebrate South Dakota’s 125th anniversary of statehood. Since its installation in 2016, Dignity has wowed visitors from across the globe. Some knew what they were searching for — unsurprising, since word spread quickly about South Dakota’s newest larger-than-life sculpture. Many visitors discover Dignity by seeing her from the road and pulling off to investigate. Some come looking only for a rest stop and find themselves mesmerized by her quiet grace.
However you find her, Dignity leaves an impression. Her gaze will never break and her beauty — and message — will be celebrated for generations.
Visiting Dignity: Of Earth & Sky
Those traveling through southeastern South Dakota will have no problem making Dignity part of their visit. Dignity is located on I-90 between exits 263 and 265 at the Chamberlain Welcome Center (mile marker 264.4). The Welcome Center is open from mid-May through October, but the statue can be viewed year-round.
Dignity is accessible from the rest area's large parking lot, so visitors of all mobility levels can easily get from vehicle to statue. Learn more about accessible attractions in South Dakota.
Dignity is free to visit.
Dignity represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota culture in South Dakota. My hope is that the sculpture might serve as a symbol of respect and promise for the future.
”Things to Do Near the Dignity Statue
Extending your visit to Dignity is easy since Chamberlain — located just across Interstate 90 — is home to both the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center and the South Dakota Hall of Fame. You can also grab a bite to eat in town or across the bridge in neighboring Oacoma, where you’ll find classic roadside attractions like Al’s Oasis.
South Dakota Arts & Sculpture Trail
As one of the hundreds of sculptures that make up the South Dakota Arts & Sculpture Trail, Dignity stands proud with an air of peace and tolerance, inviting you to join her in taking in a sweeping view of the Missouri River and the beautiful South Dakota landscape.
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