How Far To Chamberlain South Dakota

DIGNITY: OF EARTH & Sky

She casts a peaceful gaze across the waters of the Missouri River. During the mean solar 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 potent. She is Dignity.

The Dignity sculpture is a stunning combination of art and history. Located on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 virtually Chamberlain, the stainless steel, 50-pes-tall statue was specifically designed by sculptor Dale Lamphere to honour the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. That's why he used three Native American models ages 14, 29 and 55 to perfect the face of Dignity.

"Dignity represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota culture in South Dakota," Lamphere said. "My hope is that the sculpture might serve every bit a symbol of respect and promise for the future."

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Representing the rich Native American civilization of South Dakota, the 50-foot Native American woman gracefully wears a dress patterned afterwards a two-hide apparel of the 1850s. She holds outstretched a quilt featuring 128 stainless steel blueish diamond shapes designed to palpitate in the wind. During the solar day, her star quilt – a representation of respect, honor and admiration in Native American culture – glitters in the sun with color-irresolute pieces that move with the wind. At night, LED lights cause the diamond shapes to glow in the night sky, casting a peaceful presence easily visible from the Interstate.

The statue was a $1 million gift from Norm and Eunabel McKie of Rapid City to all people of South Dakota. The couple announced the gift in 2014 to gloat South Dakota'southward 125th anniversary of statehood. (Norm McKie joked that it'due south not ever easy to spend a one thousand thousand dollars merely, when Dignity was announced, McKie said he was "all smiles.")

"This souvenir will mean a lot to South Dakota," said Gov. Dennis Daugaard. "In addition to beingness the land of Mountain Rushmore and Crazy Horse, Due south Dakota volition besides be the state of the Dignity statue."

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Considering the statue is located just off Interstate ninety, visitors accept no problem making Dignity part of their South Dakota feel, whether they're driving west to the Black Hills or east to the state'south broad-open up prairies and heaven. Dignity is easily attainable from the rest surface area's large parking lot, and then visitors of all mobility levels can easily get from vehicle to statue. Expanding on the feel is like shooting fish in a barrel too, since Chamberlain – located just across Interstate xc – is dwelling house to both the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center and the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Y'all tin can also grab a bite to eat in boondocks or across the bridge in neighboring Oacoma.

Since its installation in 2016, Dignity has wowed visitors from across the globe. Some knew what they were searching for, unsurprising since word has spread across the country well-nigh Southward Dakota's newest sculpture since its installation. Some saw Dignity from the road and quickly pulled off to investigate. Some came looking only for a remainder stop and establish themselves mesmerized by Dignity's tranquility grace. Whatever the reason, Dignity leaves an impression on visitors. Her gaze will never break and her beauty – and message – volition be celebrated for generations. As one of the hundreds of sculptures that make upward the Southward Dakota Arts and Sculpture Trail, Nobility stands proud with an air of peace and tolerance, inviting yous to join her in taking in a sweeping view of the Missouri River and the cute South Dakota landscape.