Prairies filled with radiant sunflowers are just one of the impressive sights you’ll see while traveling central South Dakota. Crisscross the mighty Missouri River, one of North America’s longest, and follow the Native American National & State Scenic Byway to learn about the rich cultures of the Yankton, Crow Creek, Lower Brule, Cheyenne River and Standing Rock Sioux tribes. This Byway also traces the route that explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark took on their expedition in the early 1800s. After landing at Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) via a connecting flight from an international airport, rent a car and start your south-to-north drive through central South Dakota.

Rich History, Incredible Views in Vermillion & Yankton

Begin your journey just south of the Native American Scenic Byway. From Sioux Falls, make the short drive south toward Vermillion. Just before entering town, explore the Spirit Mound Historic Prairie. This prominent rise surrounded by flat grasslands, flowers and wildlife was named the “Mountain of Little People” by Indigenous Tribes who believed the site was inhabited by small evil spirits. The mound was scaled on a hot summer day in 1804 by members of the Lewis and Clark expedition to verify this legend and survey the region. From there, drive northwest through Yankton, stopping at the Mead Museum. See over 45,000 artifacts housed in a beautiful, historic 1909 building with its original marble staircase. Buy a picnic lunch and spend time enjoying views of the Missouri River at the Lewis & Clark Recreation Area, an expansive state park with trails, boat ramps and lodge on the northern shore of Lewis and Clark Lake. Enjoy a cozy overnight stay in Pickstown, the site of the Yankton Sioux Tribe’s popular Fort Randall Casino, before merging onto the Native American Scenic Byway to Chamberlain.

Delve into Native American Traditions in Chamberlain

Entering Chamberlain, stop in the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, a museum inside the rest stop along Interstate 90. Explore exhibits on the Lewis and Clark expedition inside, then walk the Center’s short trail to the Missouri River Overlook for panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape. The highlight of the Interpretive Center is Dignity of Earth & Sky, a 15.2-meter stainless steel sculpture of a Native American woman erected to honor Lakota and Dakota cultures. At night, the sculpture is illuminated so brilliantly that drivers can see her from the freeway. In Chamberlain, visit the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center on the campus of St. Joseph’s Indian School. The museum serves as a “living lesson” to honor and preserve the Northern Plains Indian culture. See interactive and educational displays and more than 4,000 artifacts inside the museum. Then, venture out to the serene Medicine Wheel Garden with amazing views of the Missouri River. Traditionally, Medicine Wheel Gardens are used by Indigenous tribes as living classrooms for teaching history, storytelling and environmental stewardship, as well as growing sacred medicinal plants. Before leaving, visit the museum store for Native themed art, clothing, books and other goods. After your museum visit, start driving toward Pierre, South Dakota’s state capital. Enroute, take a break from driving at the West Bend Recreation Area, a Lewis and Clark trail stop with excellent walleye and smallmouth bass fishing. Finish the drive to Pierre to spend the night.

Pierre & Fort Pierre: A Gateway to Indigenous Lands

South Dakota’s capital city serves as a gateway to the surrounding Cheyenne River, Lower Brule Sioux, Rosebud and Crow Creek reservations. Pierre itself has deep ties to the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota Tribes. The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum that preserves, promotes and researches the history and culture of the state. Enjoy docent-led themed gallery classes on topics like living on the land, bison and Lewis and Clark. Explore immersive displays and learn about the state’s archaeology and one-room schoolhouse with specialized learning kits. Historically, Fort Pierre was built as a fur trading post on the Missouri River plain, and the Lewis and Clark expedition camped here in the early 1800s. Previously, the area had been inhabited by the Arikara and Sioux Tribes since the 1400s. In August, Fort Pierre hosts Trader Days to honor the town’s history and keep its traditions alive. Enjoy live music, turkey races and barbecue cook-offs. 

Eagle Butte, a Reflection of Heritage

South Dakota is one of the world’s top sunflower producers. They are especially glorious along Highway 34 west of Pierre from August to early September and worth the detour on your way to Eagle Butte. This area was historically used by Indigenous Tribes to trap eagles for ceremonial purposes and is now the headquarters of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, serving as a hub for tribal administration, cultural gatherings and community life. Enjoy breakfast, lunch or a latte at the Keya Café, operated by the Cheyenne River Youth Project. At the Lakota Cultural Center, see artifacts including photos, beads and quilts as well as a series of murals by Lakota artists depicting scenes such as the Battle of Wounded Knee, the dawn of a new day and moving a camp. The museum also features a traditional, circular-shaped tipi with a skylight. Drive northeast through the Cheyenne River Reservation, the fourth-largest reservation by area in the USA, and enjoy picturesque views of farms and grass-covered hills. Stop in the Grand River Casino & Resort just before crossing the Missouri River to Mobridge.

Native American Culture in Mobridge

Take a break at the West Whitlock Recreation Area, where Arikara and Mandan people once camped, before continuing to Mobridge. The town of Mobridge is a fitting place to end any central South Dakota Indigenous road trip. The Scherr Howe Arena houses renowned and restored murals depicting Dakota culture painted in 1942 by Oscar Howe, a celebrated Native American artist. On Standing Rock Sioux Reserve, southwest of Mobridge overlooking the Missouri River, see two important monuments. The Sitting Bull Monument is the gravesite and memorial to the Hunkpapa Lakota Sioux tribal leader and holy man who foretold his people’s victory before the Battle of Little Bighorn. Near the Sitting Bull Monument, see one dedicated to Sacagawea, a Shoshone teenager who helped guide Lewis and Clark on their expedition. This site serves as a symbolic resting place and commemorates Sacagawea’s crucial role in American history. To return home, drive the two-hour trip to airports in Aberdeen (ABR) and Pierre (PIR), both in South Dakota, or depart from Bismarck (BIS) in North Dakota.