While traveling, there are times we need to visit rest areas. Let’s face it, they’re a little less risky than some gas stations, and there are times you just need a break.
Just before our destination of Chamberlain, South Dakota, there is a rest area that we actually wanted to stop at. Some friends of ours (thank you Christy and Steve!) told us about the Lewis & Clark Welcome Center & Rest Area and thought we’d enjoy it. We like exploring obscure places and hidden gems, so we decided to check out this suggested stop.
Although the museum portion was closed when we arrived, we enjoyed stretching our legs and we walked around the grounds taking in the history and serenity of the area. The skeleton of a teepee marks the spot where you can view the Lewis and Clark Memorial Bridge which crosses the Missouri River.
Why did they build a memorial bridge for Lewis and Clark here? I’m glad you asked! According to the sign posted at the teepee by the South Dakota Department of Transportation, “Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with their party camped at several points near this crossing. In September 1804, continuous rain had soaked their gear. They stopped near Oacoma, above the mouth of American Crow Creek at a place they called ‘Camp Pleasant.’ Here in the warm and delightful weather, they rested, dried their equipment, and repacked their boats.” Lewis & Clark also stopped here on the way back, and the bridge was built to honor them.
There is also a gorgeous 50 foot statue named “Dignity of Earth and Sky” on the property. The following is from the Artist Statement plaque on the base of the sculpture by Dale Claude Lamphere, Sculptor:
“As I developed the design, foremost in my mind was the dignity and long history of indigenous people in this land. I wanted to encourage visitors to understand the deep culture and world view of the first peoples.
“Women have always been a stabilizing and renewing force. This is celebrated here, specifically honoring the Lakota, Nakota, and Dakota women who continue to be a strong and guiding influence for the families and communities of the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires).
“My greatest hope is that Dignity will inspire present and future generation to see the strength of tradition that still exists in indigenous cultures throughout our nation and encourage all of us to embrace out similarities and celebrate our differences.”
It truly is a wonderful testament, and we were very blessed to be able to spend time appreciating not only the beauty, but also the history and culture.
Chamberlain also is home to South Dakota Veterans Park. The South Dakota Hall of Fame was closed due to the lateness of the day, but we toured the grounds and paid our respect to all of those who have fallen in defense of our country. It was a somber visit as we remembered those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you to all who have served our country. We will not forget. ❤️🤍💙
Our brief time in Chamberlain can be summed up in one word: Respect. Respect for cultures, respect for bravery, and respect for the fallen and those who serve our country. This post hits a bit heavier as we remember the history and culture of our country and all of the people who came before us. We will be forever grateful.
If you would like to see our full YouTube vlog, including videos of Dignity and the South Dakota Veterans Park, please either click the photo below or the link here: Chamberlain, SD – Two Stops Most People Drive Right Past
We hope you enjoyed traveling along with us!
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We’ve also shared videos on our YouTube channel to complement this post and bring the experience to life.
Thanks so much for traveling with us, and stay tuned for more adventures with Traveling with the Trapps.
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