The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center In Chamberlain, South Dakota

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center can be found in the rest area off I-90 in Chamberlain, South Dakota. The center commemorates the Lewis & Clark expedition through South Dakota in 1803-1806.

Interpretive panels and murals re-constructing the expedition can be found throughout the center.

This small museum does an excellent job telling the story of Lewis and Clark and has some very nice exhibits on display. Many exhibits inside the center depict items the explorers brought on their journey.

I love taxidermy displays and the center features some great pieces. The pieces exhibited represent local wildlife the group may have encountered on their journey.

The centerpiece of the little museum is an impressive replica of the expedition’s 55-foot keelboat.

It sits both inside and outside the center and overlooks the Missouri River. Somehow I managed to get absolutely no pictures of the keelboat though (total fail on my end). You can actually climb on board the boat as well which was pretty cool.

Another star attraction can be found outside the center and that is the 50 foot tall statue of Dignity. This piece of artwork is incredibly beautiful and completely worth taking a few minutes to admire.

Near Dignity, you can find a short hiking path that takes you to an overlook. From this viewpoint, you can see the towns of Oacoma and Chamberlain as well as the great Missouri River. The view is pretty great from here.

This rest area is also a welcome center for South Dakota. You can pick up several brochures and maps for businesses and attractions throughout the state.

There are restrooms, vending machines, water fountains, potable water filling stations, picnic tables, and a pet exercise area.

If traveling down the I-90 near Chamberlain I highly recommend taking a break at the welcome center.

You will see Dignity from the road so you can’t miss it. The statue is amazing, the Lewis and Clark Center is educational and interesting and the rest area provides everything a weary traveler needs to take a break.

If you need gas or groceries Big Al’s is just minutes away plus they have some massive bison statues that make a great photo op.

If you need a place to boondock for the night Dude Ranch Lakeside Use Area is a free spot right down the road located on the banks of the Missouri River.