Attractions

Have fun learning!

Attractions in Chamberlain-Oacoma offer a look into the culture, history and heritage of South Dakota, with special emphasis on Lewis & Clark and Native American history. An average visitor will spend 45 to 60 minutes at each attraction.

Akta Lakota Museum and Cultural Center

Experience Lakota Sioux culture and history at its best. The museum is located on the campus of St. Joseph's Indian School. The museum provides an in-depth educational experience on the many aspects of the Lakota Sioux culture of central South Dakota. Akta Lakota also features a gift shop and collector's gallery.
Location:

• On the campus of St. Joseph's Indian School, N Main St., Chamberlain.
• Contact us at 605-234-3452 or 800-798-3452.

Hours:

• Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Mon - Sat, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday
• Regular Hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon - Fri
• Closed weekends and national holidays

More information:
Free admission and free parking. The facilities are handicap accessible. Group tours are available through advanced reservations. The gift shop and the collector's gallery feature a large selection of specialty items related to Native American art and culture. The museum honors the history, art and culture of the Lakota Sioux people of South Dakota.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Retracing the journey each year, we see hundreds, thousands, and, soon, even millions of people following the expedition's steps. People will be reliving the journey by car, RV, boat, motorcycle, canoe and bicycle. Some prefer the comforts of home offered by motels and restaurants, while others pitch a tent and cook meals over a fire each night.

Whatever your means of traveling and living during your own Lewis & Clark adventure, the Chamberlain-Oacoma area offers something to help make your travels worth writing home about.

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center - Chamberlain rest area.
Location: Interstate 90 between Exits 263 and 265
Phone: 605-734-4562
Summer Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Free admission and free parking; handicap accessible
The center commemorates the Lewis & Clark 1803-1806 expedition as they voyaged through South Dakota. Features include interpretive panels and murals reconstructing the expedition. Take the scenic walk to view the Missouri River and the community of Chamberlain-Oacoma from a replica 55 ft. keelboat!

Native American Scenic Byway

See the South Dakota landscape as Lewis & Clark may have seen it. The stretch of road winds through the Missouri River landscape and crosses the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe and Lower Brule Sioux Tribe reservations north of Chamberlain-Oacoma.

Traveler's information
Rivers & Lakes Information
US Army Corps of Engineers

• Omaha District: Toll free: (866) 285-3219 - call for Lewis & Clark Trail Rivers and Lakes packet
• Chamberlain-Oacoma and Lake Francis Case information: James Lindley, USACE office (605) 734-6772

Traveling by bicycle?
Lewis & Clark Discovery Trail - A 3-4 mile walking/biking trail that begins at Barger Centennial Park, crosses American Creek Marina, past St. Joseph's Indian School and to Roam Free Park north of Chamberlain. The trail has a very gentle grade on hard and gravel surfaces and is suitable for all types of walkers and most bicyclists.

• Lewis & Clark Trail by bicycle
• Bicycle guide to the Lewis & Clark Trail
• Adventure cycling
• Native American Scenic Byway
• South Dakota Hall of Fame
• Roam Free Park
• Chamber Member Listing by category - view, print or save the Chamber Member directory in Word format.
• Lewis and Clark road trips - travel the trail; read the journals

SD Hall of Fame

The South Dakota Hall of Fame’s mission is to recognize and honor pioneers and leaders from all walks of life who have contributed to the development and heritage of South Dakota.  Each year the organization hosts an induction ceremony during which up to 15 individuals may be inducted into one of the following categories: Arts & Entertainment, General, Historical, Professional and Sports.

The building has a spacious reception area, gift shop featuring Caribou Coffee and exclusive Terry Redlin products.  There are many displays throughout the building that showcase artwork, sculptures memorabilia and artifacts about the inductees.

The SD Hall of Fame
Location: right off of I-90, Exit 263.
Phone: 605-234-4216 or 1-800-697-3130

The SD Hall of Fame is open year round with extended hours in the summer.  The admission is free and they encourage tour groups and school groups to tour the facilities.  So come, take a walk and see who you recognize!