sitting bull memorial

The view of the surrounding hills and lake from the statue's pedestal are much more impressive than the statue itself. The statue is rather grotesque, with rounded features that barely resemble the likeness of Sitting Bull, more of an unflattering characterchure. When I went there, there were offerings of coins and tobacco at the foot of the statue paying homage to the war chief.The way the site is maintained in deplorable. The concrete and asphalt drive around the site is cracked and broken, and people had been dumping trash at the memorial and off the hillsides around it. Close by, is an obelisk devoted to Sakakawea. The plaque honoring her achievements really needs to be updated, for now the way it is worded would be considered insulting to both native Americans and women.

Mobridge (named after its bridge over the Missouri River) has a considerable bit of history that makes it worth a stop. The Sitting Bull burial site has an interesting statue of the chief's head. It is perched on the top of a hill over the river. Windy, but great view. Definitely worth going out of your way.

I originally gave the Sitting Bull monument five stars because I thought it was referring to something else. There is another 'monument' to Sitting Bull, but much more difficult to find, and deep into Standing Rock not on a road.This place is a good place to stop and get your bearings, look around at the view of Oahe and the hills beyond. Like someone said, peaceful.Now, if you want to go the other monument, which is where tatanka iyotake aka Sitting Bull was shot and killed by one James McLaughlin (hence McLaughlin, SD), you're going to have to ask a local how to get there. It is not on any map. It is not on the internet. No road will take you there.It is a very spiritual place where lakota still do the ghost dance. Go into Little Eagle, the closest town, and ask around until you find someone who will tell you how to get there. This may not be easy, they probably won't want to tell you. You should have an SUV and it must by dry because otherwise the place will be unreachable. This is what I remember about reaching the place: it's on the Grand River, but I don't remember which road you have to take initially (possibly Bullhead Road, possibly Hwy 4, not sure). After a blue house you turn left onto a dirt road, I think. You drive through a rancher's field (past the cows and their water tank) and then over into a valley (some people still hunt there) where there are a few abandoned cabins (abandoned at least in the 30s) and a small area fenced in with a marker showing that this was where Sitting Bull was shot down on Dec 15, 1890. If you are interested in the history, this trip is more than worth it, it is an experience like none other.

Drove north from Pierre, SD on Highway 1804. Beautiful crossing the Missouri River on US 212. Travelling north thru the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation on a maintained BIA route 7 then 8. Saw lovely count with few signs of development, just lots of natural beauty. The crossing of th Cheyenne River entry into Lake Oahe (Missouri River impoundment) I spectacular. There is a parallel abandoned railroad roadbed. At the north end of BIA route 8 we went north on BIA route 3 towards US 12. The Grave of Sitting Bull Memorial is worth the visit. Research its history before and while there.

Start with the film that tells the story of the monument. I liked that the family chose to keep the project privately funded (otherwise it would be closed right now)! Many Indian artifacts and other sculptures by the late sculptor.

If you are in the area stop by the Memorial. I was there early in the morning and the view was from the memorial was beautiful.

The carved sculpture/monument is beautiful as well as the scenery. Very peaceful area just not well maintained (overflowing trash can) which is sad. Approximately 4 miles south of Hwy 12 on scenic byway 1806. Definitely worth the drive.

The monument is many miles down a narrow country road. It does have a restroom and the memorial site was kept clean, but not much else. Disappointing coverage of the events.

The monument itself is nothing spectacular. But the lonely surroundings and the superb view to the Missouri river are great, the short detour is worth it!

This Memorial is off the beaten path, but worth stopping by to pay respects to the old warrior. There is also a Sacawea Memorial on the same site and it is worth stopping by at both. I was here early morning and the view across the water was awesome. A very sobering and spiritual place.

If you are looking for peace and a feeling of tranquility, this is the place to visit. The endless fields of color, the beautiful BLUE Missouri river will leave you breathless. Don't forget to visit Sitting Bull's grave. I have visited the area twice in the last three years. I look forward to returning in two years. KLB

Nicht viel Aufhebens macht dieses Grabmal eines berühmten Mannes, etwas abseits auf einer kleinen Nebenstraße. Keine Touristenschwärme, keine Souvenirshops - nur die Büste Sitting Bulls und die idyllische Landschaft in der er gelebt, und um die er vergeblich gekämpft hat. Ein ruhiger, besinnlicher Ort.Ein paar Schritte entfernt steht die Gedenkstele der Sacagawea, einer Shoshoni, die die Lewis und Clarc Expedition begleitet hat.