American Highway allows KNLS listeners to travel America's back roads, highways, and byways.  You'll find some of this nation's most interesting people, places and events in these stories.

The Wonder of South Dakota

From rolling plains to majestic mountains, a diverse landscape decorates South Dakota. These magical lands also hold a diverse population. More than 62,000 American Indians live in South Dakota. Most of them are Dakota, Lakota or Nakota people, also known collectively as Sioux.

More than 62,000 American Indians live in South Dakota today. Most of them are Dakota, Lakota or Nakota people. This nation of tribes (sometimes called Sioux) has lived here for hundreds of years. They trace their roots to the "Seven Council Fires," an alliance of tribes. By the early 1800s, the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota dominated the Plains. Buffalo were important to their way of life. The animals provided food, clothing and shelter for the people.

The influence of this nation extends across the state. South Dakota towns, lakes and landmarks have Indian names. Galleries display tribal art. And powwows (celebrations of dancing and singing) are held throughout the year.

Lewis and Clark set out to explore the American frontier in 1804. At first, they traveled by keelboat up the Missouri River. They spent several weeks exploring what is now South Dakota. Here, the men discovered pronghorn, prairie dogs and coyotes. They also had their first meetings with the Yanktons, Tetons and Arikaras. They nearly got in a fight with the Tetons. The Tetons later held a party for the explorers. They prepared a feast and danced around the campfire.

Lewis and Clark continued on to the West Coast. They returned to South Dakota in 1806. Six years after the trip, Sacagawea (the only woman in the party) died at Fort Manuel in South Dakota.

The desire for land and a new life brought settlers to Dakota Territory. They came from Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Ireland and Czechoslovakia. They often settled near people of the same heritage. The prairie had few trees, so settlers used blocks of earth to build homes. They called these homes "soddies." Early pioneers faced challenges such as lack of water, blizzards and isolation.

Gold was discovered in the Black Hills in 1874. This discovery sparked another wave of settlement. Deadwood became one of the West's most famous gold towns. Wild Bill Hickock, Calamity Jane and Potato Creek Johnny lived here.

Settlers soon discovered that the land west of the Missouri River was good for ranching. The wide-open prairie provided range for cattle. Cowboys spent their days herding cattle and their nights telling stories around the campfire.

South Dakota's captivating landscapes play an important role in the lives of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota. The land holds legends and history spanning back to creation, as well as hope and strength for the future.

Tradition centers on the pine-covered "he sapa" or Black Mountains. Many of the Sioux tribes believe the story of their creation begins in these massive mountains. At their highest point, the Black Hills reach 7,242 feet. The apex, Harney Peak, is located within the Black Elk Wilderness, named for the Lakota leader who had a great vision in the area.

At the northeast end of the Black Hills, near Sturgis, stands "mato paha" or Bear Butte. This site holds great spiritual significance for several Plains Indian tribes. Today, the butte is a state park and the site for religious ceremonies and vision quests. Visitors can hike the sacred mountain, too, but you should stop at the Visitor Center first for an orientation. As you hike, you may see bits of colorful cloth in the trees. These prayer cloths represent the prayers offered by worshipers.

The American Bison

Buffalo remain a central focus of the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota people. Legend tells of the Great Spirit taking on the form of a wooly beast to feed his starving people. White buffalo have special, sacred significance. A white buffalo signifies good fortune and forecasts a time of plenty and peace.

Today, many of the nine tribes in South Dakota maintain buffalo herds. Watch for them as you travel across the open prairies. You'll also find herds at Bear Butte State Park, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park and Badlands National Park.

The Badlands, a maze of buttes and spires were originally named "mako sica" (meaning "land bad") by the Lakota. Created by millions of years of erosion, Badlands National Park now stretches 244,000 acres with approximately 120,000 acres located on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Landmarks tied to the Sioux Nation also take on the form of great leaders. Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills is a sculptural depiction of the legendary Lakota leader, Crazy Horse, emerging from the side of a mountain. Crazy Horse's nine-story-high face has been completed, and work continues on the rest of the colossal mountain carving. You can see the carving in-progress and visit the Indian Museum of North America at Crazy Horse Memorial, near Custer.

Treasured artifacts blend with modern American Indian art in museums and galleries across South Dakota. From brightly colored beadwork to finely crafted horse dance sticks, each piece contributes to the ongoing story of the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota people.

Akta Lakota Museum, Chamberlain. The symbolism of Lakota culture is evident in the colors and patterns of artifacts such as beaded moccasins, flowing headdresses and parfleche containers. The museum's contemporary works of art combine traditional symbolism with modern methods. (605) 734-3452.

Buechel Memorial Lakota Museum, St. Francis. Located at the St. Francis Mission on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, this museum showcases Lakota art and culture. The impressive collection includes a child's fully beaded vest, a cradle-board and a buffalo-hide robe. (605) 747-2745.

Cultural Heritage Center, Pierre. The "Oyate Tawicoh'an" (Ways of the People) exhibit focuses on the religious and social beliefs of several Plains Indian tribes, including the Dakota, Lakota and Nakota. Displays include a tipi, a prayer rock, and a rare horse effigy.(605) 773-6458.

The Heritage Center, Pine Ridge. The center's collection encompasses both traditional Plains Indian artifacts and contemporary art. One of the most intriguing pieces is an elaborately decorated top hat that belonged to Chief American Horse. Each summer, the center hosts the Red Cloud Indian Art Show, which showcases the works of modern American Indian artists. The center is located at the Red Cloud Indian School. (605) 867-5491.

Indian Museum of North America, Crazy Horse Memorial, near Custer. More than 20,000 authentic items representing North American tribes fill the museum's three galleries. A new wing focuses entirely on Lakota culture. (605) 673-4681.

The Journey Museum, Rapid City. Walk through 200 years of Lakota culture in an exhibit area devoted entirely to American Indian achievements. Listen to tales told by a Lakota elder via hologram. (605) 394-6923.

Oscar Howe Art Center, Mitchell. The paintings of renowned artist Oscar Howe, a Yanktonai, make up the center's permanent collection. Howe used his unique, abstract style to depict the spirit of his people. (605) 996-4111.

Visual Arts Center at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls.
View seven galleries of changing exhibits including the works of contemporary American Indian Artists. The Northern Plains Gallery features pieces from the museum's tribal arts collection.
(605) 367-7397

This article courtesy of South Dakota State Tourism.

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