We broke up our drive between the Badlands and our next national park by making a stop in Mobridge, SD. Why Mobridge? Well it had a relatively inexpensive state park we were able to grab a site for a few days (Indian Creek Recreation Area on the Missouri River) and it allowed us to relax a little and restock for our next adventure. Little did I know…
Mobridge is a picturesque town nestled along the banks of the Missouri River in South Dakota and offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. Renowned for its breathtaking sunsets over the expansive river, Mobridge offers traveler a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The region’s vast and diverse landscapes cater to both relaxation and exploration, making it an appealing destination for a wide range of interests.
Mobridge’s warm hospitality and small-town charm are evident in its local shops, eateries, and accommodations. From charming bed and breakfasts to modern lodges, the town caters to various preferences and budgets whether one seeks a serene retreat, a cultural exploration, or an outdoor adventure.
Now this is a sight you won’t see everywhere:
This unique sculpture, officially called the “Walleye Up Statue” is a representation of the annual event called the “Mobridge Chamber of Commerce Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo.”
The sculpture depicts a cowboy riding a leaping fish, which may seem whimsical and unexpected at first glance. However, it’s a playful symbol of the rodeo’s “Fish Riding” competition, a lighthearted and entertaining part of the rodeo festivities. (I haven’t been able to verify it’s still held as part of the rodeo though this description comes from the year 2021.)
The Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo is an event that celebrates the Western heritage of the region and pays homage to Native American history. It attracts locals and visitors alike, and the Fish Riding competition is a beloved tradition within the rodeo. Participants mount large fish-shaped floats and attempt to stay on while they’re pulled through water by a vehicle. It’s a fun and quirky event that adds a touch of humor and excitement to the rodeo.
The sculpture captures the essence of this event and reflects the community’s spirit of embracing both its cowboy and Native American roots. It has become a recognizable landmark in Mobridge and serves as a reminder of the town’s unique blend of traditions and festivities.
The Sitting Bull Monument is located about seven miles southwest of Mobridge. Chief Sitting Bull, or Tatanka Iyotake, was a Hunkpapa Teton Sioux spiritual leader. In the 1870s, Sitting Bull had relocated to the Standing Rock Indian Reservation near the Grand River in present-day Corson County. He became a great spiritual leader and organized a resistance movement against US expansion on treaty-reserved lands. On December 15, 1890, nine years after surrendering to the US government, he was shot to death by Indian police. The police had been executing an arrest warrant in order to prevent Sitting Bull from attending a Ghost Dance revivalist ceremony. The warrant was issued by Indian Agent James McLaughlin, the namesake of the current local community of McLaughlin, SD. Sitting Bull was buried about 500 yards south of the agency cemetery in present-day Ft. Yates.
From the Mobridge Chamber of Commerce web site (I can’t describe it any better):
The story of his remains has compounded the tragedy of his death. In 1953, one of Sitting Bull’s descendants by marriage, Clarence Grey Eagle (the son of one of the Indian police who arrested Sitting Bull), and a group of businessmen from Mobridge obtained an opinion from the Bureau of Indian Affairs that the descendants of Sitting Bull should determine his final burial site. On April 8 of that year, the group used the BIA letter as justification for the clandestine relocation of the great chief’s remains to a site in the southern portion of the Standing Rock Reservation that overlooks the Missouri River near Mobridge.
Less than five months later, South Dakota dedicated a memorial to Sitting Bull on the site of the relocated remains. A bust created by famed sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski (well known for the Crazy Horse monument in the Black Hills) was erected to commemorate the gravesite. Ziolkowski boycotted the dedication ceremony for the monument by Governor Sigurd Anderson because exploiting the ceremony for political and economic gain was against the wishes of Sitting Bull’s descendants.
Both the original gravesite in Ft. Yates, ND, and the current site have tremendous significance today. Sensitive to the exploitation of Native Americans and the suspect way Sitting Bull’s remains were handled in the past, a commitment has been made not to exploit or commercialize the Sitting Bull monument for financial gain. The statue is in an isolated park that remains serene, impressive, and free to visitors. A beloved local landmark with huge importance, it remains strikingly undeveloped and a beautifully secluded spot for picnic lovers and history buffs.
The Sakakawea (also spelled Sacagawea) Monument near the Sitting Bull Monument in Mobridge, South Dakota, pays tribute to the important historical figure who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Sakakawea was a Lemhi Shoshone woman who served as a guide and interpreter for the expedition, helping the explorers navigate unfamiliar territory and forge connections with Native American tribes.
The Sakakawea Monument stands as a testament to the vital role she played in American history and her enduring legacy as a symbol of strength, courage, and cross-cultural understanding.
Sometimes not making plans and just “landing” someplace for a few days can yield some interesting surprises! I may have to make some definite plans to return to enjoy some of the events held here.