Museum and Site Concepts

The final purchase of the Sitting Bull gravesite and the bust of Sitting Bull was completed on April 8th, 2005. The site is located near the Grand River outlet to Lake Oahe, which is a subimpoundment of the Missouri River. Situated across the river from the city of Mobridge, South Dakota, the monument and bust sit atop a bluff overlooking Lake Oahe.

The Sitting Bull Monument Foundation, a non-profit foundation, has been formed to formulate and carry out plans for the protection and preservation of the Sitting Bull bust and site, and also to develop an educational facility/cultural center and museum about Sitting Bull.

The objectives we have developed for this site include establishing a long-term, self-sustaining plan to preserve, protect, and properly establish this historic site. This will be done in a respectful, positive manner while maintaining the natural beauty and serenity of the site location. Furthermore, the Foundation will pay tribute to one of the greatest leaders of all time through celebration and preservation of the life of Chief Sitting Bull, including his struggles, accomplishments and his impact on humanity. The Foundation insists that the site should be a place of honor and respect, and that this site has national, even worldwide significance.

The Sitting Bull Monument will be a destination that anyone can visit, and where they can learn about life during the Sitting Bull era. The site will commemorate the legacy of Chief Sitting Bull and explain how he and his people lived during a momentous period in the history of the United States. After visiting this site, a guest should feel humbled, insightful, and more knowledgeable about the struggles and accomplishments of this great man. Visitors will also learn about the Sioux people who lived during the era of Chief Sitting Bull, as well as have a better understanding of the people who live here now.

Proposed site projects include:

Repair the Chief Sitting Bull Bust
Repair and resurface the access road and other paved areas near the monument
Create a picnic area
Develop a Visitor's Center / Cultural Center / Museum
Construct an historic replica of Sitting Bull’s cabin
Improve the abandoned, old U.S. Highway 12, which provides access to the river front
Create a river front recreational development

Immediate plans include provisions for site security, area lighting, grounds keeping, landscaping, and repair of the damages to the monument and bust. Site security would include regular site patrol, installation of a locking gate to control access to the site, and potentially video surveillance.

The initial plans for the grounds, some of which have already been implemented, are the debris clean-up, posting of signs warning of penalties and /or prosecution for illegal dumping, removal of weeds in the asphalt-surfaced areas and near the monument, regular mowing of grasses along the roadways and in the picnic area, and regular dumpster garbage service.

Landscaping could include planting trees to the west-northwest of the gravesite to provide a windbreak and to help control access. In addition, the burial mound area around the monument and bust could be landscaped. This would help to eliminate erosion around the three sets of concrete stairs leading up to the monument/bust, and would provide a stable platform area around the monument and improve the aesthetics of the site.

The bust and monument need repair. Certain parts of the bust have been damaged by gunshots, chipped away, and cracked. Professional repair and reconditioning must be undertaken to preserve the bust and the monument. Other ideas for the site include building an historic replica of the original cabin in which Sitting Bull lived along the Grand River. The Foundation also would like to consider other historical reproductions which demonstrate how Sitting Bull and his people lived.

This site deserves nationwide and even worldwide attention and respect; therefore, a world-class facility is warranted. This site is marked on many maps, but when people actually visit the site they are disappointed, confused, or disheartened about the site’s condition. Implementing improvement plans will foster an atmosphere of admiration and respect that befits Chief Sitting Bull. We are hoping it becomes a genuine destination for all people to visit, to talk with others about, and to return to visit again. We want this site to become a stop on every traveler's map.

Ideas and concepts to be considered for possible inclusion in the design and development of the Chief Sitting Bull Center are:

Displays and exhibits, including art, sculptures, artifacts, photographs, documents, and other historically and/or culturally significant items relating to Sitting Bull and the era he represents.
Amphitheater for viewing presentations, informational and instructional videos, and other multi-media use.
Offices and meeting rooms.
Snack bar and restaurant (potentially, the restaurant could serve Native dishes along with area wild game).
Gift shop and restrooms.
Gallery for the display of work from various local, regional, national, and international artists throughout the year.
Indoor and outdoor multi-functional areas to be used for special events, meetings, and other gatherings on a year round basis.
Possible location of the Interpretive Center on a hilltop just north of the monument area. This area is relatively flat and has tremendous views in all directions. The elevation of this area is slightly higher then the monument/burial mound area, creating an excellent view looking toward the south onto the monument. The existing burial mound/monument would remain pristine and untouched without significant developmental impacts. Landscaping with native vegetation and other improvements to the current burial mound area could be done while maintaining the natural beauty and serenity of the site. Also, decorative rock work and improvements to the existing three sets of concrete stairs that lead up to the monument/bust would enhance the burial mound/monument/bust area.
The Interpretive Center could be designed in a manner which maximizes the breathtaking views by including open plazas, courtyards, patios and/or deck areas,. In addition, indoor/outdoor multipurpose areas could be designed with glass atrium type applications. A transitional area, which includes indoor and outdoor used and seating with a combination of covered and open patio/deck areas which maintains views of the monument/bust, the river/lake and the city of Mobridge, should be considered.
Walking paths from the Cultural Center to the burial monument will also serve as scenic nature trails and as pathways to the riverfront. These will be designed and laid out as part of the overall development of the site.
Ample parking area is available from the propose center site location, west toward S.D. Highway 1806.