The Trail of Governors added a new bronze likeness Friday when a statue of former Gov. Kristi Noem and her horse, Iceman, was unveiled at the entrance to the Hilgers Gulch Trail, directly facing the South Dakota State Capitol.
Artwork depicts Buffalo Roundup moment
The sculpture portrays Noem and Iceman during the Buffalo Roundup, an event that took place while she served as governor. According to event coverage, the statue was sculpted and cast in South Dakota and installed at the trailhead to be visible from the Capitol grounds.
At the dedication ceremony, Noem spoke about her ties to the state and her view of South Dakota's role nationally. She described the state as a home and reflected on both memories and prospects for the future.
"Oh, you know, South Dakota’s home, so it’s been so amazing to be here today and to see everybody that we love, and to talk about memories, but also talk about the future," Noem said. "South Dakota is in a great space because of good leadership. We’re thankful for all that the state will continue to be an example to the rest of the country."
Current governor cites political mentorship
Current Gov. Larry Rhoden also addressed attendees, crediting Noem with opening opportunities in his own political career. Rhoden said he had a "profound respect" for Noem and noted that serving alongside her provided a launching pad for his own candidacy and subsequent service as governor.
The ceremony adds Noem to the Trail of Governors, a collection of statues meant to represent the state's governors and their legacies. This addition reinforces the trail's role as both a public art initiative and a visible chronicle of South Dakota's political leadership.
- Location: Hilgers Gulch Trail entrance, facing the State Capitol
- Subject: Kristi Noem and horse Iceman during the Buffalo Roundup
- Production: Sculpted and cast in South Dakota
Placement and public access
Positioned to face the front of the Capitol, the statue is sited for public visibility to lawmakers, visitors and residents. The Trail of Governors installations are intended to be accessible to the public; placing the piece at a trail entrance makes it part of a pedestrian approach to the Capitol rather than an isolated memorial.
Organizers and attendees framed the unveiling as both a personal tribute and a broader civic moment. Noem used her remarks to highlight a theme of state leadership and experimentation, saying South Dakota’s size made it especially suited to try policies and reforms she believes could serve as models nationally.
Rhoden’s comments focused on Noem’s impact on his own political trajectory, emphasizing the mentoring and opportunity he said he received while serving with her administration before becoming governor.
What remains public
The unveiling drew attention from residents and media. The statue joins other figures on the Trail of Governors and will remain part of the public landscape at the Capitol complex. Coverage did not include a reported cost for the sculpture or details on funding and donors, and those questions remain for follow-up reporting.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Subject | Kristi Noem and horse Iceman |
| Event depicted | Buffalo Roundup during Noem's governorship |
| Location | Hilgers Gulch Trail entrance, facing State Capitol |
| Production | Sculpted and cast in South Dakota |
The statue stands as a permanent marker of Noem’s time in office and will likely prompt continued public conversation about monuments, public memory and the legacy of recent state leadership. For residents seeking more information about the Trail of Governors or to view the new statue, the trailhead at Hilgers Gulch provides public access adjacent to the Capitol grounds.
Reporting for this story was based on event coverage and remarks made at the unveiling.
