The Trail of Governors Foundation Board announced today that the unveiling of former Governor Kristi Noem’s life-size bronze statue has been postponed to accommodate Noem’s schedule in her role as U.S. Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas.
The ceremony, which was originally scheduled for June 12, 2026, will now be held on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 10 a.m. CDT at the State Capitol grounds in Pierre.
The “Run with the Govs,” an annual fundraising run along a route including each statue on the Trail of Governors, will be held as previously scheduled on Saturday, June 13, 2026. More information about the run, including registration information, are available here.
More information on Noem Statue and the Trail of Governors
Gov. Noem’s statue is being created by sculptor John Lopez of Lemmon, S.D. Noem’s statue will join 31 governors’ statues on the trail that winds its way throughout the capital city’s downtown to and through the state capitol grounds. Each statue tells the story of that governor during their lifetime or service to the state. A bronze plaque at each statue acknowledges the statue’s major contributors and a QR code allows visitors with smart phones to read and listen to the governor’s biography.
The statues are entirely funded by donations. Gov. Noem’s statue is fully funded, but donations to support the Trail are always welcome. More information, including how to donate, can be found at TrailofGovernors.com. Donors are listed on this website, and all donations are tax deductible and managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation.