FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Rick Jensen, Trail of Governors Foundation, 605-454-0689, TrailofGovernors@aol.com
PIERRE, S.D. – The Trail of Governors Foundation Board will host the unveiling of former Governor Kristi Noem’s life-size bronze statue at 10 a.m. CDT on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the State Capitol grounds in Pierre.
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 capital 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 and donor opportunities are available for Gov. Noem’s statue. More information including how to donate can be found at TrailofGovernors.com. All donors are listed on this website, are tax deductible and managed by the South Dakota Community Foundation.
The Run With the Govs is a 3.5-mile walk and run event that will be held the following day, beginning at 8 a.m. CDT on Saturday, June 13, 2026. The start and finish line will be at Gov. Noem’s statue site in Hilger’s Gulch at the corner of Church Street and South Dakota Boulevard. Spectators, walkers and runners are welcome to participate with coffee and breakfast available near the starting line. All profits from the event will be donated to the Trail of Governors Foundation to support the trail. The link to register can be found via the Run With the Govs on Facebook. The cost is $25 and those registering before June 1 will receive a limited-edition tee shirt.
Gov. Noem served as South Dakota’s 33rd governor from 2019 until 2025. She was re-elected and was serving a second term before resigning to accept the cabinet post of the United States’ Secretary of Homeland Security for President Donald J. Trump. Noem made history as the state’s first female governor. She served in the state legislature and in the U.S. House of Representatives before being elected governor. Prior to her service to the state and the country, she helped manage her family’s farm business, hunting lodge and restaurant.
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