Chamberlain is a riverside small town with a charming strip that harbors some surprising gems.
At the heart of Chamberlain lies Main Street, a bustling hub of activities and shops that offers both residents and visitors an array of experiences.
From its rich history to its welcoming culture and warm hospitality, Chamberlain’s Main Street is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.
“The people of Chamberlain have brought great dreams to life here,” said Lyssa Bruzelius, executive director of South Dakota Missouri River Tourism (SDMRT).
The modest storefronts exude the style of an old western town, rustic and simple, concealing the bursts of unique atmosphere within each shop.
“Open any door and be floored by what you discover on the other side,” added SDMRT executive assistant Emelie Havard.
As the holiday season rapidly approaches, Main Street boasts several local shops catering to everyone’s needs. From basic necessities, specialty stores, and eclectic shops, the Chamberlain shopping network will surely aid in holiday shopping.
Bruzelius shared with 605 four local shops that offer unique items and personalized customer service.
She recommends checking out these businesses to find the perfect gift for anyone on your list.
For beautifully crafted cultural creations, Bruzlius mentioned Dakota Plains Gallery & Gifts.
Mike Normile, executive director of the Dakota Indian Foundation, says the shop was first established 10 years ago as an economic development opportunity for Native American artists and crafters.
“There wasn’t a prior opportunity for vendors or artists to sell their work,” he added. “Now, Dakota Plains Gallery & Gifts allows those artists to bring their work in.”
The Native American art gallery displays authentic and native-made creations by Lakota and Dakota individuals in the state.
The shop hosts intricate beadwork, colorful quilts, landscape paintings, jewelry, traditional woodwork, and more.
“We also have adult and children’s books that were written by Native American authors,” said Normile.
Throughout the shop’s years of business, their goal has remained the same, to have the community of Chamberlain and its visitors realize the value and beauty of native crafts.
“The artists take a lot of time and pride when creating their work,” expressed Normile. “It’s all made with love.”
For those looking for gifts for friends or loved ones, Normile suggests earrings or quilts to create the perfect gift, though it does depend on an individual’s taste.
He added, “We want to get the word out that there are crafters out there creating beautiful products, and you can get them on Main Street in Chamberlain. Our door is always open.”
“Our customers can visit our website & view our gallery & everything they see on there can be purchased online & in-store.” -MIKE NORMILE
Bad River Jerky is Bruzelius’ recommendation when gift shopping for foodies.
“This beef jerky shop is located just off Main Street and is waiting to delight customers’ taste buds,” shared Bruzelius.
The shop was originally owned by Don and Mary Ward, but they were searching to sell their homemade jerky recipes. After Nikki Ashley saw the advertisement, she thought it would be a neat side business to add to her life.
Ashley explains she’s always had an entrepreneurial spirit, so running a small business was perfect for her.
“At Bad River Jerky, we carry old-fashioned jerky, pemmican, snack sticks, meat sticks, and summer sausage,” said Ashley.
Ashley stated that she originally purchased 30 different flavor recipes from the owners, but has been working to create her own variety of flavors.
The numerous meat snacks range from sweet to savory flavors, such as Blueberry Cashew, Cranberry Pecan, Pistachio Onion Garlic, and Teriyaki Pineapple.
She shares that when she attends vendor shows, oftentimes customers will give her ideas on what they would like to taste.
Throughout the holiday season, Bad River Jerky offers gift baskets. Customers can choose from Ashley’s meat products and ship them to wherever they would like.
“We’ll have everything this season,” said Ashley.
“I like to refer to our sliced jerky as the old-fashioned saddle bag jerky; it’s a little drier than most jerky out there.” -NIKKI Ashley
For kitchenware gifts, Bruzlius mentioned Berry + Basil.
“This high-end kitchen and gourmet food store boasts a vast collection of everything you could ever want in your kitchen,” said Bruzlius. “They also offer an impressive selection of wines.”
For owners Cindy Peterson and Angi Hanzlik, their goal with Berry + Basil was simple: To introduce joy back into the kitchen and spending time with friends and family.
“There’s no better time than during the holidays to really remind ourselves that those are the moments that are most important and to feel confident about having those opportunities,” stated Peterson.
Hanzlik believes that their store truly has something for everyone and their budget. Their catalog of products ranges from cookware, bakeware, dining and home essentials, coffee and teas, and more.
During the holidays, the pair of owners bring in holiday-inspired products, specifically kitchen, dining, and entertainment products.
“You can easily mix those festive products with your existing dishware, so you don’t have to spend a lot of money to bring the holiday spirit into the kitchen and entertain,” said Peterson.
Peterson and Hanzlik also offer Recipe Boxes throughout the year, but they’ve become a highly sought-after item during the holiday season.
“Our recipe boxes include ingredients to make a recipe, small meal, or even snacks,” said Hanzlik. “If someone comes in and is at a loss for a gift idea, like maybe they don’t cook or don’t know what somebody would need, we can help point them in the right direction.”
Peterson added, “Angi and I both have a lot of fun helping put together gifts and asking questions about the gift receiver, trying to figure out what fits their personalities in a brief conversation.”
The recipe boxes are available in-store and online and are able to be shipped anywhere in the country. Peterson says all they need is an address and a budget.
“Angi and I will take care of it from beginning to end,” she said.
For inclusive gifts for women, BFF’s Ship and Shop Boutique is the place to go, says Bruzlius.
The boutique came to be after two breast cancer survivors, Rochelle Hopkins and Jen Lauristen, shared the same goal of helping others with breast cancer.
“Starting BFF’s has given me the platform and place to do that,” mused Hopkins.
Hopkins shares that the shop carries a wide range of fashionable clothing (sizes small to 3XL), unique accessories, natural beauty products, and gifts.
As guests wander the store, they’re able to sip on a cool glass of wine, a mimosa, water, or soda.
“We have quite a few people who will just stop in for a drink and conversation,” shared Hopkins.
While Hopkins believes many products for BFF’s would make the perfect gift, she focused on their branded Natural Beauty Products.
HOLIDAY STOCKING STUFFERS:
Dakota Plains Gallery & Gifts
• Beaded keychains
• Beaded necklaces
• Dreamcatchers
• Earrings
• Medallions
Bad River Jerky
• Beef jerky
• Chicken jerky
• Snack sticks
• Pemmican
Berry + Basil
• Berry + Basil lotion, soap, and room spray
• Baking mixes
• Coffee beans
• Gift cards
• Loose leaf tea
• Pastry tools
BFF’s Sip and Shop Boutique
• BFF’s Natural Beauty • Books
• Hats
• Jewelry
• Keychains
• Wristlets
“I love when a customer asks me to find something special for them and i can.” -rochelle hopkins
“These products are all organic and great for anyone who wants to use all-natural products on their skin,” she explained.
Throughout their time in business, BFF’s Sip and Shop Boutique has achieved its goal of spreading awareness and feeling close to its community.
“I love being able to see so many people that I normally wouldn’t get to see without being at the store,” expressed Hopkins. “I love being able to help our customers find something special.”
When visiting downtown Chamberlain, Bruzlius shares that you can find something for anyone.
“It provides a relaxed atmosphere while hosting a variety of places to visit, good food, great shops, and hidden gems,” she said.
