Feedback Form

Big Elk Statue

Big Elk Statue

Information

lat: 41.2610057 long: -95.9244958

Experience a powerful tribute to Chief Big Elk, a visionary leader of the Omaha Tribe, at the Big Elk Statue in Omaha, Nebraska. Unveiled in August 2023, this striking bronze sculpture—created by renowned artist Benjamin Victor—stands as a testament to Chief Big Elk’s enduring legacy of leadership, diplomacy, and resilience.

This life-and-a-half-size statue captures the strength and wisdom of Chief Big Elk, who guided the Omaha people through a period of profound change in the early 19th century. The statue’s base features an engraved stone with one of his historic speeches, offering visitors a chance to reflect on his words and impact.

Chief Big Elk, also known as Ontopanga, was born around 1770-75 and led the Omaha Tribe from 1811 to the 1840s. A respected orator and peacemaker, he played a crucial role in navigating relations with the United States while maintaining the sovereignty and dignity of his people. His final resting place is in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Located at Lewis & Clark Landing along the Missouri River, the statue is not just an artistic masterpiece but also a place of learning and reflection. It serves as an invitation for all to discover the rich history of the Omaha Tribe and deepen their understanding of Indigenous heritage.

Get Directions

Nearby Attractions

Lewis and Clark Landing at the RiverFront
Lewis and Clark Landing at the RiverFront

602 Dodge St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
Distance: 0.06 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences Fun and Sports

View Listing
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – History Markers
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – History Markers

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.27 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

View Listing
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – River Markers
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – River Markers

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.27 mi (straight line)

Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

View Listing
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – Flora Markers
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – Flora Markers

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.27 mi (straight line)

Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

View Listing
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – Notable Markers
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – Notable Markers

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.27 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

View Listing
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters Visitor Center
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters Visitor Center

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.27 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

View Listing
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.27 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

View Listing
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center- “The Council was Held”
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center- “The Council was Held”

601 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102
Distance: 0.27 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center- “This Trail is 4900 Miles Long”
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center- “This Trail is 4900 Miles Long”

601 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102
Distance: 0.27 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

View Listing
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – Westwardly by the Waters
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Visitor Center – Westwardly by the Waters

601 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE 68102
Distance: 0.27 mi (straight line)

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

View Listing
Gene Leahy Mall
Gene Leahy Mall

1001 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
Distance: 0.29 mi (straight line)

Galleries and Venues Festivals and Events Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
Heartland of America Park
Heartland of America Park

Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront, Douglas Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.30 mi (straight line)

Galleries and Venues Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge., Riverfront Drive, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.34 mi (straight line)

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes

View Listing
The Matt
The Matt

The Old Mattress Factory Bar & Grill, North 13th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.49 mi (straight line)

Food and Drinks

View Listing
The Old Market
The Old Market

The Old Market, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.51 mi (straight line)

Lodging Galleries and Venues Food and Drinks Shopping

View Listing
NCAA Men’s College World Series
NCAA Men’s College World Series

1200 Mike Fahey St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
Distance: 0.56 mi (straight line)

Festivals and Events Fun and Sports

View Listing
Pioneer Courage Park
Pioneer Courage Park

1450 Capitol Ave, Omaha, NE 68179, USA
Distance: 0.58 mi (straight line)

General History Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
The Durham Museum
The Durham Museum

The Durham Museum, South 10th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 0.70 mi (straight line)

Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers

View Listing

Sign Up for the Lewis & Clark Trail Experience Newsletter

Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive the Lewis and Clark Travel Experience newsletter provided by the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance. You can revoke your consent at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

Instagram Feed