South Dakota

Basic Information

South Dakota, located in the Great Plains region of the north-central United States, is known for its rolling prairies, dramatic Badlands, and the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Capital

• Pierre

Largest City

• Sioux Falls

Area

• 77,116 sq mi (17th largest)

Population

• 886,667 (2020, 5th least populous state)

Demographics

South Dakota has a relatively small population with significant rural areas and several important Native American communities.

Ethnic Composition

• White:82.5%
• Native American:8.8%
• Hispanic:4.2%
• Black:2.3%
• Asian:1.5%

Languages

• English:93.5%
• Spanish:2.1%
• Native American Languages:1.4%
• German:1.0%
• Other:2.0%

Age Distribution

• Under 18:24.5%
• 18-64:58.5%
• 65+:17.0%

Population Growth

• Annual Rate:0.8%
• Natural Increase:4,000
• Migration:3,000

Economy

South Dakota's economy is based primarily on agriculture, tourism, financial services, and healthcare, with a business-friendly tax climate that attracts companies from across the country.

GDP

• $54.9 billion (2022)

Major Industries

• Agriculture & Livestock
• Tourism & Recreation
• Financial Services
• Healthcare

Employment Rate

• Employed:97.3%
• Unemployment:2.7%

Major Companies

• Citibank
• Sanford Health
• Daktronics
• Black Hills Corporation

Climate

South Dakota has a continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and relatively low precipitation. The state experiences significant temperature variations and is prone to severe weather events.

Eastern Regions

• Avg. Summer:85°F
• Avg. Winter:15°F
• Rainfall:25 inches/year
• Humidity:Higher than western regions

Western Regions

• Avg. Summer:85°F
• Avg. Winter:20°F
• Rainfall:15 inches/year
• Humidity:Lower than eastern regions

Black Hills

• Avg. Summer:75°F
• Avg. Winter:25°F
• Precipitation:20-25 inches/year
• Snowfall:150+ inches/year in higher elevations

Weather Patterns

• Blizzards in winter
• Thunderstorms and tornadoes in summer
• Drought cycles
• Significant temperature fluctuations

Visiting South Dakota

South Dakota offers visitors a diverse range of attractions, from iconic national monuments to scenic landscapes, Native American heritage sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer:June-August (peak tourism season)
• Fall:September-October (mild weather, fewer crowds)
• Winter:December-February (winter sports in Black Hills)
• Spring:April-May (wildlife viewing, fewer crowds)

Transportation

• Major Airports:Sioux Falls Regional Airport, Rapid City Regional Airport
• Interstate Highways:I-90 (east-west) and I-29 (north-south)
• Railway:Limited Amtrak service
• Regional bus services

Accommodation

• Hotels:400+
• Camping Sites:1,500+
• Average Hotel Rate:$100/night (higher in tourist areas and peak season)
• Unique Lodging:Historic hotels, ranches, cabins

Tourist Information

• Visitor Centers:Located at major attractions and highways
• Tourism Website:TravelSouthDakota.com
• Info Hotline:1-800-SD-TRIPS
• State Tourism Office in Pierre

Popular Attractions

South Dakota is home to several nationally significant attractions and natural wonders, drawing millions of visitors annually.

National Memorials & Parks

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Badlands National Park
• Wind Cave National Park
• Jewel Cave National Monument
• Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

Natural Attractions

• Black Hills
• Needles Highway
• Spearfish Canyon
• Missouri River
• Sylvan Lake

Historical & Cultural Sites

• Crazy Horse Memorial
• Historic Deadwood
• Akta Lakota Museum
• Mitchell Corn Palace
• Cultural Heritage Center (Pierre)

Popular Destinations

• Custer State Park
• Wall Drug Store
• Reptile Gardens
• Sturgis (during Motorcycle Rally)
• Falls Park (Sioux Falls)

History

South Dakota's history spans from ancient indigenous cultures through European exploration and settlement to its development as a center for agriculture and tourism.

Early History

• Indigenous Peoples:Lakota, Dakota, Nakota (Sioux), Arikara, Cheyenne
• European Exploration:Late 1700s
• Lewis and Clark Expedition:1804-1806

19th Century

• Fort Pierre Established:1817
• Gold Rush in Black Hills:1874
• Great Sioux War:1876-1877
• Dakota Territory:1861-1889
• Statehood:November 2, 1889 (40th state)

20th Century

• Dust Bowl & Great Depression:1930s
• Mount Rushmore Construction:1927-1941
• Oahe Dam Construction:1948-1962
• Wounded Knee Incident:1973
• Financial Services Growth:1980s+

Recent History

• Economic Diversification
• Tourism Development
• Agricultural Technology Advancements
• Tribal Sovereignty Developments
• Population Growth in Urban Areas

State Symbols

South Dakota has adopted various official state symbols that represent its natural resources, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

State Animals

• State Animal:

  Coyote
• State Bird:

  Ring-necked Pheasant
• State Fish:

  Walleye
• State Insect:

  Honey Bee
• State Mammal:

  American Bison

State Plants

• State Flower:

  Pasque Flower
• State Tree:

  Black Hills Spruce
• State Grass:

  Western Wheatgrass
• State Floral Emblem:

  American Pasque
• State Plant:

  Yucca

Cultural Symbols

• State Colors:

  Blue and Gold
• State Song:

  "Hail, South Dakota!"
• State Musical Instrument:

  Fiddle
• State Bread:

  Kuchen
• State Dessert:

  Kuchen

Other Symbols

• State Mineral:

  Rose Quartz
• State Gemstone:

  Fairburn Agate
• State Fossil:

  Triceratops
• State Jewelry:

  Black Hills Gold
• State Soil:

  Houdek Soil

State Facts

Interesting and unique facts about South Dakota that showcase its distinctive character and contributions.

Geographic Facts

• Highest Point:

  Black Elk Peak (7,242 ft, formerly Harney Peak)
• Lowest Point:

  Big Stone Lake (962 ft)
• Geographic Center:

  5 miles NE of Pierre
• Badlands Formation:

  One of the world's richest fossil beds
• Missouri River:

  Divides the state into "East River" and "West River"

Records & Rankings

• Hosts world's largest motorcycle rally (Sturgis)
• Home to largest pheasant population in North America
• Produces more honey per colony than any other state
• Custer State Park:

  One of largest state parks in the US
• Wind Cave:

  One of the world's longest and most complex caves

Notable Firsts

• First state to allow women to serve on juries (1921)
• First complete dinosaur skeleton discovered (1849)
• Mount Rushmore:

  First major mountain carving in US
• First binding statewide referendum system (1898)
• First rural electric cooperative in US (1935)

Unique Features

• No state income tax
• Home to 9 federally recognized Native American tribes
• World's only Corn Palace (Mitchell)
• Largest gold mine in Western Hemisphere (Homestake Gold Mine)
• Geographic center of United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) near Belle Fourche

Government & Politics

South Dakota has a republican form of government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The state has historically leaned conservative in its politics.

Governor

• Kristi Noem (as of 2021)

Legislature

• Bicameral:35-member Senate and 70-member House of Representatives

Political Trends

• Traditionally Republican-leaning state with conservative policies

Key Political Issues

• Agriculture Policy
• Water Rights
• Native American Relations
• Tourism Development
• Rural Healthcare

Time Zones

South Dakota is divided between two time zones, split roughly along the Missouri River.

Eastern South Dakota

• Central Time Zone (UTC -6)

Western South Dakota

• Mountain Time Zone (UTC -7)

Daylight Saving Time

• Observed statewide

Boundary

• Generally follows the Missouri River
• Some counties near the river choose their time zone
• Creates a non-linear boundary

Education

South Dakota provides comprehensive educational services from pre-K through university level, with a mix of public and private institutions.

Higher Education

• South Dakota Board of Regents (six state universities)
• University of South Dakota (Vermillion)
• South Dakota State University (Brookings)
• South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City)
• Private colleges and tribal colleges

Notable Institutions

• Augustana University
• Dakota State University (cybersecurity focus)
• Sinte Gleska University (tribal)
• Mount Marty University
• Northern State University

K-12 System

• 149 school districts
• Approximately 700 schools
• Student-to-teacher ratio:14:1
• Virtual education options

Key Educational Initiatives

• Career & Technical Education Programs
• Dual Credit for High School Students
• Native American Education Programs
• Rural Education Access Initiatives
• STEM Education Focus

Culture & Festivals

South Dakota celebrates its unique cultural heritage through numerous festivals, powwows, and events throughout the year.

Major Festivals

• Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August)
• Czech Days (Tabor)
• Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
• Black Hills Powwow
• National Day of the American Cowboy

Cultural Celebrations

• Sioux Empire Fair
• South Dakota Festival of Books
• Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant
• Northern Plains Indian Art Market
• Dakota Western Heritage Festival

Regional Traditions

• Rodeos throughout summer
• Kuchen baking contests
• Native American powwows
• Old-time fiddling contests
• County fairs

Seasonal Events

• Pheasant Hunting Season (Fall)
• Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo (Winter)
• Fort Sisseton Historical Festival (Summer)
• Winter Games (Northeast SD)
• Fall Festivals and Harvest Celebrations

Sports & Teams

While South Dakota has no major professional sports franchises, it maintains a strong collegiate and recreational sports culture.

College Sports

• South Dakota State University Jackrabbits (NCAA Division I)
• University of South Dakota Coyotes (NCAA Division I)
• Black Hills State Yellow Jackets
• Augustana Vikings
• Northern State Wolves

Minor League Teams

• Sioux Falls Canaries (baseball)
• Sioux Falls Stampede (hockey)
• Sioux Falls Skyforce (basketball)
• Rapid City Rush (hockey)

Outdoor Sports

• Pheasant Hunting
• Fishing Tournaments
• Rodeo
• High School Football
• Winter Sports in Black Hills

Notable Sporting Events

• Black Hills Senior Games
• Dakota Relays Track Meet
• South Dakota High School State Tournaments
• Summit League Basketball Tournament
• Howard Wood Dakota Relays

Cuisine & Local Specialties

South Dakota cuisine reflects its agricultural heritage, Native American traditions, and immigrant influences, featuring hearty, prairie-inspired dishes.

Signature Dishes

• Chislic (cubed meat, usually lamb or beef)
• Kuchen (German cake/pastry, state dessert)
• Wojapi (Native American berry pudding)
• Fry Bread and Indian Tacos
• Buffalo/Bison Dishes

Regional Specialties

• Pheasant Dishes
• Walleye and Freshwater Fish
• German-Russian Specialties
• Scandinavian Lefse
• Dutch Peppernuts

Agricultural Products

• Beef Cattle
• Corn and Soybeans
• Wheat
• Honey
• Sunflowers

Local Beverages

• Craft Breweries
• South Dakota Wines
• Micro-Distilleries
• Rhubarb Drinks
• Chokecherry Wine and Syrup

Infrastructure

South Dakota's infrastructure serves its rural, agricultural economy and growing urban centers, with particular emphasis on highways, water management, and renewable energy.

Transportation

• Interstate Highways I-90 and I-29
• 7,800+ miles of state highways
• Essential Air Service to rural communities
• BNSF and other freight rail services
• Limited public transportation in rural areas

Water Systems

• Missouri River Dam System (Oahe, Big Bend, Fort Randall, Gavins Point)
• Rural Water Systems serving 350+ communities
• Irrigation Projects
• Lewis & Clark Regional Water System
• Aquifer management programs

Energy Infrastructure

• Hydroelectric power from Missouri River dams
• Growing wind energy farms
• Natural gas and petroleum pipelines
• Electric transmission grid upgrades
• Rural electric cooperatives

Communications

• Expanding broadband access to rural areas
• Connect South Dakota initiative
• Cell service challenges in remote areas
• Rural telephone cooperatives
• Fiber optic network expansion

Notable Historical Figures

Many influential individuals are associated with South Dakota's history, from Native American leaders to pioneers, artists, and politicians.

Native American Leaders

• Sitting Bull (Hunkpapa Lakota leader)
• Crazy Horse (Oglala Lakota warrior)
• Red Cloud (Oglala Lakota chief)
• Spotted Tail (Brulé Lakota chief)
• Charles Eastman (Santee Dakota physician and author)

Political Figures

• Peter Norbeck (governor, senator)
• George McGovern (presidential candidate, senator)
• Tom Daschle (Senate Majority Leader)
• Gladys Pyle (first female state senator)
• Karl Mundt (congressman, senator)

Artists & Writers

• Harvey Dunn (painter)
• Oscar Howe (Yanktonai Dakota artist)
• Laura Ingalls Wilder (author)
• Vine Deloria Jr. (author, theologian)
• Paul Goble (author, illustrator)

Other Notable South Dakotans

• Gutzon Borglum (Mount Rushmore sculptor)
• Korczak Ziolkowski (Crazy Horse Memorial sculptor)
• Hubert Humphrey (Vice President, born in Wallace)
• Calamity Jane (frontierswoman)
• Wild Bill Hickok (frontiersman, folk hero)

State Government Services

South Dakota provides a range of services to its residents through various state agencies and departments.

Health & Human Services

• Department of Health
• Department of Social Services
• Department of Human Services
• South Dakota Medicaid Program
• Behavioral Health Services

Economic Services

• Department of Labor and Regulation
• Governor's Office of Economic Development
• South Dakota Housing Development Authority
• Department of Revenue
• Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Public Safety

• Highway Patrol
• Division of Criminal Investigation
• Office of Emergency Management
• Department of Corrections
• State Fire Marshal's Office

Educational Services

• Department of Education
• Board of Regents
• State Library
• State Historical Society
• Technical Colleges System

Key Historical Documents & Landmarks

Historical documents and sites reflect South Dakota's unique heritage and development from territory to statehood.

Founding Documents

• South Dakota Constitution (1889)
• Dakota Territory Organic Act (1861)
• Fort Laramie Treaty of 1868
• Enabling Act of 1889 (statehood)
• Homestead Act documents (impacting settlement)

Historic Sites

• Fort Pierre Chouteau (oldest white settlement)
• Wounded Knee Massacre Site
• Deadwood Historic District
• Blood Run National Historic Landmark
• Verendrye Site (earliest European exploration)

Archival Repositories

• South Dakota State Archives
• Center for Western Studies
• USD Archives and Special Collections
• American Indian Research Libraries
• County Historical Societies

Native American Heritage

• Treaty Documents
• Winter Count Records
• Tribal Constitutions
• Lakota Language Preservation Records
• Tribal Historic Preservation Offices

Environmental Initiatives

South Dakota manages its diverse ecosystems through various conservation and sustainability programs.

Conservation Programs

• Wildlife Conservation Programs
• Conservation Reserve Program (over 1 million acres)
• Wetlands Reserve Program
• State Wildlife Action Plan
• Missouri River Recovery Program

Land Management

• Buffalo Gap National Grassland
• Black Hills Forest Management
• Prairie Pothole Management
• Invasive Species Control
• Fire Management Programs

Water Protection

• Watershed Protection Programs
• Nonpoint Source Pollution Control
• Big Sioux River Project
• Groundwater Protection
• Missouri River Management

Energy Initiatives

• Wind Energy Development
• Hydroelectric Power Optimization
• Renewable Energy Credits
• Ethanol Production
• Energy Efficiency Programs

Major Events & Conferences

South Dakota hosts significant gatherings in fields ranging from agriculture and tourism to technology and Native American affairs.

Agricultural Events

• Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo
• DakotaFest Farm Show
• South Dakota State Fair
• Sioux Empire Farm Show
• Beef Industry Conference

Business & Technology

• South Dakota Biotech Summit
• Governor's Economic Development Conference
• Sioux Falls Cybersecurity Conference
• Black Hills Economic Development Summit
• Manufacturing & Technology Solutions Conference

Cultural Gatherings

• Black Hills Powwow
• Festival of Cultures (Sioux Falls)
• South Dakota Festival of Books
• Native POP:People of the Plains Art Market
• South Dakota Film Festival

Tourism Industry

• Governor's Tourism Conference
• Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association Meeting
• Great Lakes of South Dakota Tourism Association Conference
• Outdoor Media Showcase
• Pheasant Hunting Season Opener Events