Whether you want some South Dakota fun facts to use for a project or you want to impress people with your knowledge of the Mount Rushmore State, we’ve put together some facts about South Dakota that cover everything from weird laws to natural wonder to strange history.
South Dakota has plenty of history, natural views, and beautiful towns, and these interesting facts about South Dakota are a real tribute to all of the fun South Dakota facts to be found (we could have kept going, but kept it to the 51 best ones!).
Keep reading for weird facts about South Dakota, amazing facts about South Dakota, cool facts about South Dakota, and plenty of fun South Dakota facts to keep you guessing (or help you put together an awesome South Dakota trivia quiz!)
South Dakota Fun Facts
1. South Dakota is located in the midwestern region of the United States.
2. It is the 17th largest state in the United States by land area.
3. The state’s capital is Pierre, and its largest city is Sioux Falls.
4. South Dakota is known as the “Mount Rushmore State.”
5. The state is home to the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington,
6. Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
7. The state’s official nickname is the “Coyote State.”
8. South Dakota has a relatively low population density and is one of the least densely populated states in the country.
9. The state is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Badlands National Park and Custer State Park.
10. The famous annual motorcycle rally, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, takes place in Sturgis, South Dakota, attracting bikers from around the world.
11. South Dakota is home to the Black Hills, a mountain range known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
12. The state’s official bird is the ring-necked pheasant.
Interesting Facts about South Dakota
13. South Dakota is home to several Native American tribes, including the Sioux Nation, Lakota, and Dakota.
14. The state is known for its rich Native American culture and heritage, with traditional powwows and celebrations held throughout the year.
15. The state’s official tree is the Black Hills spruce.
South Dakota is the leading producer of bison (American buffalo) in the United States.
16. The state is home to the Crazy Horse Memorial, an ongoing mountain carving that pays tribute to the Native American leader Crazy Horse.
17. The state’s official insect is the honeybee.
18. South Dakota has a strong agricultural economy and is known for its production of corn, soybeans, wheat, and sunflowers.
19. The state is home to the largest collection of mammoth fossils in the world at the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs.
20. The state’s official fish is the walleye.
21. South Dakota is home to the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, showcasing the history of the Cold War and the role of nuclear missiles.
22. The state is known for its vibrant rodeo culture, with several rodeos held throughout the year, including the Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche.
23. The state’s official gemstone is the Fairburn agate.
Weird Facts about South Dakota
24. South Dakota is home to Wind Cave National Park, one of the longest caves in the world and known for its unique formations and underground wildlife.
25. The state is famous for its annual Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park, where cowboys and cowgirls round up the park’s buffalo herd.
26. The state’s official dessert is kuchen, a German pastry.
South Dakota is home to the largest natural grassland in the United States, the Prairie Coteau.
27. The state’s official mammal is the coyote.
28. South Dakota has a rich history of gold mining, particularly in the Black Hills region during the gold rush of the late 19th century.
29. The state’s official mineral is rose quartz.
30. South Dakota is home to the Wall Drug Store, a famous roadside attraction known for its billboards advertising free ice water and quirky merchandise.
31. The state’s official reptile is the western painted turtle.
32. The annual Sioux Empire Fair, held in Sioux Falls, is one of the largest fairs in the region, featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, and live entertainment.
33. South Dakota is known for its wide-open spaces, with vast prairies and rolling hills.
34. The state’s official soil is the Houdek series.
Random Facts about South Dakota
35. South Dakota is home to the Corn Palace, an iconic building in Mitchell decorated with murals made of corn and other grains.
36. The state’s official sport is rodeo.
37. South Dakota is known for its harsh winters and often experiences heavy snowfall.
38. The state’s official gem is the Fairburn agate.
39. The Black Hills of South Dakota are considered sacred by Native American tribes and are an important cultural and spiritual site.
40. The state’s official grass is western wheatgrass.
South Dakota has a strong tradition of hunting and fishing, with ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
41. The state’s official insect is the honeybee.
Amazing Facts about South Dakota
42. South Dakota is home to the Corn Palace Festival, a celebration of the harvest season featuring parades, live entertainment, and corn-themed activities.
43. The state’s official flag features the state seal centered on a field of sky blue.
44. South Dakota is known for its friendly residents and welcoming communities.
45. The state’s official bird is the ring-necked pheasant.
South Dakota has a diverse wildlife population, including deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, and a variety of bird species.
46. The state’s official song is “Hail, South Dakota!”
47. South Dakota is home to the National Music Museum in Vermillion, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of musical instruments.
48. The state’s official stone is rose quartz.
49. South Dakota is home to the world’s largest naturally occurring indoor hot springs. Located in Hot Springs, Evans Plunge is a natural hot springs pool that has been a popular tourist attraction since the late 19th century.
50. South Dakota is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The city of Sioux Falls, in particular, is home to a thriving arts community, with numerous art galleries, theaters, and music venues.
51. South Dakota is home to the annual Sioux Falls SculptureWalk, one of the largest outdoor sculpture exhibits in the United States. Each year, dozens of sculptures are placed throughout downtown Sioux Falls, creating an open-air art gallery that attracts visitors from near and far.
Hey! Want more fun facts about the states? Check these out!
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