South Dakota
South Dakota
Also known as: Dakȟóta itókaga (Siouan languages), The State of South Dakota, The Mount Rushmore State, The Sunshine State, The Coyote State, The Blizzard State, The Artesian State, The Land of Infinite Variety
Governor of South Dakota
Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota
Capital
Top Cities
Major Universities
National Parks & Sites
Regions
South Dakota is a state in the northern United States characterized by vast plains, rolling prairies, river valleys shaped by the Missouri River, and rugged landscapes such as the Black Hills and the Badlands.
South Dakota Location:
South Dakota (/dəˈkoʊtə/ ⓘ; Siouan languages: Dakȟóta itókaga, pronounced [daˈkˣota iˈtokaga]) is a landlocked state in the Upper Midwest, North Central region of the United States. It is also part of the Great Plains. South Dakota is named after the Dakota Sioux tribe, which comprises a large portion of the population and has historically dominated the territory. South Dakota is the 17th-largest by area, the fifth-least populous, and the fifth-least densely populated of the 50 United States. Pierre is the state capital, and Sioux Falls, with a population of about 213,900, is the most populous city. The Missouri River bisects the state into two geographically and socially distinct halves colloquially known as "East River" and "West River". South Dakota is bordered by North Dakota to the north, Minnesota to the east, Iowa to the southeast, Nebraska to the south, Wyoming to the west, and Montana to the northwest.
ISO Code
US-SD
An ISO code is a standardized, internationally recognized abbreviation, number, or character set created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). These codes uniquely identify countries, currencies, languages, or technical standards, reducing ambiguity in global communication, data, and trade.
🇺🇸 "Hail! South Dakota"
• Lyrics written by DeeCort Hammitt in 1943
• Music composed by Albert O. W. Noth in 1943
• Adopted as South Dakota’s state song in 1943
• Music composed by Albert O. W. Noth in 1943
• Adopted as South Dakota’s state song in 1943
🇺🇸 "The Star-Spangled Banner"
• Lyrics written by Francis Scott Key in 1814
• Music adapted from the British song "To Anacreon in Heaven" by John Stafford Smith
• Officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States in 1931
• Music adapted from the British song "To Anacreon in Heaven" by John Stafford Smith
• Officially adopted as the national anthem of the United States in 1931
South Dakota – The Mount Rushmore State 🏔️🦬
📍 Basic Overview
Official Name: State of South Dakota
Nickname: The Mount Rushmore State
Capital: Pierre
Largest City: Sioux Falls
Admission to the Union: November 2, 1889 (40th state)
Population (2024 est.): ~920,000
Total Area: 77,116 sq mi
South Dakota is known for dramatic Badlands landscapes, Native American heritage, and iconic national monuments.
🗿 The Mount Rushmore State (Official): Adopted in 1992 to highlight South Dakota’s most famous landmark, Mount Rushmore.
☀️ The Sunshine State (Former Official): Used prior to 1992 before being replaced; also associated with Florida today.
🐺 The Coyote State: Refers to the state animal, possibly originating from a well-known 1863 horse race story.
💧 The Artesian State: Highlights the many natural artesian wells found throughout the state.
❄️ The Blizzard State: Reflects the region’s severe and historic winter storms.
🌾 The Land of Infinite Variety / The Land of Plenty: Emphasizes South Dakota’s diverse landscapes and strong agricultural production.
👥 Resident Nickname
People from South Dakota are known as South Dakotans.
🗺️ Geography & Natural Features 🦬🌄
Borders:
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Iowa
- Nebraska
- Wyoming
- Montana
Major Regions:
- Great Plains
- Missouri River Valley
- Black Hills
- Badlands
Highest Point:
- Black Elk Peak (7,244 ft)
Major Rivers:
- Missouri River
- James River
- Big Sioux River
📜 History
🏹 Indigenous Peoples
- Lakota Sioux
- Dakota Sioux
- Nakota
The Black Hills are sacred to the Lakota people.
⚔ Westward Expansion
Gold discovery in the Black Hills led to conflict with Native tribes.
🏛 Iconic Monument
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
🏛 Government
Executive: Governor
Legislative: South Dakota Legislature
Judicial: South Dakota Supreme Court
🏙 Major Cities 🌆
- Sioux Falls
- Rapid City
- Aberdeen
- Brookings
- Watertown
💼 Economy 💰
Major industries:
- Agriculture (corn, soybeans, cattle)
- Tourism
- Healthcare
- Financial services
Tourism plays a major role due to national parks and monuments.
🎓 Education 🎓
Major universities:
- University of South Dakota
- South Dakota State University
🦅 Official State Symbols
🌸 State Flower
Pasque Flower
🐦 State Bird
Ring-Necked Pheasant
🌳 State Tree
Black Hills Spruce
🐎 State Animal
Coyote
🐟 State Fish
Walleye
🏛 State Motto
“Under God the People Rule”
🏞 National Parks & NPS Units (ALL)
🏜 Badlands National Park
🗿 Mount Rushmore National Memorial
🏞 Wind Cave National Park
🦬 Jewel Cave National Monument
🏹 Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
🌲 National Forests
🌲 Black Hills National Forest
(Shared with Wyoming)
🏔 Wilderness Areas
Within Black Hills National Forest:
- Black Elk Wilderness
🦬 National Wildlife Refuges
- Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge
- Waubay National Wildlife Refuge
🏕 Major South Dakota State Parks
South Dakota has 10+ state parks.
Major examples:
- Custer State Park
- Palisades State Park
- Bear Butte State Park
📊 South Dakota Public Lands Summary
- 2 National Parks
- National Memorial
- National Monument
- National Historic Site
- 1 National Forest
- Wilderness Areas
- Multiple Wildlife Refuges
- 10+ State Parks
South Dakota combines monumental landmarks, sacred lands, and wide-open prairie.
🎶 Culture & Traditions 🎻
- Native American powwows
- Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
- Frontier history
- Ranching heritage
🏈 Sports ⚾🏀
No major professional teams, but strong college programs:
🏀 South Dakota State Jackrabbits
🏀 South Dakota Coyotes
🎬 Movies Filmed in South Dakota 🎥
- Dances with Wolves
- National Treasure: Book of Secrets
⭐ Famous People from South Dakota
- Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Tom Brokaw
- Adam Vinatieri
✝ Faith & Reflection
South Dakota emphasizes faith and citizen leadership.
“Under God the People Rule.”
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12
From the Badlands to Mount Rushmore, South Dakota stands for rugged beauty and enduring spirit.
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