South Dakota has often been referred to as "the land of infinite variety." That variety is reflected in everything from our weather and scenery to our economy, state symbols and famous folks. South Dakota ranks 16th in size among the 50 states. It was the 40th state to join the Union in 1889 and encompasses 77,123 square miles, averaging 10 people per square mile. South Dakota boasts more miles of shoreline than the state of Florida and the highest point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains.

Population: 884,659 (2019 U.S. Census estimate)

State Animal: Coyote

State Tree: Black Hills Spruce

Highest Point: Black Elk Peak (formerly Harney Peak) in the Black Hills, 7,242 feet

State Capital: Pierre (pronounced "peer")

State Bird: Chinese ring-necked pheasant

State Mineral: Rose Quartz

State Fish: Walleye

State Gemstone: Fairburn Agate

State Nickname: The Mount Rushmore State

State Insect: Honey Bee

State Fossil: Triceratops

Statehood: 1889

State Flower: Pasque

State Soil: Houdek

State Sport: Rodeo

State Nosh: Chislic

State Dessert: Kuchen

State Song: "Hail, South Dakota"

State Motto: "Under God, the people rule"

State Slogan: "Great Faces. Great Places."



Geography

Sprawling prairies, fertile farmland and glacial lakes dominate the landscape in eastern South Dakota. Prairies and ranchland are common in central South Dakota. Mountains grace the western skyline, and in the southwest, striking Badlands formations rise abruptly from the surrounding prairie. The Missouri River runs through the central and southeastern part of the state. Lakes formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago cover the northeastern corner of South Dakota.

Climate/Weather

South Dakota has four distinct seasons: mild weather with showers in spring; sunshine, warm temperatures, and some humidity in summer; crisp, cool evenings in fall; and mild to extreme cold in winter. Like most places, the climate varies depending upon location. The state is divided by the Missouri River, with the eastern half typically seeing more regular humidity and precipitation, and the western half experiencing drier conditions.

Location

South Dakota is located in the upper middle of the United States. Our neighboring states include Minnesota and Iowa to the east, Nebraska to the south, Wyoming and Montana to the west, and North Dakota to the north. Interstate 90 runs east to west, from Minnesota to Wyoming, and Interstate 29 runs north to south on the eastern side of South Dakota, entering from North Dakota and exiting to Iowa.

Economy

The state has a strong agricultural base. It is the largest industry in the state. South Dakota routinely ranks among the top 10 states for the production of hay, sunflowers, rye, honey, soybeans, corn, wheat and cattle. Tourism is also a significant contributor, bringing in about $2 billion, annually. The service sector, retail trade and manufacturing industries account for the majority of the state's employment.

South Dakota Flag

The South Dakota flag features the state seal surrounded by a blazing sun in a field of sky blue. "South Dakota, The Mount Rushmore State" is arranged in a circle around the sun.

Famous South Dakotans



Leaders and Politicians

Tom Daschle - former U.S. Senator and Senate Majority/Minority Leader

Joseph Foss - WWII fighter ace, South Dakota Governor (1955-59), commissioner of the American Football League

Hubert Humphrey - vice president under Lyndon Johnson

George McGovern - former U.S. Senator and 1972 Democratic presidential candidate

News and Entertainment

Bob Barker - former host of The Price Is Right

Tom Brokaw - former NBC Nightly News anchor

Mary Hart - former Entertainment Tonight co-host

Cheryl Ladd - actress, Charlie's Angels

Al Neuharth - founder of USA Today and the Freedom Forum

Pat O'Brien - former Access Hollywood co-host

Shawn Colvin - singer and songwriter

January Jones - actress, Mad Men and X-Men: First Class

Native Americans

Crazy Horse - Native American chief (Oglala Lakota)

Sitting Bull - Native American chief (Hunkpapa Lakota)

Kevin Locke - hoop dancer and flute player (Standing Rock Lakota)

Billy Mills - Olympic athlete and humanitarian (Oglala Lakota)

Benjamin Reifel - former U.S. Congressman and U.S. Commissioner of Indian Affairs (Rosebud Lakota)

Russell Means - actor and activist (Oglala Lakota)

Oscar Howe - artist (Yanktonai Dakota)

Artists and Authors

Harvey Dunn - famed prairie artist

Terry Redlin - popular American artist

L. Frank Baum - author, The Wizard of Oz

Laura Ingalls Wilder - author, Little House on the Prairie books

Athletes and Sports Figures

Sparky Anderson - former baseball manager

Casey Tibbs - professional rodeo, bronc rider

Adam Vinatieri - professional football

Chad Greenway - professional football

Mike Miller - professional basketball

Becky Hammon - professional basketball

Brock Lesnar - professional wrestling