Discover South Dakota News

 South Dakota is a state in the **Upper Midwest** and **Great Plains** region of the United States, known for its vast open spaces, iconic landmarks, and strong agricultural roots. It became the **40th state** on November 2, 1889 (admitted simultaneously with North Dakota). With a population of approximately **935,000** as of 2025 estimates (around 46th in the U.S.), it is one of the least populous and least densely populated states, covering about 77,116 square miles (17th in area).

### Geography and Climate

The **Missouri River** bisects the state into two distinct halves: "East River" (more fertile farmland, glacial lakes, and prairies) and "West River" (rugged Badlands, Black Hills, and more arid terrain). It borders North Dakota to the north, Minnesota and Iowa to the east, Nebraska to the south, and Wyoming and Montana to the west. Key features include the **Black Hills** (a forested mountain oasis in the west), **Badlands National Park**, the geographic center of the contiguous U.S. (near Belle Fourche), and a continental divide affecting river flows. The climate is continental—cold, snowy winters and warm summers—with wide temperature swings and occasional blizzards. This supports ranching, farming, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

Major cities include:

- **Sioux Falls** — the largest (population around 200,000–225,000 recently), a growing economic hub.

- **Rapid City** — gateway to the Black Hills (around 75,000–82,000).

- Others: Aberdeen, Brookings, and the small capital **Pierre** (pronounced "peer").

### History

Named after the Dakota Sioux people, the region was home to Indigenous tribes for millennia. It was part of the Louisiana Purchase (1803), explored by Lewis and Clark, and saw settlement accelerate with the Dakota Territory. The **Black Hills Gold Rush** (1870s) brought rapid growth and conflicts, including the Battle of Little Bighorn and Wounded Knee. Statehood came amid homesteading and railroad expansion. The 20th century featured the carving of **Mount Rushmore** (completed 1941) and development of tourism and agriculture. South Dakota has nine federally recognized Native American tribes and significant reservation lands.

### Culture and Famous For

South Dakota celebrates its Western, Native American, and pioneer heritage with a "land of infinite variety" feel:

- **Nicknames**: **The Mount Rushmore State** (official), plus historical ones like the Coyote State or Land of Infinite Variety.

- **Landmarks** — **Mount Rushmore** (presidents Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln), **Crazy Horse Memorial** (ongoing), Badlands, Wind Cave and Jewel Cave National Parks, Custer State Park (bison herds), and the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

- **Outdoors** — Hiking, fishing (walleye), pheasant hunting (state bird), and scenic drives through the Black Hills or along the Missouri River.

- **Food and Traditions** — Chislic (cubed meat), Indian tacos, walleye, and hearty farm/ranch fare. Strong agricultural fairs, powwows, and rodeos.

- **Other** — State symbols include the Black Hills spruce (tree), coyote (animal), and honeybee (insect). The culture blends rugged individualism, community values, and respect for Native heritage.

### Economy

The economy is driven by:

- **Agriculture** — Corn, soybeans, wheat, cattle, and hogs; a cornerstone with strong exports.

- **Tourism** — Second-largest industry, fueled by national parks, monuments, and events like Sturgis.

- **Other** — Finance/insurance (Sioux Falls has a notable sector), manufacturing, mining, healthcare, and energy.

It often features low unemployment, no state income tax on wages in some contexts (though it has sales and property taxes), and steady growth, though rural areas face challenges like out-migration and workforce needs. Median household income ranks mid-tier nationally.

### Government and Current Notes (as of March 2026)

- **Governor**: Larry Rhoden (Republican), who succeeded Kristi Noem and has focused on an "Open for Opportunity" agenda.

- South Dakota has a Republican trifecta. The 2026 legislative session recently concluded, passing a $7.5 billion budget, property tax relief measures (including options for counties to use sales tax for reductions), a five-year moratorium on lab-grown meat, airport expansions, education investments (e.g., manufacturing labs), and other bills on public safety, deepfakes, and abortion-related policies. Governor Rhoden has emphasized fiscal discipline, economic development, low taxes, and opportunity amid slightly lower tax revenues in prior periods.

For visitors, **TravelSouthDakota.com** is the official site for planning trips to Mount Rushmore, the Badlands, Black Hills adventures, wildlife loops, Native cultural sites, or Sioux Falls' urban amenities. The state offers dramatic contrasts—from rolling prairies and glacial lakes in the east to pine-covered mountains and eroded buttes in the west—making it ideal for road trips, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts.

What specifically about South Dakota interests you—Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, Badlands/outdoor activities, agriculture and rural life, Native American heritage, current politics/economy, travel tips, or something else?