Each Christmas season, the South Dakota State Capitol building in Pierre gets adorned, inside and out, for Christmas at the Capitol. Nearly 100 decorated trees line the halls and fill the rotunda. The festivities last from just before Thanksgiving to right after Christmas.
Near present-day Lemmon, mountain man Hugh Glass survived a mauling by a grizzly bear, abandonment by his traveling partners and a crawl of more than 200 miles to Fort Kiowa (near present-day Chamberlain). His tale is recounted in the 1954 book, “Lord Grizzly,” and in the 2015 movie, “The Revenant.” The annual Hugh Glass Rendezvous at Shadehill Recreation Area in late August celebrates the legend.
On August 2, 1876, James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok met his maker in Deadwood, Dakota Territory. Today, Deadwood still honors and pays homage to this great figure of the American West.
Falls Park in Sioux Falls becomes a Winter Wonderland each holiday season. From mid-November through mid-January, more than 300,000 lights twinkle from trees and light poles throughout the 123-acre park. Color-changing spotlights illuminate the falls. Festive music fills the air and warms hearts of all ages while walking or driving through the magical setting.
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When 2nd-grader Rhys came to visit South Dakota, it was too awesome for him not to write about
The Guinness Book of World Records' largest reptile zoo features gators, crocs, parrots, snakes, ancient tortoises, and a few surprises.
Prairie chickens are famously known for their unique mating dance - called "booming" - with raised feathers, brilliant colors and fancy footwork. These birds can be found across South Dakota, but especially in the central part of the state, including the Fort Pierre National Grasslands.
Czechoslovakian immigrants brought many traditions with them to South Dakota, including the love of food and music. At the annual Tabor Czech Days celebration each June, visitors come for the dining and stay for the dancing (not to mention the parade and the carnival).
