Mount Rushmore National Memorial

South Dakota Facts, Figures & Famous Faces

Written by: TravelSouthDakota.com Staff Writer

South Dakota is famously home to Mount Rushmore National Memorial… but there’s much more to the state than that! In fact, South Dakota is often called “the land of infinite variety,” which is reflected in everything from our weather and scenery to our economy, state symbols and famous folks. Read on to discover surprising facts and things South Dakota is known for.

South Dakota Quick Facts

State Population: 909,824 according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 Population Estimate
Square Miles: 77,123 (16th in size among the 50 states). That’s just 10 people per square mile!
State Capital: Pierre (pronounced "peer")
Statehood: 1889 (the 40th state to join the Union)
Biggest City: Sioux Falls
Highest Point: Black Elk Peak (7,242 feet), the highest point in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains
Tallest Building: CenturyLink Tower, Sioux Falls (174 feet)

State Symbols

State Animal: Coyote
State Tree: Black Hills spruce
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: Honeybee
State Fossil: Triceratops
State Flower: Pasqueflower
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."

Black Elk Peak, the highest point in the U.S. east of the Rocky Mountains

Pheasant with a hunter blurred out in the background — Ring-necked pheasant

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 parts of the state. Lakes formed by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago cover the northeastern corner of South Dakota. With so much nature, exploration and diverse terrain, find out 9 Unique Ways to Explore the Outdoors in South Dakota.

Time Zones

South Dakota spans two time zones: the Central Time Zone and the Mountain Time Zone. The western half of the state, which includes Mount Rushmore, follows Mountain Time. Rapid City, the largest city in this region, is located within the Mountain Time Zone. Sioux Falls, the state's largest city, is located within the Central Time Zone. Pierre, the state's capital, is in Central Time Zone, but driving over the bridge to Fort Pierre puts you in Mountain Time Zone.

Weather & Climate

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
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. Read more about the weather and seasons of South Dakota.

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, which remains 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.

Culture

South Dakota was named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux tribes that have historically dominated the territory. Today, Native people comprise a large portion of the population — approximately 71,800, with nine tribal reservations currently in the state. To truly experience South Dakota, one must explore its deep-rooted Indigenous history and culture.

The Great 8 Ways to Experience Native Culture in South Dakota

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.

National & State Parks

There are currently seven National Park Service sites throughout the state, many of which are included in the Great 8 attractions that put South Dakota on the map:

In addition, there are 63 state parks and recreation areas that showcase the state's diverse terrain and landscapes.

Events & Celebrations

South Dakota is a state that loves its outdoor events and annual festivities. Any time of year, expect big ways to celebrate culture, history, the outdoors, long-standing traditions, cuisine and more — from the iconic Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Indigenous powwows and the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival to rodeos, food festivals and the South Dakota State Fair.

Discover more events for every season.

Famous South Dakotans

Leaders & Politicians

Hubert Humphrey — Vice President under Lyndon Johnson
George McGovern — former U.S. Senator and 1972 Democratic presidential candidate
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

News & 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"

Indigenous

Crazy Horse — Oglala Lakota chief
Sitting Bull — Hunkpapa Lakota chief
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)
Dr. Jacob Weasel — first Native American to summit Mount Everest (Cheyenne River)

Artists & 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
Doug Murano — editor, winner of Bram Stoker Award and Shirley Jackson Award

Athletes & 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
Tucker Kraft — professional football

So Much More South Dakota to Explore

Another adventure is always waiting just around the bend! Get inspired and say #HiFromSD to share your vacation experiences.

About the Author

TravelSouthDakota.com Staff Writer. This article was authored by Travel South Dakota's team of writers and editors. We’re passionate about sharing the best of South Dakota, whether it's exploring national and state parks, road-tripping, diving into local culture or uncovering hidden gems. Some of us grew up here, others got here as fast as we could — but we’re all on the lookout for the best spots to eat, stay and experience in the land of Great Faces, Great Places.