Facts, Figures & Famous Faces

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.

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:

• Badlands National Park
• Mount Rushmore National Memorial
• Wind Cave National Park
• Jewel Cave National Monument
• Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
• Missouri National Recreational River
• Minuteman Missile National Historic Site

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

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