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State of South Dakota

Named for the Dakota branch of the Sioux Indian Nation, the State of South Dakota is a state that tells the story of America"s westward expansion in a way that just can"t be found elsewhere in the country. From gold strikes to battles with the Indians, South Dakota is one state that fulfills the typical Hollywood image of the Old West. However, visitors to this fascinating state will find that the story of South Dakota is much more interesting than any Hollywood western that they have ever seen. All in all, South Dakota offers visitors the adventure of a lifetime.

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south dakota indian teepee
south dakota tire men
south dakota mount rushmore

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Famous South Dakota Quotes

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"South Dakota is a great state because of its values, not because of dependence on government."

by: Laura Ingraham

Did You Know: The faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are sculpted into Mount Rushmore the world"s greatest mountain carving.

South Dakota's Natural Attractions

One of South Dakota's finest natural attractions is Badlands National Park near Rapid City. This national park comprises 244,000 acres of protected land that features wildlife like bison and antelope. In addition to this, there are numerous fossils that are found within the park that provide an interesting look into this land's geological past. With hundreds of miles of hiking trails and numerous other activities for visitors, Badlands National Park is one natural attraction that nature lovers will definitely enjoy.

Another fantastic natural attraction in South Dakota is the Black Hills National Forest near Deadwood. This magnificent forest covers an area of 125 miles long and 65 miles wide and features some of the most majestic rock formations and canyons found anywhere in the United States. In addition to its rock formations, this forest offers some of the finest biking and hiking trails found anywhere in the United States. All in all, visitors to Black Hills National Forest leave with a deeper appreciation for the gorgeous natural beauty found in this region.

South Dakota's Cultural Attractions

Besides having numerous magnificent natural attractions, South Dakota possesses a wide assortment of fabulous cultural attractions. One of the state's finest cultural attractions is the Crazy Horse Memorial in Crazy Horse. This massive sculpture is larger than Mount Rushmore and it is one of the most significant testaments to the culture of Native Americans to be found anywhere in the entire country. Visitors to this massive memorial are certainly going to be impressed by its sheer size and by the in-depth exhibits available at this attraction. All in all, the Crazy Horse Memorial stands as one of the finest tributes to American Indians ever to be seen.

Another fascinating cultural attraction is the Mitchell Corn Palace in Mitchell. This amazing venue introduces visitors to a world of fabulous artwork crafted from corn. With wall-spanning murals and intricately detailed dioramas of world-famous landmarks, the Mitchell Corn Palace is definitely one cultural attraction you will want to see on your journey through South Dakota.

One other interesting cultural attraction that travelers to South Dakota will want to see is Wall Drug Store in the town of Wall. This drug store got its start during the depths of the Great Depression in the 1930s. In order to revive the store and the town of Wall, the owner started offering free ice water and posted signs along the route to nearby Mount Rushmore advertising the store's free ice water. Over time, tourists to the area became intrigued and stopped in at the store. As the years have passed, Wall Drug Store has become a destination unto itself. Today, the store boasts over 75,000 square feet of shopping with just about any item you could desire. Overall, Wall Drug Store offers visitors a fascinating look at the ingenuity of the American businessman.

South Dakota's Historical Attractions

When it comes to historical attractions in South Dakota, Adams Museum in Deadwood without a doubt is one of the most captivating historical attractions to be found anywhere. This fantastic historical museum features interactive exhibits that acquaint visitors with the daily life of South Dakota's early European settlers. With in-depth displays that share the brave stories of these people, travelers to the Adams Museum begin to get the true story of how the American West was settled. All in all, the spectacular artwork and photographs dispel the myths that many visitors have held of the westward expansion of the United States and give them a vivid look into what life was really like for South Dakota's early settlers. On the whole, a visit to the Adams Museum definitely needs to be a part of your trip if you want to truly understand what life was like during the earliest days of modern South Dakota.

One other spectacular historical attraction in South Dakota is Boothill Tours in Deadwood. This tour takes travelers through the historic streets of Deadwood and educates visitors about the events that occurred in this storied town. From famous graves to interesting glances back into the cultural history of Deadwood, the expertly narrated tours of Boothill Tours definitely lets visitors get a taste for the unique history of this enchanting region of America. All in all, a tour of Deadwood with Boothill Tours will be the highlight of the trip for anyone interested in the history of the development of South Dakota.

Once you look at everything South Dakota has to offer as a destination, it is easy to see why visitors rave about this fascinating state being one of America's finest locations. With historical attractions, natural beauty, and spectacular cultural attractions, South Dakota has something to offer everyone who visits this magnificent state. In the end, the combination of all these factors will make a trip to South Dakota an adventure to remember for the rest of your life.

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This interactive map of South Dakota is provided by Google

 

Other Useful Sites about South Dakota state
These South Dakota State sites have been curated by our editorial team


Government

South Dakota Governor Official website of the Lt. Governor of South Dakota
South Dakota State Government - Official Site
South Dakota Office of the Treasurer - The Official Homepage
South Dakota Secretary of State - Secretary of State, Jason M. Grant
South Dakota Unified Judicial System - provides information regarding Court schedules, court records, and more on legal matters

Business & Development

Kemink Land Company - A land broker that specializes in ranch and farm land
South Dakota Housing Development Authority - assists people purchase their first home in South Dakota with low-interest loans, down payment assistance and homebuyer education
South Dakota Business Directory - A South Dakota business directory of South Dakota business websites and business services.
Black Hills South Dakota Business Directory & Community Portal - Black Hills South Dakota Business Directory with News, Employment and Classifieds, Real Estate and Homes for Sale, Sports and Events Calendar
South Dakota Rural Enterprise - Innovative Community Development solutions, creating community opportunity. Their purpose is to stimulate financial and human investment in South Dakota communities that are invested in themselves.

Education & Training

University of South Dakota - is the state's flagship institution, the oldest university and is designated as the only public liberal arts university in South Dakota. We're the big-time university with a small-college feel.
Kilian Community College - to ensure that students receive a high quality eduction. They believe that if students are provided with strong opportunities and support systems, they can be successful in reaching their academic and life goals.
Homeownership Education Resource Organization (HERO) - an independent 501(c)(3), provides homeownership education professionals with standards of learning objectives to advance homeownership through high quality, consistent education giving South Dakotans a better opportunity to achieve and maintain homeownership.
South Dakota State University - They offers Distance Education. offers a variety of degree programs online. Take some time to explore the options to find a program suited for you that you can complete online anytime and anywhere.

Organizations & Associations

State Bar of South Dakota/ - responsible to the South Dakota Supreme Court for the admission and discipline process. The Bar also provides continuing legal education and other member services.
South Dakota Amateur Softball Association - the Official website that provides links, news games standings and schedules
Association of South Dakota Museums - Dedicated to preserving, interpreting and disseminating the unique and ever‐changing cultural heritage within the state of South Dakota
South Dakota Dental Association- The membership organization of dentists and allied dental staff in South Dakota. Their mission is to promote the art and science of dentistry and the oral health of the public; educate the public on the benefits of quality preventive and restorative dentistry as provided by the entire dental health care team; and be of service to its members regarding practice health and their general welfare.
South Dakota Nonprofit Association - A membership organization working to strengthen our state's nonprofit sector by providing member organizations with the tools they need to carry out their missions. SDNA provides leadership training to member organizations, advocates for the nonprofit sector as a whole, and facilitates networking opportunities.

Health & Families

Focus Adolescent Services - A guide for families with troubled teens. They provide information and resources to empower individuals to help their teens and heal their families.
The YMCA of Sioux Falls - an inclusive organization of men, women and children joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and supporting our neighbors.
South Dakota Health Occupations for Today and Tomorrow - A program to address this critical need for healthcare workers in the state. Health Occupations for Today and Tomorrow (HOTT) focuses on health career information and opportunities for South Dakota students at all grade levels.
Healthy South Dakota - To help South Dakotans become more physically active and eat healthier foods
The South Dakota Health Care Association (SDHCA) - The leading trade association representing long term care organizations, including skilled nursing care, assisted living, and congregate living throughout South Dakota.

Arts & Culture

South Dakota Arts Council - state agency serving South Dakotans and their communities through the arts. Recognizing the importance of creativity in the lives of all South Dakotans, the Council makes quality arts accessible throughout the state by providing grants, services and information to artists, arts organizations, schools and the public.
Timber Lake & Area Museum - offers exhibits on cultural and natural history along with artistic heritage
South Dakotans for the Arts Information & Resources - The Arts Alive Network provides information for arts organizations and administrators, arts educators and students, legislators and policy makers, artists and performers, anyone interested in the arts and culture of and by South Dakotans.
South Dakota Artists Network (SDAN - A community of artists (painters, sculptors, crafters, writers, musicians, potters) supporting art and creative expression
Redlin Art Center - The official website of Terry Redlin and the Redlin Art Center. Terry Redlin's interest in out‐of‐doors themes can be traced to his childhood in Watertown, South Dakota.

Recreation & Sports

South Dakota Pheasant Hunting - online guide for pheasant hunting in the state located in Sandhills
South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame - dedicated to the preservation, documentation and display of South Dakota's sports history. Each year outstanding athletes, coaches and contributors are selected to the Hall of Fame.
Great Bear Ski Valley - The best skiing in Eastern South Dakota
Lewis and Clark Park - They provide recreational areas good for camping, camping cabins and RV's. They also have Resorts and Marina that you can enjoy.
The Olympic Development Program (ODP) - A national program which is designed to identify and develop talented, committed youth soccer players to represent their state, region, and country in soccer competitions. It is also intended to aid in the preparing and showcasing of the players as student/athletes for exposure into collegiate soccer programs.

Real Estate

Dakota Properties Real Estate - If you are considering selling your farm, ranch, or recreational property, or have intentions of finding one, consider working with one of their experienced real estate professionals.
CENTURY 21 Real Estate - The number 1 real estate office in the northern black hills. CENTURY 21 Dakota Belle - Spearfish Realty
South Dakota Real Estate - Farms, ranches, hunting real estate, recreational real estate, fishing real estate, horse property, cattle ranches, hobby farms and more
Homes and Land - Real Estate for sale in South Dakota by City
Farm and Home Realty - You Can Find Great Information on South Dakota Real Estate

Shopping & Entertainment

South Dakota and the South Dakota Shopping web site - Your complete guide to gift shops and shopping for South Dakota, including the beautiful Black Hills of SD! Your travel and vacation plans come alive when you enter scenic South Dakota with its numerous attractions, including entertainment, shows, plays, music events, shopping, Deadwood gambling, and Sturgis Bike Week and bike rally.
Skinner's Pub - to provide a comfortable place for your social interaction in an easygoing, good-time style. Whether you want to shoot a round of pool, throw a game of darts, have good conversation, or catch the best in live music entertainment, Skinner's is the place for you.
Southfork Lounge - A Gentlemen' Club
The Kongo Klub - An adult entertainment venue.

Tourism & Travel

South Dakota Travel - provides information about the history of South Dakota and hotels and vacation rentals and travel resources.
South Dakota Office of Tourism - Official website for the South Dakota Office of Tourism that provides travel information and best toruist destination in South Dakota
South Dakota Tourism - An online South Dakota Tourism Guide to South Dakota vacations, attractions and events located in South Dakota and throughout the Midwest.
Southeast South Dakota Tourism Association - Official Website
South Dakota Tourism - The great faces of South Dakota are proud of our great places. We want people to feel at home in our state and we go out of our way to welcome visitors. That's just one of the many priviledges and responsibilities of the South Dakota Office of Tourism. We are here to serve the people of South Dakota and all who come to explore the Mount Rushmore State.

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