South Dakota - The Mount Rushmore State

Mt. Rushmore

South Dakota

Welcome to South Dakota

South Dakota lies in the heart of the Great Plains, where rolling prairies meet dramatic rock formations. The state is divided by the Missouri River, with the eastern side home to fertile farmland and growing cities like Sioux Falls, while the western side showcases rugged beauty and wide-open spaces. South Dakota became the 40th state in 1889 and is known for its strong Native American heritage and connection to the Lakota Sioux people.

Land of Monuments and Legends

One of South Dakota’s most famous landmarks is Mount Rushmore, featuring the carved faces of four U.S. presidents. Nearby, the Crazy Horse Memorial honors Native American history and culture. The Black Hills region is filled with scenic drives, caves, and wildlife, while the Badlands display striking rock layers shaped by erosion over millions of years. Visitors can also explore the historic town of Deadwood, where the legends of the Old West come to life.

Spirit of the Plains

South Dakota celebrates its agricultural roots, outdoor adventures, and vibrant festivals. From rodeos and powwows to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the state’s spirit is one of independence, endurance, and pride in its land and people.

South Dakota Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Midwest (Great Plains)
  1. Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills, features the faces of four U.S. presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
  2. South Dakota and North Dakota were admitted to the Union on the same day—President Benjamin Harrison shuffled the papers so no one knows which came first.
  3. The Crazy Horse Memorial, still under construction, is the world’s largest mountain carving project.
  4. Badlands National Park contains one of the richest fossil beds in the world, including ancient rhinos and saber-toothed cats.
  5. Pierre, the capital city, is one of the smallest state capitals by population in the U.S.
  6. The state is divided by the Missouri River into “East River” and “West River” regions with distinct cultures and landscapes.
  7. South Dakota’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally draws hundreds of thousands of bikers every August.
  8. The Homestake Mine in Lead was once the largest and deepest gold mine in North America.
  9. The Ring-necked Pheasant, an introduced species, has become one of South Dakota’s most recognized symbols and a favorite game bird.
  10. Wind Cave National Park, established in 1903, is one of the oldest national parks and the first created to protect a cave system.
Population Approximately 909,000 (2025 estimate)
Area 77,116 square miles (199,729 km²)
Statehood November 2, 1889 (40th state)
Capital City Pierre
Largest City Sioux Falls
Abbreviation SD
Nickname The Mount Rushmore State
Geography Features the Black Hills, Great Plains, Badlands, and rolling prairies; bisected by the Missouri River.
Bordering States North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana
Economy Based on agriculture (corn, soybeans, cattle), manufacturing, tourism (especially Mount Rushmore and the Badlands), and finance.
State Tree Black Hills Spruce
State Bird Ring-necked Pheasant

Our Content
South Dakota Map

Interactive and Printable South Dakota Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable North Dakota maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own North Dakota map.

Deadwood

History of South Dakota

South Dakota became a state in 1889, joining the Union at the same time as North Dakota. Before that, it was home to Native American tribes such as the Sioux and was part of the western frontier explored during the 1800s.
Calamity Jane

Famous People from South Dakota

Two of the most famous people from South Dakota’s history are Crazy Horse, a Lakota leader who fought to protect his people’s land and culture, and Calamity Jane, a fearless frontierswoman known for her adventures in the Wild West town of Deadwood. Both became enduring symbols of bravery and the spirit of the American frontier.
Comprehension

South Dakota Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
South Dakota Symbols Coloring

Fun South Dakota Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational South Dakota-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to South Dakota' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Fun South Dakota and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as South Dakota or Not South Dakota, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.