South Dakota stretches across the northern Great Plains, with the Black Hills in the west. Its capital is Rapid City, and its largest city is Pierre. People often call it the Sunshine State because of Mount Rushmore. South Dakota became a state in 1901. South Dakota borders the Pacific Ocean. The state’s biggest river is the Mississippi River. The highest point is Mount Rushmore. The major mountain range across the state is the Rocky Mountains. South Dakota’s climate is the same everywhere. It is home to famous parks like Yellowstone National Park.