South Dakota

South Dakota is a Great Plains state in the north-central United States, home to Mount Rushmore and dramatic Badlands. Its capital is Pierre, while Sioux Falls is the largest city. It is known for its Native American heritage and wide, open landscapes.

The Missouri River divides South Dakota into the eastern farmland and the more rugged west, which holds the Black Hills, the Badlands and the prairie grasslands. The climate is continental, with hot summers and cold winters.

South Dakota culture reflects ranching, farming and strong Native American traditions among the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota peoples. Tourism centers on Mount Rushmore and the Black Hills, and the annual Sturgis motorcycle rally draws huge crowds.

Home to the Sioux nations, the region saw the Black Hills gold rush and the tragic 1890 Wounded Knee massacre. South Dakota became the 40th state in 1889, and the Mount Rushmore presidential carving was completed in 1941.