SOUTH DAKOTA
The expansive and sparsely populated midwestern state of South Dakota is often referred to as “the land of infinite variety” and is ranked 16th in size among the 50 states. With its temperate continental climate, South Dakota has four seasons and has expansive fertile land used to grow a wide range of crops. Tourism and defense spending dominate the state’s economy.
It is also home to the famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial, one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Dakota and the entire country. Check out our travel guides below and enjoy your travels to this beautiful state.
First, a little history…
Sioux Native American tribes predominantly inhabited South Dakota before the French explorer came to the region. The state was later sold to the United States in 1803 through the Louisiana Purchase. Although the population was confined to the southeast, the gold search during the 1870s led to a population spread to the western part of Dakota Territory as well. As a result, North and South Dakota are the two states that were simultaneously added to the union. South Dakota became the 40th state of the United States in 1889. There are many Indian tribes who call this home.
Travel Guides for this State
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Major Attractions
Mount Rushmore National Monument
Mount Rushmore National Monument is home to the widely featured colossal sculpture of the four presidents; George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt. The statue is a work of art and is majestically carved into the side of the mountain and is one of the major tourist attractions of South Dakota. Gutzon Borglum did the carvings and took several years to complete them. The Lincoln-Borglum Visitor center is also part of the site and a great place to visit. If you want a closer look at the monument, you can climb the Presidential Trail, which offers a much closer look at this work of art.
Mammoth Site
Mammoth Site, in Hot Springs, is one of the most popular attractions in the region. It displays many Columbian Mammoth bones that make for a fascinating site. On display are some partially covered mammoth bones for the visitors to witness what they were actually like when found. This display is at a covered and climate-controlled building. To know the evacuation process better, guided tours are also available.
Spearfish Canyon
Known for its spruce pine trees, waterfalls, and cliff walls, the Spearfish Canyon is one of the region’s most scenic places and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
Besides its scenic view and natural features, it is also an excellent place for hiking, with several popular hiking trails like Bridal Veil, Rough Lock Falls, Spearfish Peak, and Little Crow Peak. Although the picturesque views and natural abundance make Spearfish Canyon worth visiting throughout the year, the fall season is the best time to visit because of the changing colors that take its beauty to a different level.
Some other notable place and attractions:
National Music Museum
Sertoma Butterfly House and Marine Cove
Old Courthouse Museum
Wind Cave National Park
Good Earth State Park at Blood Run
National Parks in South Dakota
Two great parks, lots of wildlife, and a beautiful drive through them both!
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“Travel not to find yourself, but to remember who you’ve been all along!”