South Dakota
From Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, to Custer State Park –– there are so many iconic outdoor destinations to visit here in South Dakota. The diverse and unique landscapes scattered throughout the state are all absolutely breathtaking. It is just one of those states that are filled with so many beautiful destinations and unexpected adventures.
Get to know more about South Dakota here.
Geography
South Dakota is located in the upper midwestern part of the United States. It is the 17th largest state in the country, but it also happens to be one of the least dense or least populated states. South Dakota is, in fact, the fifth least populated and least dense state in the country. The state is bordered by North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana from all sides.
The state is also bisected by the Missouri River which then divides the state into two halves or two distinct geographic regions. Namely, the East River and the West River. The eastern part is blessed with fertile soil that makes it perfect for agriculture. The Western part, on the other hand, has an economy more dependent on tourism and defense spending.
It is true that grasses and crops cover most of South Dakota’s whole. The only region that is distinctly different from the rest of the state is the Black Hills area. Black Hills’ ecology is pretty unique due to its higher level of elevation and precipitation throughout the year. The kind of plants and trees that grow here are quite different from the rest of the state. The Black Hills region is blanketed by various types of pines. Deers, bighorns, sheep, mountain goats, and mountain lions roam the region.
History
The rich native history of South Dakota is apparent from its name alone. It is actually named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux Native American tribes that, for thousands of years, dominated the territory. The Europeans would only arrive in the area around the mid 18th century. France would, later on, claim South Dakota as part of France as an extension to the Greater Lousiana. Which, at that time, they have also taken over.
European-Americans’ interest in the land of South Dakota would intensify as they discover gold in the Black Hills region of the state. Illegal miners and explorers would then intrude and mine in the black hills region. The black hills region, however, is actually a land promises to the Lakota. It was only in the 1980s when the Supreme Court and Congress would order compensation for the treasure stolen and the land destroyed because of the mining in the ancestral lands. The Lakota refused to accept the compensation and insisted on having their land back to them.
Weather
South Dakota exhibits a continental climate that is composed of four distinct seasons. Its winters are mostly cold and dry whereas its summers are warm and semi-humid. The temperature is usually pretty moderate, but there are also instances wherein the temperature can get quite high and very dry. Precipitation is pretty localized, but it can also get quite scattered with occasional strong thunderstorms in the summer.
Winters, especially in January, can also fall several degrees below freezing temperature. Just be sure to keep an eye on the weather on the dates you are planning to visit and dress accordingly.
Key information about South Dakota
📍 Area: 199,729 km2
👥 Population: 886,667
🏛️ Capital: Pierre
🏢 Major cities: Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Deadwood
🔢 Number of counties: 66
📋 Postal Abbreviation: SD
📖 Primary language/s: English
📌 Nearby states: North Dakota, Wyoming, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Montana
Adventure Guides In South Dakota
