List of Counties

List of Towns

Points of Interest

Capital: Pierre

Largest city: Sioux Falls

Highest point: Harney Peak, 7,242 ft

Lowest point: Big Stone Lake

Admission to Union: November 2, 1889 (40th state)

The Missouri River is the largest and longest river in the state.

South Dakota is divided into three regions: Eastern South Dakota, Western South Dakota, and the Black Hills.

South Dakota has a continental climate with four distinct seasons, ranging from very cold winters to hot summers.

Tourism is South Dakota's second-largest industry, with Mount Rushmore being its number one tourist attraction.

Mountain Lion Season is closed.

Volunteer in South Dakota state parks

Mark plans to attend the 124th Annual South Dakota State Fair: September 3-7, 2009!

Fossils of extinct species, giant wooly mammoths and dinosaur bones have been discovered in South Dakota’s fertile fields.

The 44th Missile Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota operated 150 missile silos and 15 launch control facilities in the western part of the state

2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. August 3-9, 2009 - 69th Anniversary, It's Biker Heaven...

Dinosaur Park, Rapid City

From historic downtowns to unique art galleries to relaxing family resorts, there's plenty to see and do in the state of South Dakota.

While there are many roads to travel in South Dakota, a few hold special significance for their beauty.

Other tourist attractions include the Badlands; the World's Only Corn Palace, in Mitchell; and the city of Deadwood, where Wild Bill Hickok was killed in 1876 and where gambling was recently legalized.

State of South Dakota

South Dakota state seal

About South Dakota

Bonuses for Some South Dakota Veterans

Week of October 13, 2008
The state of South Dakota is paying a veterans' bonus of up to $500 to certain servicemembers based on monthly service during certain qualifying dates. Application forms may be obtained by writing to:

SD Veterans Bonus
500 E. Capitol
Pierre, SD 57501, 

or by calling 605-773-7251. Writers should include their service branch and dates of service, street or post office box number, city, state and zip code. South Dakota residents can apply through the nearest county or tribal veterans service officer. For more information, visit the South Dakota Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs website.