Welcome to Mount Rushmore State, where the landscapes are breathtaking, the history is rich, and the buffalo still roam. South Dakota is a state full of surprises and fascinating tales, from the home of the world’s largest reptile zoo to the birthplace of the legendary Wild West figure, Calamity Jane. Whether you’re a fan of nature, culture, or just trivia, there’s something for everyone in South Dakota. So, grab a buffalo burger, and let’s discover 20 amazing South Dakota facts that will make you say, “Wow, I had no idea!”
1-5 Fun Facts about South Dakota
1. North Dakota and South Dakota are two separate states with a unique backstory. The states were initially going to be one, but couldn’t agree on where the capital should be, leading to their eventual separation.
2. South Dakota may not be the biggest-state in the US, but it’s no small fry either! In fact, with an area of 77,116 mi² (199,729 km²), it’s the same size as Kyrgyzstan and almost as big as Senegal.
3. Sitting pretty between Nebraska and Washington state, South Dakota is the 17th largest state in the nation. That’s plenty of room for cowboys, farmers, and Mount Rushmore!
4. With a population of just under 900,000, South Dakota is one of the least populous states in the US. But hey, who needs crowds when you’ve got wide-open spaces and the Badlands?
5. Speaking of wide-open spaces, South Dakota’s population density is the 5th lowest in the country. That means you can enjoy your bison burgers in peace, without anyone breathing down your neck!
6-10 Interesting Facts about South Dakota
6. If you’re looking for the hustle and bustle of a big city, you won’t find it in South Dakota’s capital, Pierre. With a population of just 14,000, it’s the second smallest state capital in the US. But don’t let its size fool you – this little city has plenty of charm!
7. Of course, we can’t talk about South Dakota without mentioning its most famous attraction: Mount Rushmore. This towering monument, with its carvings of four US presidents’ faces, has earned the state the nickname “The Mount Rushmore State.” We bet even George Washington himself would be impressed!
8. Its official state motto is “Under God the People Rule.”
9. South Dakota loves milk so much that it made it the official state beverage, just like 21 other states.
10. There are more cows than people in South Dakota, with a whopping four cows per human!
11-15 Facts about South Dakota
11. The land of South Dakota is home to a colorful array of over 175 butterfly species, fluttering their wings across the state’s picturesque landscape.
12. South Dakota is a bird watcher’s paradise, boasting a variety of over 400 bird species, including 200 natives to the Black Hills and Badlands region.
Read More: 15 Weird and Awesome Facts About Birds That You May Not Know
13. When it comes to presidential elections, South Dakota is a true-blue Republican state, having cast its vote for the GOP candidate in the last 13 elections.
14. Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd US president, ensured North Dakota and South Dakota were both born as states at the same time. He shuffled the statehood papers so that he could declare them “twins” and avoid picking one over the other.
15. South Dakota is home to some of the most extreme weather in the US. In 1943, the temperature in Spearfish rose a staggering 27°C in just 2 minutes, only to drop back to -20°C in under half an hour, causing windows to crack!
16-20 Scary Facts about South Dakota
16. South Dakota’s laws are a bit quirky, with some strange regulations that will leave you scratching your head. For instance, horses can’t go into fountains without pants.
17. Arm wrestling is a serious business in South Dakota, and attempting to persuade a pacifist to give up their beliefs through this physical feat is against the law.
18. If you’re staying in a South Dakota hotel, be prepared for some unique sleeping arrangements. By law, each room must have two twin beds, placed two feet apart. But beware – it’s illegal to make love in the space between them!
19. South Dakota is a unique state that values diversity and inclusivity. It’s the only state in the US to abolish Columbus Day and instead celebrate Native American Day, recognizing and honoring the state’s indigenous population.
20. The Big Apple is truly massive – it’s hard to fathom that New York City alone has more inhabitants than the combined populations of seven entire states: Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, and New Mexico!
That’s it for this post guys, I hope you had fun while reading 20 Interesting South Dakota Facts.
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