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South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern United States. It was admitted as the 40th state on November 2, 1889. South Dakota covers 77,116 square miles, making it the 17th largest U.S. state by area. The state's population in 2022 was estimated to be 896,581. South Dakota's capital and largest city is Sioux Falls.

History of South Dakota

South Dakota has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes including the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations. European explorers first entered the region in 1743. In 1803, the United States acquired the territory as part of the Louisiana Purchase. After various expeditions and negotiations with Native tribes, permanent white settlements were established by the 1850s. South Dakota became an official U.S. territory in 1861. After years of debate over the division of the Dakota Territory, South Dakota finally attained statehood in 1889. To learn more about South Dakota's history, visit the South Dakota State Historical Society.

South Dakota Geography and Climate

South Dakota can be divided into three main geographic regions: the Great Plains in the west, the rolling Black Hills in the southwest, and the fertile lowlands in the southeast. The Missouri River bisects the state from north to south. The state has a continental climate characterized by hot summers and very cold winters. Annual precipitation ranges from semi-arid in the west to wetter conditions in the southeast. Due to its inland location far from any large bodies of water, South Dakota sees great fluctuations between summer and winter temperatures.

Economy and Major Employers

South Dakota has a diversified economy based largely on agriculture, tourism, finance, and manufacturing. Some of the state's major employers include:

Sanford Health - Headquarters: Sioux Falls
Avera Health - Headquarters: Sioux Falls
Smithfield Foods - Sioux Falls
Tyson Fresh Meats - Dakota Dunes
Wells Fargo - Multiple locations

For more details on South Dakota's economy and job market, visit the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Tourism

South Dakota offers many attractions for tourists. Popular destinations include:

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Keystone (GPS: 43.879° N, 103.458° W)
Badlands National Park - Interior (GPS: 43.750° N, 102.500° W)
Wind Cave National Park - Hot Springs (GPS: 43.573° N, 103.473° W)
Custer State Park - Custer
Historic Deadwood - Deadwood

Learn more at South Dakota Tourism and South Dakota Tourism on Facebook.

Cities and Regions

Some of South Dakota's major cities and regions include:

Sioux Falls - Largest city and located in southeastern South Dakota along the Big Sioux River. Home to parks, museums, restaurants, and shopping. Major employers include healthcare, banking, and manufacturing companies. Website: https://www.siouxfalls.org/
Rapid City - Second largest city located in western South Dakota near the Black Hills National Forest. Close to Mount Rushmore and other outdoor attractions. Home to Ellsworth Air Force Base. Website: https://www.rcgov.org/
Aberdeen - Located in northeastern South Dakota. Agricultural and manufacturing center. Home to Northern State University. Website: https://www.aberdeen.sd.us/
Brookings - Located in eastern South Dakota. Home to South Dakota State University. Major agriculture research center. Website: https://www.brookings.gov/
Mitchell - Located in south-central South Dakota. Agricultural and manufacturing center. Home to the Corn Palace and Dakota Wesleyan University. Website: https://cityofmitchell.org/
Black Hills - Located in western South Dakota featuring forests, mountains, lakes, caves, parks, and attractions like Mount Rushmore. Main cities include Rapid City, Spearfish, and Deadwood. Website: https://www.blackhillsbadlands.com/

See this map of South Dakota's major cities and attractions:

Education

South Dakota public schools are administered by the South Dakota Department of Education. There are 149 public school districts in the state. Some of the largest districts include:

Sioux Falls School District - 43 schools serving over 25,000 students
Rapid City Area Schools - 25 schools serving nearly 14,000 students
Aberdeen School District - 10 schools serving over 3,600 students

Higher education institutions in South Dakota include:

University of South Dakota - Public university in Vermillion
South Dakota State University - Public university in Brookings
Dakota State University - Public technology university in Madison
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology - Public technical and engineering school in Rapid City

Transportation

South Dakota's major interstate highways include I-29, I-90, and I-190. The state is also served by US Highways 12, 14, 16, 18, and 83. Major airports include Sioux Falls Regional Airport, Rapid City Regional Airport, and Aberdeen Regional Airport. Intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines. The Rapid City, Pierre and Eastern Railroad operates freight trains in the state. For public transportation options, contact your local transit authority:

Sports

South Dakota is home to numerous collegiate, semi-pro, amateur, and high school sports teams. The state has no major professional sports franchises. Popular college teams include the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and South Dakota Coyotes. For pro sports, many South Dakotans root for nearby teams like the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Minnesota Twins (MLB), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), and Minnesota Wild (NHL). Learn more about South Dakota sports on the South Dakota Public Broadcasting sports blog.

Local Resources

Here are some additional resources for South Dakota residents:

South Dakota Public Broadcasting - Statewide PBS and NPR stations
Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources - Agricultural programs and conservation
Department of Social Services - Welfare, food stamps, and assistance programs
Department of Labor and Regulation - Workforce services, unemployment benefits, labor laws
Local Government Services - Links to county and municipal websites

Top 10 Most Populated Cities in South Dakota

1. Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota with a population of 187,200 as of 2020. Sioux Falls is located in southeastern South Dakota in Minnehaha County and Lincoln County. It sits at the intersection of Interstate 29 and Interstate 90 near the South Dakota-Minnesota border. Sioux Falls is the economic and cultural center of the Sioux Falls metropolitan area. It features the Falls of the Big Sioux River and has a diversified economy focused on finance, healthcare, and retail. Major employers include Sanford Health, Avera Health, Citibank, and Wells Fargo. Some of the top attractions in Sioux Falls include:

Falls Park -Features waterfalls on the Big Sioux River and pedestrian trails.
Washington Pavilion - Home to museums, performing arts venues, and science exhibits.
Great Plains Zoo - A zoo home to over 1,000 animals.
The Butterfly House & Aquarium - An indoor rainforest home to hundreds of plant and animal species.

For more information on Sioux Falls, visit the Sioux Falls Wikipedia page. Visit the City of Sioux Falls website to learn more about local government and services. Check out Visit Sioux Falls to plan your trip and find things to do. Follow Sioux Falls news and events on Sioux Falls' Facebook page.

2. Rapid City

Rapid City is the second-largest city in South Dakota with a population of 77,344 as of 2020. It is located in western South Dakota in Pennington County. Rapid City sits at the eastern slope of the Black Hills mountain range. Rapid City serves as a regional hub and gateway to attractions in the Black Hills. Key industries include tourism, ranching, mining, and Ellsworth Air Force Base. Rapid City offers access to Mount Rushmore, Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and other outdoor activities. Top attractions in Rapid City include:

Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Iconic mountain carving of four US presidents.
Bear Country USA - Drive-through wildlife park home to bears, wolves, and other animals.
Reptile Gardens - Botanical garden and reptile zoo with giant tortoises, alligators, and more.
Journey Museum - History and science museum exploring natural history and pioneer life.

Read more about Rapid City on Rapid City's Wikipedia page. Learn about Rapid City's government at the City of Rapid City website. Discover things to do in Rapid City at Visit Rapid City. Follow Rapid City news on their Facebook page.

3. Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a city in northeastern South Dakota with a population of 28,09 as of 2020. It is the county seat of Brown County. Aberdeen sits at the intersection of U.S. Route 281 and South Dakota Highway 12. Aberdeen's economy is driven by agriculture and manufacturing. Major employers include 3M and Avera St. Luke's Hospital. Aberdeen is home to Northern State University andPresentation College. Top attractions in Aberdeen include:

Dacotah Prairie Museum - History museum with pioneer village and rotating art exhibits.
Storybook Land - Whimsical children's amusement park with storybook scenes, rides, and playground.
Aberdeen Aquatic Center - Large indoor and outdoor water park complex.
Wylie Park - Recreation area with picnic spots, trails, sports fields, and amusement rides.

Read more about Aberdeen on Aberdeen's Wikipedia page. Visit the City of Aberdeen website to learn about local government. Discover things to do at Visit Aberdeen. Follow local news and events on Aberdeen's Facebook page.

4. Brookings

Brookings is a city in eastern South Dakota near the Minnesota border. It has a population of 24,056 as of 2020. Brookings is the county seat of Brookings County. Brookings economy revolves around education and agriculture. It is home to South Dakota State University. Top employers include 3M, Daktronics, Larson Manufacturing, and Bel Brands. Top attractions in Brookings include:

South Dakota State University - Land grant university with agriculture, engineering, pharmacy, and nursing programs.
McCrory Gardens - 25 acre public botanical garden and arboretum.
South Dakota Art Museum - Museum with American Indian art, contemporary exhibitions, and outdoor sculpture garden.
Children's Museum of South Dakota - Interactive children's museum with hands-on science exhibits.

Read more about Brookings on its Wikipedia page. Visit the City of Brookings website for local government information. Discover things to do in Brookings at Visit Brookings. Follow local news and happenings on Brookings' Facebook page.

5. Mitchell

Mitchell is a city in southeastern South Dakota near the James River. It has a population of 15,566 as of 2020. Mitchell is the county seat of Davison County. Mitchell is an agricultural and commercial hub. Corn Palace is a key attraction showcasing crop art. Other major employers are Avera Queen of Peace Hospital and Dakota Wesleyan University. Top attractions in Mitchell include:

Corn Palace - Iconic multi-colored building decorated with crop art.
Dakota Discovery Museum - History, art, and cultural museum with pioneer and Native American exhibits.
Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village - Archaeological site with rebuilt traditional houses representing tribes.
Lake Mitchell - Recreational lake for swimming, boating, fishing, and outdoor fun.

Read more about Mitchell on its Wikipedia page. Learn about Mitchell's local government at the City of Mitchell website. Plan your trip to Mitchell using Visit Mitchell. Follow local happenings on Mitchell's Facebook page.

6. Watertown

Watertown is a city in northeastern South Dakota near the Big Sioux River. It has a population of 21,482 as of 2020. Watertown is the county seat of Codington County. Watertown has a diversified economy based on manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture. Major employers are Watertown Regional Medical Center, Bramble Park Zoo, and Daktronics. Top attractions in Watertown include:

Bramble Park Zoo - Zoo home to big cats, primates, birds, reptiles, and more.
Terry Redlin Art Center - Art museum showcasing wildlife paintings and prints.
CODINGTON County Heritage Museum - Local history and culture museum.
Goss Opera House - Historic performing arts theater dating back to 1901.

Read more about Watertown on its Wikipedia page. Learn about Watertown's government at the City of Watertown website. Discover things to do in Watertown at Visit Watertown. Follow Watertown news and events on Facebook.

7. Huron

Huron is a city in eastern South Dakota near the James River. It has a population of 13,892 as of 2020. Huron is the county seat of Beadle County. Huron's economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Major employers are Daktronics, Huron Regional Medical Center, and Vista Packaging. Attractions include the South Dakota State Fair. Top attractions in Huron include:

South Dakota State Fair - Annual state fair with rides, concerts, animals, and exhibits.
ArtPark SculptureWalk - Outdoor sculpture exhibit.
Huron Plains Museum Complex - History and culture museum with pioneer village.
Broadland Creek Golf Course - Highly rated 18-hole public golf course.

Read more about Huron on its Wikipedia page. Learn about Huron's government at the City of Huron website. Discover things to do in Huron at Visit Huron. Follow local news and happenings on Huron's Facebook page.

8. Vermillion

Vermillion is a city in southeastern South Dakota near the Missouri River. It has a population of 10,745 as of 2020. Vermillion is home to the University of South Dakota. Vermillion's economy centers around education with the University of South Dakota being the top employer. Other major employers include Sanford Vermillion Medical Center and John Morrell & Co. meatpacking plant. Top attractions in Vermillion include:

University of South Dakota - Public university with strong law, health, and education programs.
National Music Museum - Museum with over 15,000 American, European, and non-Western instruments.
DakotaDome - Large multi-purpose domed stadium used for football, rodeos, concerts, and other events.
Coyote Twin Theatres - Vintage movie theater in a twin cinema complex.

Read more about Vermillion on its Wikipedia page. Learn about Vermillion's government at the City of Vermillion website. Discover things to do in Vermillion at Visit Vermillion. Follow local news and happenings on Vermillion's Facebook page.

9. Spearfish

Spearfish is a city located in western South Dakota in the northern Black Hills. It has a population of 10,494 as of 2020. Spearfish sits near Spearfish Creek and is just south of Spearfish Canyon. Spearfish economy relies on tourism, education, manufacturing, and healthcare. Major employers include Black Hills State University, Vista Packaging, and Spearfish Regional Hospital. Top attractions in Spearfish include:

Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway - Scenic canyon drive along Spearfish Creek.
DC Booth Fish Hatchery - Fish hatchery open for educational tours.
Spearfish Rec & Aquatics Center - Recreation center with indoor/outdoor pools, slides, and more.
Homestake Opera House - Historic theater hosting plays, concerts, and events.

Read more about Spearfish on its Wikipedia page. Learn about Spearfish's government at the City of Spearfish website. Discover things to do in Spearfish at Visit Spearfish. Follow local news and happenings on Spearfish's Facebook page.

10. Yankton

Yankton is a city located in southeastern South Dakota along the Missouri River. It has a population of 14,454 as of 2020. Yankton is the county seat of Yankton County. Yankton's economy includes healthcare, education, tourism, and manufacturing. Major employers are Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, Mount Marty College, and the federal prison. Top attractions in Yankton include:

Gavins Point Dam - Massive Missouri River dam with visitor center and fish hatchery.
Yankton Trail Park - Large recreation area along the Missouri National Recreational River.
Yankton Area Progressive Growth - Non-profit community and recreation center.
Riverboat Days - Popular annual summer festival with carnival rides, games, and entertainment.

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