On April 26, National South Dakota Day recognizes the 40th state to join the union.

The Mount Rushmore State keeps its doors open all year round. After exploring the mountain, visitors can also enjoy Thomas Jefferson‘s vanilla ice cream while gazing at his likeness. And these sculptures are not the only ones South Dakota proudly displays, either. While there are several man-made displays, Wind Cave, the Missouri River, and the badlands remind us that mother nature still carves out her own.

As part of the Corps of Discovery, Lewis and Clark established Fort Pierre in 1804. Yankton was named the territorial capital in 1861 when the Dakota Territory was organized. However, Pierre would later be named the state capital when South Dakota is granted statehood in 1889 along with North Dakota.

The Black Hills of South Dakota hold tall tales, high trails, and deep valleys. From Deadwood to Sturgis and all points in between, the winding roads are breathtaking. Visit Spearfish Canyon for a hike or a relaxing drive.
Split Rock Creek north of Sioux Falls provides rock faces for climbers looking for a challenge. After the test, relax by the rushing waters of Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls.

The entire state is rich in history from corner to corner. The landscape changes dramatically from north to south with plenty of snow for skiers in winter and tons of sunshine in the summer.

This is also where the term black hills gold comes from. It refers to some of the original mining in this area. Most of us know it as jewelry made with yellow, rose and green golds.

There are some great movies out there that feature Mount Rushmore. Some of my favorites: North by Northwest starring Cary Grant and National Treasure 2 with Nickolas Cage.  These are great picks for that upcoming movie night!

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSouthDakotaDay

Take in the fantastic sculptures, breathtaking vistas, and legendary personalities. Share where you explore and use #NationalSouthDakotaDay to post on social media.

Hidden Treasures

Wall Drug – Wall

Mammoth Site – Hot Springs

Sioux Falls Michelangelos – Sioux Falls

World’s Largest Pheasant – Huron

Corn Palace – Mitchell

Shakespeare Garden – Wessington Springs

Crazy Horse – Oglala chief – (c.1840 -September 5, 1877)Crazy Horse: The Lakota Warrior’s Life & Legacy Hardcover – September 6, 2016

by The Edward Clown Family (Author), William Matson (Narrator)

Sitting Bull – Hunkpappa Sioux chief – (c. 1831 – December 15, 1890)

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Ward L. Lambert – Basketball coach – (May 28, 1888 – January 20, 1958)

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Ernest Orlando Lawrence – Physicist – (August 8, 1901 – August 27, 1958)

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Myron Floren – Accordionist – (November 5, 1919 – July 23, 2005)

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Joseph Hansen – Author – (July 19, 1923 – November 24, 2004)

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Jess Thomas-Opera singer – (August 4, 1927 – October 11, 1993)

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Elizabeth Cook-Lynn – Author – (November 17, 1930 -)

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Sparky Anderson – Baseball Manager – (February 22, 1934 – November 4, 1934)

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Tom Brokaw – Newscaster – (February 6, 1940-)

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Marlo Anderson – Businessman – (October 23, 1962-)

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January Jones – Actress – (January 5, 1978 – )

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Chad Greenway – Football player – (January 12, 1983 -)Viking Nation – The New Purple People Eaters