Senator Tim Johnson | Working for South Dakota

Growing up as a fourth generation South Dakotan, I want to express how captivating South Dakota is. From the ruggedness of our many state parks to the Black Hills National Forest, to the grandeur of Mt. Rushmore, to some of the best hunting and fishing in the world, to the golden wheat fields, you'll agree that there is no better place to vacation than in South Dakota. Each year South Dakota entertains thousands of visitors, won't you be one of them? I invite you to come and discover South Dakota!

Mount Rushmore
Found in the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore gives visitors a chance ot see the historic monument up close. From guided tours to Fourth of July celebrations and other events, this symbols gives visitors hours of entertainment when visiting South Dakota. For more information, click here.

Crazy Horse Monument
Begun in 1948, this memorial celebrates North American Indian culture and heritage. Sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear created a fascinating tribute to their traditions. Find out more at their website.

The State Fair
Huron, South Dakota is home to the largest yearly celebration of the state. Since 1885, the State Fair has given countless visitors a chance access to sport, music and agricultural events. For more information, visit the event's official website.

The Falls
The falls in Sioux Falls highlights some of the great scenery thats available across the state.

The Corn Palace
Celebrate the agricultural heritage of the state with "the World's Only Corn Palace." From sports events to stage shows this fascinating facility will show you the rich history of South Dakota agriculture and the lifestyle of the state. To learn more, visit their website.

Museums
Historic places like the Terry Redlin Museum in Watertown gives visitors an artistic glimpse of what it's like to grow up in the state. For more information on this museum, click here.

Badlands
The Badlands National Park contains some of the richest fossil beds in the world. To learn more, click here.

Wildlife
South Dakota is home to some of the greatest fishing, hunting and picturesque wildlife in the county.

Deadwood
Visit Deadwood, South Dakota, a city that is a national historic landmark. An authentic atmosphere has been recreated to give vistors a true feel of a Wild West Town. For more information, click here.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society in DeSmet gives vistiors the chance to experience history firsthand and learn more about the life of Laura Ingalls WIlder, including visiting the Ingalls Home, called "the house that Pa Built." For more information, click here.

Storybook Island
Meet your favorite childhood characters at Storybook Island in Rapid City. The free children's theme park offers families the chance to visit an educational, fun environment in South Dakota. For more information, click here.

SD Facts and Information

Climate
January: 10F (-12C) to 25F (-4C)
July: 69F (21C) to 75F (24C)
Precipitation: 80-90% falls as rain
Average annual snowfall: 24-30 inches

Geography
The state ranks 16th in size among all states
The state is 77,123 square miles

Geographical Features
Highest Point: Harney Peak; 7,242 feet
Lowest Point: Big Stone Lake; 962 feet
Major Rivers: Missouri River,
James River, Cheyenne River

Missouri River divides the state in
half, running north to south

State Information
Request South Dakota Tourism Information | South Dakota State Parks | Ellsworth Air Force Base | South Dakota State Historical Society

Native American Resources
Institute of American Indian Studies | American Indian Resources (South Dakota State Historical Society) | Tribe Information

National Parks and Forests
Black Hills | Badlands | Mount Rushmore | National Wildlife Refuges

National Caves
Jewel Cave | Wind Cave