April 26 - National South Dakota Day

Happy National South Dakota Day! Today we observe the 40th state to join the union back on November 2, 1889. 

  

This expansive, sparsely populated midwestern U.S. state is where rolling prairies give way to the dramatic Black Hills National Forest.  

Black Hills is home to two historical monuments carved right into towering granite peaks: Mt. Rushmore, the iconic depiction of four revered U.S. presidents, and Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the storied Native American tribal leader. 

South Dakota 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 that the state 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. 

  

In 1804, as part of the Corps of Discovery, Lewis and Clark established Fort Pierre. 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. 

  

HOW TO OBSERVE 

  

Join National Day Calendar® as they explore the beautiful landscapes and rich history of South Dakota. Take in the fantastic sculptures, breathtaking vistas, and legendary personalities.  

Want to explore more? Check out these Five Must-See Places in South Dakota before planning your trip by visiting the link below:

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/five-must-see-places-in-south-dakota/ 

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 & Anne Hathaway Cottage – Wessington Springs 

  

We also observe these famous figures of whom were born in South Dakota of whom are still recognized today for their past accomplishments, heroics, talents, ingenuity and innovations: Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Ward L. Lambert, Ernest Orlando Lawrence, Myron Floren, Joseph Hansen, Jess Thomas, Elizabeth Cook-Lynn, George Lee "Sparky" Anderson, Tom Brokaw, Marlo Anderson, January Jones and Chad Greenway. 

  

Visit the link below to see those of notable birth who were not mentioned on the list above: 

  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_South_Dakota 

  

Here's to The Mount Rushmore State! 

  

#NationalSouthDakotaDay 

@mtrushmorenationalmemorial 

@SDCoyotes 

@BadlandsNPS
@blackhills 

@WindCaveNPS
@walldrug
@TheMammothSite
@CitySiouxFalls 

@CleanBigSiouxRiver 

@crazyhorsememorial 

@NationalMusicMuseumUS 

@ButterflyHouse.Aquarium 

@storybookaberdeen
@TheLargestPheasantintheworld
@SDCornPalace
@southdakotatourism
@nichecinema