South Dakota
 
Did you know that South Dakota has two of the world's longest caves? Jewel Cave is the third longest cave in the world and Wind Cave is the fifth longest cave in the world. Both of these caves reside in a limestone layer that is said to be millions of years old. That layer is called the Paha Sapa formation. Paha Sapa is a Lakota word that means hills of black or Black Hills. Did you known that there was an uplift from deep in the earth that pushed it’s way though that limestone layer? That uplift was molten rock that formed granite. One of the granite formations is now the home of Mount Rushmore.

South Dakota is also the home of the Badlands and the world’s only Corn Palace. The Badlands contain one of the worlds largest deposits of fossil remains.
  • 9/11 Flag comes to Mount Rushmore
    9/11 Flag at Mount Rushmore on August 9, 2011
    The Mount Rushmore Sculptor’s Studio was standing room only as Jeff Parness, the founder of The New York Says Thank You Foundation, talked about the significance of the 9/11 Fag and the contributions and sacrifices of so many people.
  • Badlands National Park
    Badlands
    These geologic deposits contain one of the world's richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals once roamed here. The park's 244,000 acres protect an expanse of mixed-grass prairie.
    Badlands Video
  • The Buffalo Roundup
    Images and video of the 2010 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
    The Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup is a yearly event. Bring Folding chairs, cameras, binoculars, layered clothing, rain gear and sun screen. - 2010 Video
     
  • Mount Rushmore in South Dakota
    Mount Rushmore
    Of course nothing says "The Dakotas" like Mount Rushmore but there are so many more things to see and do here. - Mt Rushmore Video
     
  • Wind Cave is one of the longest caves in the world
    Wind Cave
    One of the world's longest and most complex caves and 28,295 acres of mixed-grass prairie, ponderosa pine forest, and associated wildlife are the main features of the park. - Wind Cave Video
     

     
 
Dakota is derived from the Sioux Indian word for "friend."
Area, 77,047 sq mi (199,552 sq km) - State bird: ring-necked pheasant
State flower: pasqueflower - State tree: Black Hills spruce
Horses by the Bad River above Fort Pierre create a nice pictureSouth Dakota is a place of discovery with scenery around every corner. The horses in the photo to the left are but one example. They were spotted next to the Bad River west of the inlet to the Missouri River.

The photo was taken in the summer of 2011 during the flooding on the Missouri. The Bad River had receded at this location west of Fort Pierre, South Dakota. Heavy rains throughout early summer keep the pastures and prairie land very green.

At the Oahe Dam and within the city of Pierre the affects of the flood are obvious. Sandbags create a peculiar site as you drive around Pierre and Fort Pierre.
South Dakota State Seal State Pledge
I pledge loyalty and support to the flag and State of South Dakota, land of sunshine, land of infinite variety.

Our state flag and seal are symbols of the proud heritage we as South Dakotans are privileged to enjoy. It is proper that the people be aware of the history relating to the adoption of these official emblems.

 South Dakota State Flag
 
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