Explore this South Dakota Map to learn everything you want about the thirty-ninth state of the US. Learn about South Dakota’s location in the USA. Look at this state’s geography, time zones, history, major cities, name of the capital/most significant city, area/zip codes, flag/seal, national parks, trails, frequently asked questions (FAQs), etc.

About South Dakota

South Dakota is the thirty-ninth state in the United States. On November 2, 1889, it was admitted to the Union. Pierre is South Dakota’s capital city in a metro area, although it is the state’s second smallest city. English is the official language of South Dakota. Around 93.7% of the population in South Dakota speaks English. South Dakota is the 46th most populous state in the US.

The US state of South Dakota has only one official nickname: The Mount Rushmore State. However, it is sometimes known as “The Land of Plenty” and “The Land of Infinite Variety.”

“Under God, The People Rule” is South Dakota’s Motto. Check Key Facts of South Dakota to learn more about this US state.

South Dakota Flag

The current South Dakota flag was adopted on November 9, 1992. However, the state’s first flag was adopted on July 1, 1909. 

Today, the official South Dakota State Flag has the state seal encircled by a golden sun in a sky-blue field. The letters reading “South Dakota, The Mount Rushmore State” surround the sun. However, the original flag or banner was different. 

South Dakota State Symbols

In 1903, the South Dakota law proclaimed that the American pasque (pulsatilla hirsutissima) flower should be the state’s emblem with the motto “I lead .”South Dakota’s emblem is unique as it has a motto and not only a flower or object like other states.

Learn more exciting aspects of the State from South Dakota Facts & Trivia.

South Dakota Location

The South Dakota location map shows the exact location of South Dakota on the US map. This map helps you find the US state’s boundaries, neighboring countries, and oceans.

 The State of South Dakota is situated in the midwestern region of the United States. It is a large, thinly populated prairie land. It has:

• North Dakota (to the north)
• Minnesota (to the east)
• Iowa (to the southeast)
• Nebraska (to the south)

South Dakota’s geographical coordinates are 43.9695° N and 99.9018° W Longitude. Check the South Dakota Longitude and Latitude Map to learn more about the location.

South Dakota History

The territory of modern South Dakota was inhabited even around 10,000 years ago. The primitives hunted bison and other wild animals. Different groups such as the Mandan and the Arikara settled in this area. Soon they created a vast trading link spread across the region.

Other tribes that settled in this region were the:

• Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe.
• Crow Creek Sioux Tribe.
• Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe.

The Ioway, or Iowa people, also settled down in the area where the current states of South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa merge, towards the north of the Missouri River.

 The Dakota Territory was formed in 1861 when the population was not more than 1,000, and the Sioux headcount was less than 25,000. The residential areas were restricted to the southeast between the Big Sioux and Missouri Rivers for many more years.

Later, North Dakota and South Dakota were made part of the Union. After a dispute regarding the location of the capital, the Dakota Territory was broken into two and segregated into North and South in 1889. On November 2, 1889, North Dakota and South Dakota were included in the Union as the 39th and 40th states.

South Dakota Geography

South Dakota is spread across a total area of 77,116 sq mi (1,99,730 sq km). It is the seventeenth largest state in the United States in terms of area.

 The state is also known as Mount Rushmore State. It has prairies along with lakes and unelevated hills. Canyons and sprawling hills called buttes are present in the western part of the state.

Landforms within this state can be mainly divided into three types: 

• Central Lowlands of Eastern South Dakota: Usually, eastern South Dakota is wetter than the west. Its contours are also lower than the western part. Some of the minor geographic regions of this area are the Coteau des Prairies, the Dissected Till Plains, and the James River Valley.

• Great Plains of Western South Dakota: The Great Plains spreads across almost 66% of western South Dakota. The landscape becomes craggy as you travel west of the Missouri River. Undulating hills, plains, ravines, and elevated table-topped hills or buttes become plentiful. The buttes are sometimes 400 to 600 feet high.

• The Black Hills: The Black Hills can be considered extensions of the Rocky Mountains. These hills are found in western South Dakota and northeast Wyoming. They are more than 1000 meters tall and tower above the surrounding plains. The whole Black Hills uplift area is contained within the Cheyenne River drainage basin. Check this South Dakota Topographic Map to learn more.

Learn about the location of various geographical landforms in South Dakota, including mountain peaks, rivers, lakes, the state capital, state boundary, and neighboring states, from this Physical Map of South Dakota.

South Dakota Counties

South Dakota has 66 counties. Meade County is the largest county, having a total area of 3483 sq mi (9,021 sq km). Clay County is the smallest county, having a total area of 416.9 sq mi (1080 sq km). Check the South Dakota County Map to learn more about the counties. 

South Dakota Area Codes

The US State of South Dakota has one area code currently:

• 605: Has originally covered the entire state of South Dakota since 1947

The South Dakota Area Codes Map will help you find all area codes. You can also use this map to learn more about the different boundaries of the state (area code boundary, county boundary, and state boundaries) and the state capital.

South Dakota Zip Codes Map

There are 387 active zip codes in South Dakota. Some of the best zip codes for you to live in are 57015, 56134, 56116, 57035, 57018, etc. You can find a particular zip code’s location, boundary, state boundary, and state capital with the help of the South Dakota Zip Codes Map. 

South Dakota Major Cities Map

Learn about the state’s major cities from this South Dakota cities map. It also helps you learn about the exact location of the state capital, other cities, neighboring states, state boundaries, oceans, and many more.

South Dakota’s most prominent cities are Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, Brookings, Watertown, and many more. Check out the South Dakota Cities Map for more details. 

South Dakota Airports Map

The busiest airport in South Dakota is the Sioux Falls Airport. This airport is also known as the Joe Foss Airport. The Rapid City Regional Airport is the other significant airport here. There are five South Dakota airports, but none are international.

Check the location of different airports in this South Dakota Airports Map. This map also shows South Dakota’s state and country boundaries, cities, the state capital, neighboring states, and oceans.

South Dakota National Park and Trails

South Dakota has six national parks, which were visited by 3,686,711. The major national parks in South Dakota are Badlands National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, Missouri National Recreational River, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and Wind Cave National Park.  

In South Dakota, you can enjoy around 331 recreational trails (hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and other adventurous trails). Some of the most popular hiking trails in South Dakota are Notch Trail, cathedral Spires Trail, Sunday Gulch Trail, Little Devils Tower Spur trail, and many more. 

Check out the South Dakota National Parks Map to get a clear idea about the locations of different national parks, monuments, preserves, etc.

South Dakota Time Zones

The time zones in South Dakota are GMT-5 and GMT- 6. The western part of this state is Mountain Time, while the eastern part is Central Time.

South Dakota Climate

South Dakota’s continental climate has four specific seasons ranging from chilly, rainless winters to tepid, stuffy summers. In summer, the average high day temperature is near 90 °F (32 °C), but it comes down to almost 60 °F (16 °C) at night.

•  Fall: Mild weather persists during the Fall season in South Dakota. The mean daytime high is around 57°F (14°C), and the low is around 44°F (7°C). The temperature and precipitation may be inconsistent: while the days can be bright and sunny, the evenings can be pleasant and chilly.
•  Spring: Spring in South Dakota means moderate rainfall. The temperature averages between 50°F (10°C) and 60°F (16°C) during the day and between 45°F (7°C) and below zero during the night on a month-to-month basis.

•  Summer: In summer, the temperatures in South Dakota may be inconsistent depending on which part of the state you are in. Usually, it is moderately wet during this season. The daytime high temperature has an average of 90°F (32°C) but plummets to around 60°F (16°C) at night. 

•  Winter: During winter, the weather is sometimes bitter but occasionally gentle. The mean high in January is below 32°F (0°C), while the low is below 10°F (-12°C). The winter is mild to severe in eastern and western South Dakota.

To learn more about South Dakota’s climate, check out the Key Facts of South Dakota.

FAQs on South Dakota

FAQ #1: What Time Zone Is South Dakota?

Ans: The time zones in South Dakota are GMT-5 and GMT- 6. The western part of this state is Mountain Time, while the eastern part is Central Time.

 FAQ #2: Where is South Dakota?

Ans: South Dakota is a midwestern US state. 

FAQ #3: Is South Dakota A Red State?

Ans: Yes, South Dakota is a Red state. Republican Party’s Presidential candidate Donald Trump won the state convincingly in 2020 by 61.8%.

FAQ #4: What Is South Dakota Known For?

Ans: South Dakota is known for Black Hills National Forest, Mt. Rushmore, and Crazy Horse Memorial.

FAQ #5: What Is The Capital Of South Dakota?

Ans: Pierre is the capital of South Dakota.

FAQ #6: What Planting Zone Is South Dakota?

Ans: South Dakota’s planting zone ranges from 3 to 5.

FAQ #7: Are There Any Prairies In South Dakota?

Ans: Yes, South Dakota is full of flat prairies.

FAQ #8: What Is The Population Of South Dakota?

Ans: The population of South Dakota in 2022 is estimated to be around 1 million. 

FAQ #9: Who Is The Governor Of South Dakota?

Ans: Republican Kristi Noem is the current governor of South Dakota. She is South Dakota’s 33rd governor. She assumed office on January 5, 2019.

FAQ #10: Are There Any Poisonous Animals In South Dakota?

Ans: Yes, Prairie Rattlesnakes are found in South Dakota. There are plenty of them, and they can be spotted quite frequently.