Much like its neighboring state of North Dakota, South Dakota is also characterized by rolling plains and fabulous blue skies. The state is also home to a number of Indian reservations as the land has long been settled by various Indian Tribes. In fact, approximately 8.3 percent of the population of South Dakota is still made up of Native Americans. Aside from the rich Native American culture the state also has a number of crystal clear freshwater lakes, a rich Wild West history, and intriguing scenery as well. For these reasons the state of South Dakota makes a great vacation place for the whole family, a romantic getaway, or even for a trip with old friends but whatever your reasons for coming here you can be sure that one visit just won’t be enough to satisfy your curiosity.
Shortly after arriving in the state of South Dakota visitors realize that Indian heritage is a distinguishing theme throughout the state. Famous native peoples such as Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull led tribes in South Dakota and fought to keep the mountains that they referred to as the Black Hills which is where gold was discovered in 1874. In the end, though, many of the villages created by the American Indians living in the area were replaced by mining towns. Today many Indian tribes still thrive on the lands of South Dakota but in reservations which are placed all over the state. These reservations include the Cheyenne River Reservation, which extends into North Dakota as well, the Pine Ridge Reservation, the Rosebud Reservation, and the Lake Traverse Reservation which also extends into North Dakota. Another area where evidence of the rich Native American culture in the state can be found is in the giant sculpture of Crazy Horse that is being carved into the mountain side not to far from Mount Rushmore. The Mount Rushmore National Monument was begun in 1927 by sculptor Gutzon Borglum and was completed in 1941. Today the faces of former presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln can still be viewed by visitors to the state and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in South Dakota. South Dakota is also home to Wild West legends such as Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane who today are buried near each other in the state. Visitors to South Dakota surely should consider making time to explore this rich history and may even find themselves coming back to explore more.
For those that prefer to be one with nature during their vacation there is plenty places to do so in South Dakota. The granite cliffs of Black Hills offer the visitor a unique southern experience all its own and a number of lakes can be found throughout the state as well. Many visitors come every year to enjoy camping, boating, and hiking along such lakes as Lake Oahe, Waubay Lake, Lake Poinsett, and Lake Francis Case. With so much scenery and history to delight the eye and mind you may even find yourself wanting to extend your vacation in the spectacular state of South Dakota.
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