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Interesting Facts about South Dakota Everyone Should Know!

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Travel along the midwestern states to South Dakota! South Dakota is less populated than some other states (it’s one of the least populated states in America), but has one of America’s most popular landmarks: Mt. Rushmore!

South Dakota’s history goes beyond this single landmark. Here are some interesting facts about South Dakota with activities to expand on each fact. After you’re finished, check out the 50 states unit study to travel around the rest of the United States.

interesting facts about South Dakota

From the Old West to Native America, South Dakota’s wildlife and geology have a lot of opportunities for science -, especially geology. Interestingly, some of its largest industries are mining, manufacturing, and agriculture – and tourism!.

Five South Dakota Facts:

Did you know that until 1899, North and South Dakota were one state? Being out in the open, South Dakota is home to several parks and monuments, including Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, and Black Hills National Forest, where you can see Mt. Rushmore.

Fact One: South Dakota is home to Mt. Rushmore.

Although not as populated as other states, South Dakota is on the map for one important historical monument: Mt. Rushmore! Its nickname is the “Mount Rushmore State.”

Mt. Rushmore has four presidents: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Learn more about Mt. Rushmore with these ideas:

Where is Mount Rushmore? What’s so great about it? Find out with this book!

Mount Rushmore is also featured in a fun, adventurous Flat Stanley book.

Get out currency and make a mini Mt. Rushmore!

For older kids who love art, try this Mt. Rushmore sculpture.

Learn about rocks, erosion, and the geology surrounding this famous monument from Mt. Rushmore’s official page.

Fact Two: The state bird is the ring-necked pheasant.

Ring-necked pheasants are large, chicken-like birds. They’re bigger than crows and the mails are known for their long, exorbitant tails.

Try these ideas to learn more about pheasants:

Grab a toilet paper roll for this pheasant craft.

Check out this detailed pheasant picture for coloring. You can get creative with your colors or stay realistic.

For kids who love bird watching, National Geographic’s Field Guide to the Birds of North America is a necessity.

Set in South Dakota, The Mystery of the Pheasants by Mark Meierhenry learn more about their family’s traditions and what pheasants mean to South Dakota.

state unit study about South Dakota

Fact Three: South Dakota’s known for its history with Native American tribes.

South Dakota has been home to several Native American tribes. Even today, nine Native American tribes still live in South Dakota.

Resources to help you expand on this fact:

Why are totem poles important to Native Americans? Learn more about totem poles with this craft and learning activity.

Welcome to Kaya’s World by American Girl is an excellent introduction to life for Native Americans.

Move to the rhythm with this DIY Native American drum!

Explore evaporation with these Native American salt sticks.

Corn was important to Native Americans because of its versatility. Make your own simple cornmeal.

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The following homeschool picks of mine can be found on Etsy. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.

Fact Four: South Dakota’s state flower is the pasqueflower.

Named after “Pesach,” the Hebrew word for Passover, the pasqueflower flowers in the spring. Pesach is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Israelites freedom from slavery in ancient Egypt, lead by Moses.

Learn more about Passover with these ideas:

If you’re feeling super craft, try to make these pasqueflowers out of tissue paper.

Celebrate Passover with this crossing the red sea craft.

During Passover, Jews cook a little differently than normal. Try making these Passover cheese blintzes.

What were the 10 plagues? Check them out with this free ten plagues activity.

Learn more about Passover with The Story of Passover by beloved children’s author David Adler.

        

 

Fact Five: South Dakota has lots of exciting wildlife, including buffalo!

Buffalos are some of the largest animals in North America. Because of their size, they need a lot of empty plains to roam!

These massive creatures can be 1,500-2,600 pounds and can be 8-9 feet tall! Previously, people used buffalos for everything from food, blankets, and shelters.

Resources to help you learn more about buffalos:

Learn more about buffalos from this buffalo craft from Crayola.

Gotta Go, Buffalo by Haily Meyers is a fun picture book full of unique goodbyes like “see you later, alligator.”

With coffee groups, try this bison art activity.

Make your own water buffalo with this fun craft.

you may not know these five facts about the state of South Dakota

More South Dakota Resources:

14 Pages: South Dakota State Unit Study

Books about South Dakota for Kids

Free State Fact File Worksheets

South Dakota Crafts for Kids

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