Animated Lessons
All about South Dakota
Websites for studying about South Dakota
A to Z Kids Stuff - South Dakota
Fun Educational Activities
Kids Konnect.com - South Dakota
A safe Internet gateway for kids of all ages!
South Dakota Fun Facts
U.S. Census Bureau
TheUS50.com - South Dakota
New state Study Guides have been added to the Fast Facts pages!
The 50 States - South Dakota
From TeachersFirst. A comprehensive resource on America's states for upper elementary students.
Mr. Donn.org - South Dakota
Lesson Plans for Teachers. Activities & Games for Kids.
Class Brain.com - South Dakota
Start gathering all the information and images you need to make an A+ state report project for school.
Explore the States - South Dakota
From the Library of Congress. Games and stories of America's past.
50 States.com - South Dakota
Fast facts & Trivia
RoadsideAmerica.com - South Dakota
Find South Dakota travel tips, stories, field reports and maps for unusual tourist attractions and landmarks.
More websites for studying about South Dakota...
Local homeschooling groups, classes, and events for South Dakota
Prairie States Christian Home Educators' Conference 2010
Time4Learning Parent Discussion Forum - South Dakota
Home Schooling/Alternative Instruction
South Dakota Christian Home Educations
West River Christian Homeschoolers
Home Schooling/Alternative Instruction
More South Dakota homeschooling groups, classes, and events ...
State Facts
South Dakota was the 40th state to join the union. It became a state on November 2, 1889.
Capital - Pierre
Abbreviation - SD
Nickname - Mount Rushmore State
Motto - "Under God the people rule"
Song - Hail, South Dakota
Bird - Chinese Ring-Necked Pheasant
Flower - American Pasqueflower
Insect - Honey Bee
Area - approximately 77,121 square miles
South Dakota field trips
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
Game Fish and Parks logo
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve
Spanning 1,500 acres along the Missouri River, this area was donated to the people of South Dakota in 1984 by Mary and Maud Adams, granddaughters of original homesteader Stephen Searl Adams. They envisioned the area as a place where others, particularly youth, could enjoy the land and learn more about the natural world surrounding them. Mary and Maud wanted to give others a "place for inner renewal."
Angostura Recreation Area
Angostura Reservoir is a water-lover’s haven in the southern Black Hills. With plenty of room for boating, fishing and swimming, this recreation area attracts visitors to its clear waters and natural sand beaches. The dam was built in 1949 by the Bureau of Reclamation across the Cheyenne River for irrigation purposes but paved the way for recreation. The word “angostura” is Spanish for “narrows.”
Bear Butte State Park
Mato Paha or “Bear Mountain” is the Lakota name given to this site. To the Cheyenne, it is "Noahvose." This geological formation is one of several intrusions of igneous rock in the Black Hills that formed millions of years ago. The mountain is sacred to many American Indian tribes who come here to hold religious ceremonies. Please be respectful of worshippers and their religious practices
Beaver Creek Nature Area
Developed to increase environmental awareness in visitors, Beaver Creek Nature Area highlights natural and historical resources in the vicinity. Pioneers named the creek for the numerous beaver they found along the winding spring-fed stream. The stream flows year-round, supplying the numerous plants and animals with water, and in turn, supplying visitors with opportunities to observe nature up-close.
Big Sioux Recreation Area
Big Sioux Recreation Area lies on the banks of South Dakota's Big Sioux River. Close to both the cities of Brandon and Sioux Falls, Big Sioux is an ideal place to camp when in the area for sporting events, hospital visits or conferences. Big Sioux is popular among campers, canoers, history buffs and archers. When the snow flies, groups of cross-country skiers and snowmobilers gather at the enclosed warming house.
Big Stone Island Nature Area
An 1823 expedition led by Major Stephan Long and geologist William Keating explored the Big Stone Lake region. Shortly after entering present-day South Dakota, they met an American Indian village. Keating wrote in his journal that "The village ... consisted of 30 skin lodges... This permanent residence is on a rocky island (Big Island) ... they cultivate their cornfields secure against aggression of their enemies. "This island is now the 100-acre nature area.
Burke Lake Recreation Area
Like an oasis on the prairie, this area has a 25-acre lake which is surrounded by trees. Whether boating, sailing or canoeing, visitors will enjoy this lake that averages only eight feet in depth. Native and introduced prairie grasses and wildflowers abound in the 206-acre park, and wildlife of all kinds inhabit this unique area.
Thanks to graphicmaps.com for the state graphics