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