Population886,667 (2020 Census)
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Your South Dakota Guide Starts Here
South DakotaExplore South Dakota through local county guides, community resources and business profiles. Choose a county to begin.
South Dakota at a Glance
Population886,667 (2020 Census)CapitalPierreLargest CitySioux FallsCounties66Land Area75,810 sq miWater Area1,305 sq miStatehood1889Highest PeakBlack Elk Peak
Explore South Dakota
Find Your County
Browse our 11 county guides for local history, community contacts and places to explore.
Find Your County
Brown CountyButte CountyCuster CountyFall River CountyLawrence CountyLincoln CountyMeade CountyMinnehaha CountyPennington CountyRoberts CountyTurner County
Explore South Dakota, one community at a time.
Featured Counties
Brown CountyBrown County's government history identifies an 1880 organization milestone. Historical preservation research also examines rural schools, social halls, religious institutions and agricultural places, showing…
Butte CountyRail service reached Belle Fourche in 1890, supporting substantial cattle shipments from the new terminal. Minnesela remained the county seat until the 1892 election…
Custer CountyThe county's published history connects the 1874 expedition and gold discovery near French Creek with later settlement. Railway arrival in 1890 and forest headquarters…
Discover More of South Dakota
Brown CountyBrown County's government history identifies an 1880 organization milestone. Historical preservation research also examines rural schools, social halls, religious institutions and agricultural places, showing…
Butte CountyRail service reached Belle Fourche in 1890, supporting substantial cattle shipments from the new terminal. Minnesela remained the county seat until the 1892 election…Custer CountyThe county's published history connects the 1874 expedition and gold discovery near French Creek with later settlement. Railway arrival in 1890 and forest headquarters…
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AMERICA
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We move forward by celebrating what connects us.
The
SOUTH DAKOTA GUIDES
County stories and community resources
County Guide
Brown County
Aberdeen anchors Brown County in northeastern South Dakota, while the Dacotah Prairie Museum and Centennial Village provide ways to explore local history. Rural education, agriculture and community institutions…
Read the full storyCounty Guide Highlights
Around SOUTH DAKOTA GUIDES
Stories from every corner of SOUTH DAKOTA GUIDES.
Brown County
Aberdeen anchors Brown County in northeastern South Dakota, while the Dacotah Prairie Museum and Centennial Village provide ways to explore local history. Rural education, agriculture and community institutions…
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Butte County
Belle Fourche anchors Butte County, where railway arrival and livestock shipping helped change the location of county government. The courthouse's historic documentation preserves the contrast with Minnesela, connecting…
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Custer County
Custer anchors its namesake county in the Black Hills, where French Creek and later railway development provide local reference points. County history also connects the area with forest…
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Fall River County
Hot Springs anchors Fall River County, whose government developed during the Dakota territorial period. The county's earlier Forsythe name adds a useful historical distinction, while its separate administrative…
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Lawrence County
Deadwood anchors Lawrence County on South Dakota's western border, while Lead, Spearfish and Whitewood provide other community identities. The county's name recalls its first treasurer, and its historical…
ExploreState Symbols & Heritage
Nickname State Motto State Bird State Flower State Tree State Animal
The Spirit of South Dakota
Explore the symbols that represent South Dakota.
Mount Rushmore State
South Dakota’s official nickname.
Under God, the people rule
South Dakota state motto.
Ring-necked pheasant
South Dakota state bird.
American pasque flower
South Dakota state flower.
Black Hills spruce
South Dakota state tree.
Coyote
South Dakota state animal.
A State Unlike Any Other
South Dakota lies in the Great Plains. The Missouri River divides the state into East River and West River.
My Local Guide
SOUTH DAKOTA
The Mount Rushmore StateA collection of places, moments, and views from across the state.
Our State. Our Stories.★
County Resources
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Everything You Need. All in One Place.
A collection of places, moments, and views from across the state.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
Choose a county guide for local resources and contacts.
We're Here To Help.
Answers, contacts, and trusted local resources are always close at hand.
Helpful Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common questions about living, visiting, working, and doing business locally.
This guide includes 11 South Dakota counties and six business profiles. Choose a county to find local history, community resources and directory listings.
Pierre is South Dakota’s capital.
Use the county picker above. Each county name opens its local guide.
Open your county guide and select Government in the resources section for local contacts and links.
Each county guide includes local context and a directory of places to explore. Check the destination’s own website for current hours.
For an immediate emergency, call 911. County guides also include public safety and emergency service contacts.
Open a county guide and select Parks or Trails in its resources section.
Choose a county guide and select Veterans in the resources section.
Browse the South Dakota business directory or follow business links in each county guide.
Choose a county guide and select Employment in the resources section.
Your Journey ContinuesMy Local Guide South DakotaCelebrating the places we call home.
Keep exploring the communities, stories, and local connections that make this state feel like home.
My Local Guide South DakotaCelebrating the places we call home.