Regions
South Dakota’s four main land regions are the Drift Prairie, the Dissected Till Plains, the Great Plains, and the Black Hills.
Agriculture
Agriculture continues to be South Dakota’s top industry, generating $8.8 billion in revenues. There are approximately 31,500 farms, covering 43.2 million acres of the Mount Rushmore state. The average size farm comprises 1,300 acres. Agriculture makes a significant contribution to all 66 counties.
South Dakota’s most valuable crops are corn and soybeans. The state also grows substantial quantities of hay, wheat, and even leads the nation in growing sunflowers. Most of the cropland is found in the eastern part of the state.
Wildlife
South Dakota wildlife is abundant on both land and water. The state is home to bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, pronghorn, coyote, and prairie dogs.
Diverse fishing opportunities across the state include Northern pike, walleye, sturgeon, paddlefish, carp, and gar.
South Dakota is committed to conserving and restoring its native grasslands, waters, and wildlife habitats to allow for greater sustainability of natural resources.
Major Rivers and Lakes
The three longest rivers in South Dakota are the Missouri River, James River, and White River. Their main tributaries include the Grand River, Moreau River, and Cheyenne River.
Lake Oahe, the largest lake in South Dakota, is located on the Missouri River. The lake spans from South Dakota to North Dakota. The surface area of this lake is approximately 369,920 acres (578 square miles). Other significant lakes include Lake Francis Case and Lake Sharpe, which exceed 158,899 surface area acres.
State and National Parks
South Dakota has 63 state parks and 7 national parks.
National Parks:
- Badlands National Park
- Jewel Cave National Monument
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
- Minuteman Missile National Historic Site
- Missouri National Recreational River
- Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Wind Cave National Park
Largest LakeLake Oahe
| State Summary | |
| Nickname | The Mount Rushmore State |
| Neighboring States | North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Montana |
| Regions | Drift Prairie, Dissected Till Plains, Great Plains, and Black Hills |
| State Flower | American Pasque |
| State Bird | Ring-necked Pheasant |
| Big Game | Deer, antelope, elk, turkey, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and mountain lion |
| Small Game | Pheasant, grouse, partridge, quail, dove, rabbit, and squirrel |
| Freshwater Fish | Northern pike, muskellunge, rainbow smelt, flathead catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, rock bass, sunfish, and crappies |
| Saltwater Fish | N/A |
| Hunting Information | https://gfp.sd.gov/hunt/ |
| Total Acreage | 49.3 million acres |
| Total Public Land Acreage | 2.6 million acres |
| Average Annual Rainfall | 23 inches |
| Farmland by Acreage | 43.2 million acres |
| Woodlands by Acreage | 1.7 million acres |
| Coastline | N/A |
| Conservation Program | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/sd/programs/ |
| Primary Crops | Corn and Soybeans |
| Other Lakes | Lake Francis Case, Lake Sharpe, and Lewis and Clark Lake |
| Major Rivers | Missouri River, James River, and White River |
| Other Tributaries | Grand River, Moreau River, and Cheyenne River |
Our Rural Real Estate Offices
Mossy Oak Properties South Dakota began with the goal of becoming a trusted resource for folks looking to buy or sell rural land for sale in South Dakota. Our land brokers and agents understand what people are looking for in rural property because we share the same lifestyle and love for the land as you do. We understand the importance of honor and integrity and that buying or selling land is an emotional and life-changing experience for consumers.
Only Mossy Oak Properties South Dakota can provide the powerful combination of brand strength, local expertise, quality service, and national exposure. Whether you want to buy or sell rural real estate, a Mossy Oak Properties land specialist is a must-have on your team.
