Great Faces, Great Places

As you know by now, I am a South Dakota girl, born and raised.  Though often times when I tell people I meet who are not from the US that I am from South Dakota, they look at me with that look... you know the look.. It is the I have no idea where that is look.  Occasionally, I get the brave soul who will ask if it is near Florida or Texas (south does signify warmth and southern US), though most times it is just the look.  

It has been referred to as "fly over state", "filler state" or the classic, "did you have electricity growing up".. I have to laugh as we definitely had electricity growing up.. running water as well!  As I mentioned in this post, I have fallen back in love with the state that taught me so many things.  It taught me to work hard.  It taught me that love of land, nature and animals is so important.  It taught me the importance of neighbors, friends and family (sometimes all three can be the same in SD).  My foundation as a person is because of my experiences growing up in South Dakota.  I am grateful.

For those that are still looking at me with that look... South Dakota is not the same as North Dakota and it is no longer called the Dakota Territory or the Dakotas.  Yes, I have been asked that!  Fun fact - In 1889, President Harrison is said to have shuffled the papers on his desk when making South and North Dakota into states.  He covered up the names so no one knows which he signed first, however as listed in alphabetical order, ND is the 39th and SD is the 40th.

There she is! - via

South Dakota, though has always been home, didn't really come to light just how much I appreciated it until I saw it though another person.  T loves SD and probably is the state's unofficial spokesperson.  I think it is just so different to anything he has ever experienced.  He has opened my eyes of seeing SD for the first time and I love it all over again.  

South Dakota Sunset

The sea of sky, the fresh air and the history.  Driving down the road, people will wave at you as they may know you but really they are just being friendly!  How refreshing, someone is just being friendly!  

South Dakota Badlands

From the Badlands and Black Hills, Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse to the rodeos, fishing and camping, there is something for everyone.

Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo, Mobridge, SD

Pheasant Drive-In Movie Theatre, Mobridge, SD - Opened in 1960.
Showtime at dusk during summer months.

I could go on and on describing what a great state South Dakota is, though I think I will leave you with this video from South Dakota Tourism.  I highly recommend for everyone around the world to look into exploring South Dakota.  It might just be what you need.  Go on now... explore this hidden gem.

Find out more here from South Dakota Tourism or feel free to ask me (or the state's unofficial spokesman).

SD Sunset in all of it's glory never gets old