This land was once dominated by the proud and mighty Sioux. They, along with mountain men who trapped for the American Fur Company, the Missouri Fur Company, and the Hudson's Bay Company, slowly gave way to settlers. Today, most Sioux descendants live on nine reservations in South Dakota. Many South Dakota museums and shops display and sell Native American art and artifacts.

Many settlers who came for the free land offered under the Homestead Act of 1862 built sod houses on the prairies; others, who came for gold discovered in 1874, set up gold rush camps in the Black Hills. Three groups of immigrants--Germans, Scandinavians, and Czechs--retain their traditional customs and cookery in their home life. Several colonies of Hutterites prosper in the eastern part of the state.

In South Dakota, human achievements are strikingly contrasted with nature's design. Near the town of Wall are the Badlands, a colorful and spectacular result of eons of erosion. In the Black Hills, the largest sculpture in the world, the Crazy Horse Memorial, is being created. The combination of natural wonders with Native American and frontier legend is a made-to-order attraction for tourists.

The wide-open spaces of eastern and central South Dakota are famous for pheasant and offer some of the finest hunting in the nation. The Missouri River, with its four great lakes, is a paradise for those who love water recreation. Walleye fishing in the area is superlative. Fishing for northern pike is also superb, especially in Lake Oahe, where they often reach trophy size.

Throughout the state, hundreds of markers inform visitors of history or natural phenomena. Many sites of natural, historical, and cultural significance are also preserved in a number of the state parks and recreation areas.