South Dakota Facts

Have you ever wondered what South Dakota’s official state gemstone, animal or insect are? Read on to learn more facts about the Mount Rushmore State.  By the time you reach the bottom of the page you’ll be ready to challenge your friends and family to a South Dakota trivia contest!

Population:  754,844
State Animal: Coyote
State Tree: Black Hills spruce
Highest Point: Harney Peak, 7,242 feet
State Bird: Chinese ring-necked pheasant
State Mineral: Rose quartz
State Capital: Pierre
State Fish: Walleye
State Gemstone: Fairburn agate
State Nickname: The Mount Rushmore State
State Insect: Honey bee
State Fossil: Triceratops
Statehood: 1889
State Flower: Pasque
State Soil: HoudekÂ
State Dessert: Kuchen
State Sport: Rodeo