Where is South Dakota Located in the United States?
Where is South Dakota?
South Dakota is located in the Midwestern region of the United States, nestled within the Great Plains. Known for its expansive prairies, rolling hills, and the iconic Mount Rushmore, South Dakota features diverse landscapes that reflect its historical and natural richness. South Dakota (SD) has a population of approximately 900,000 people and covers an area of 77,116 square miles, making it the 16th largest U.S. state by area. The state’s capital is Pierre, while its largest city is Sioux Falls. South Dakota became the 40th state to join the Union in 1889. The state observes two time zones: the Central Time Zone (CT) in the eastern portion and the Mountain Time Zone (MT) in the western part.
Bordering States
North Dakota
North Dakota lies directly to the north of South Dakota, with a border running for about 360 miles along the 46th parallel. Both states share similar agricultural landscapes, as well as historical connections through Native American tribes and early European settlers. The two states also share the Missouri River, which flows through both, providing important water resources for agriculture and communities.
Minnesota
Minnesota is located to the east of South Dakota, with a shared border of approximately 255 miles along the Big Sioux River. This river marks the natural division between the two states. The relationship between Minnesota and South Dakota is deeply rooted in agriculture, with both states benefiting from the fertile soil of the Great Plains. Additionally, residents of southeastern South Dakota frequently travel to Minnesota’s Twin Cities region for economic and cultural exchanges.
Iowa
Iowa shares a 120-mile border with South Dakota to the southeast, divided primarily by the Big Sioux River and the Missouri River. The Sioux City metropolitan area, which straddles the Iowa-South Dakota border, serves as a key economic hub. This area is particularly notable for its meatpacking and agriculture industries, which tie the two states closely together in terms of trade and transportation.
Nebraska
Nebraska lies to the south of South Dakota, with the Missouri River forming much of the natural border between the two states for about 200 miles. Both states share a strong agricultural base, particularly in cattle ranching and crop farming. Nebraska and South Dakota also share cultural and historical ties, especially through the Native American tribes that have long inhabited both regions.
Wyoming
Wyoming borders South Dakota to the west, with a shared boundary of about 200 miles. This western region is characterized by the Black Hills, a significant geological formation that stretches into both states. The Black Hills serve as a vital connection between South Dakota and Wyoming, particularly through shared tourism interests, such as Mount Rushmore and Devil’s Tower.
Montana
Montana shares a small portion of its southeastern border with South Dakota, measuring around 100 miles. While the connection between these two states is less direct compared to South Dakota’s other neighbors, they share similarities in terms of their wide-open prairies, rural lifestyles, and ranching economies.
GPS Coordinates
South Dakota’s geographic coordinates extend from 42.5°N to 45.9°N latitude and from 96.4°W to 104.1°W longitude, positioning it centrally in the northern U.S. Great Plains region.
The northernmost point in South Dakota lies along the border with North Dakota, near the town of Pollock, at approximately 45.9°N. This northern area of the state is characterized by open plains and is part of the Missouri Plateau, an area known for agriculture and cattle ranching.
South Dakota’s southernmost point is located along its border with Nebraska, near the town of Springfield at 42.5°N. This region, along the Missouri River, provides rich farmland and is part of the rolling plains that stretch across the central U.S.
The easternmost point of the state is located near the town of Big Stone City, at 96.4°W, along the border with Minnesota. This area is characterized by lakes and rolling hills, particularly near Big Stone Lake, which forms part of the natural boundary between the two states.
The westernmost point is found at 104.1°W, near the town of Edgemont in the southwestern part of the state, close to the Wyoming border. This region is part of the Black Hills, a mountainous and forested area known for its historical and geological significance, with connections to Native American history and gold mining.
South Dakota’s geographic coordinates highlight the state’s expansive landscape, stretching across wide plains in the east and transitioning into more rugged terrain in the west. Its position in the northern part of the United States places it in the Central Time Zone in the eastern part of the state, while the western part falls under the Mountain Time Zone, further emphasizing its diverse geographical and climatic conditions.
Levels of Elevation
South Dakota’s elevation varies significantly, with its highest point being Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak) and its lowest point along the Big Sioux River near the Iowa border.
The highest point in South Dakota, Black Elk Peak, is located in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, reaching an elevation of 7,244 feet above sea level. Black Elk Peak is the highest natural point not only in South Dakota but also in the entire United States east of the Rocky Mountains. This peak is a popular hiking destination and offers panoramic views of the surrounding Black Hills and beyond.
On the other hand, the lowest point in South Dakota is situated at 966 feet above sea level, along the Big Sioux River near the town of Sioux City, where South Dakota meets both Iowa and Nebraska. This low-lying region is part of the state’s eastern plains, characterized by fertile agricultural lands that support large-scale farming operations.
In between these extremes, much of South Dakota’s terrain consists of rolling plains and prairie lands, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 feet above sea level. The central part of the state, known as the Missouri Plateau, offers gently undulating terrain that gradually rises from east to west.
Most Extreme Points of the State
South Dakota’s most extreme points span across its vast and diverse landscape, from the eastern plains to the Black Hills in the west.
The easternmost point is located in the town of Big Stone City, along the Minnesota border at 96.4°W. This area lies near Big Stone Lake, a glacial lake that forms part of the natural boundary between Minnesota and South Dakota. The region is known for its rolling hills, lakes, and fertile farmland, making it a peaceful rural area.
The westernmost point is near the town of Edgemont, close to the Wyoming border at 104.1°W. This part of South Dakota is marked by the Black Hills, a region known for its rugged beauty, rich Native American history, and tourist attractions like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
South Dakota’s northernmost point is near the small town of Pollock, located at 45.9°N, close to the North Dakota border. This rural area is part of the Missouri Plateau and is dominated by rolling prairies, with agriculture playing a central role in the local economy.
The southernmost point is near the town of Springfield, located at 42.5°N on the border with Nebraska. This southern region is part of the Missouri River Valley, known for its agricultural significance, particularly in grain and cattle production.
These extreme points illustrate the wide range of geography found across South Dakota, from fertile farmland in the east to the rugged, forested mountains of the west.
Major Mountains
South Dakota is home to the iconic Black Hills, a small, isolated mountain range that rises dramatically from the plains in the western part of the state. Though relatively modest in size compared to other U.S. mountain ranges, the Black Hills are one of South Dakota’s most important geographical features and are steeped in history.
The most prominent peak in the Black Hills is Black Elk Peak (formerly known as Harney Peak), which stands at 7,244 feet above sea level. This peak is the highest point in South Dakota and is also the tallest mountain in the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. The hike to the summit of Black Elk Peak is a popular outdoor activity, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding forested hills and valleys.
The Needles are another notable mountain formation within the Black Hills. These granite spires and narrow rock formations are popular among rock climbers and sightseers alike. The Needles Highway, which winds through this area, offers some of the most scenic drives in the state, with spectacular views of the rugged terrain.
In the southwestern Black Hills, Bear Butte is a prominent geological feature that rises 1,200 feet above the surrounding landscape. It is a sacred site to many Native American tribes, and it holds significant spiritual and cultural importance. Bear Butte State Park provides hiking trails to the summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding plains.
Major Rivers and Lakes
South Dakota’s rivers and lakes play a vital role in its geography, economy, and recreational activities. The state’s major waterways include the Missouri River, the longest river in the state, and several large reservoirs and lakes created by dams.
The Missouri River is the most significant river in South Dakota, flowing from north to south and bisecting the state. It is a crucial waterway for irrigation, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation. The river is dammed in several places, creating large reservoirs, including Lake Oahe, which extends for over 230 miles and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping.
The Big Sioux River forms part of the eastern border between South Dakota and Iowa. This river flows through Sioux Falls, the largest city in the state, and is an important water source for both urban and agricultural uses. The Big Sioux is also a popular site for recreational activities, with several parks and greenways along its banks.
Lake Francis Case is another significant body of water in South Dakota, created by the Fort Randall Dam on the Missouri River. The lake provides opportunities for fishing, camping, and wildlife observation, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Other important lakes in the state include Lewis and Clark Lake, near the southeastern border, and Lake Sharpe, another large reservoir along the Missouri River. Both lakes are essential for water storage, flood control, and recreation, attracting visitors for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
