These 8 Crazy Laws in South Dakota Will Leave You Scratching Your Head In Wonder
Katie
Author
What do limiting places you can and can’t fall asleep, the idea of horses wearing pants, and twin beds in hotels all have in common? They are all a part of some of the weird laws in South Dakota that will inevitably have you scratching your head. Some are still in effect today while some have long been forgotten; all of these illegal things in South Dakota are a little crazy and a lot weird.
1. Horses aren't allowed into fountains unless they are wearing pants.
2. To lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory is against the law.
3. It is illegal to show any movies that include police officers being struck, beaten, or treated offensively.
4. In the city of Huron, it is illegal to cause static.
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5. Casinos in South Dakota are not allowed to post signs that say 'casino'.
6. Attempting to convince a pacifist to abandon his beliefs by threatening to arm wrestle him is against the law.
7. All hotels are required to have two twin beds, and the beds must always be two feet apart.
8. It's legal to use fireworks to protect your sunflower crop.
It’s hard to believe these laws ever seemed sane enough to be put into place. Are there any of these weird laws in South Dakota that you’ve seen in action? What are the weirdest laws in South Dakota that didn’t make the list? For a more in-depth look into South Dakota life and tourism, read our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List and then check out the video below for more travel inspiration:
Up for some more fun facts about South Dakota? Here are nine of the weirdest things that have happened in South Dakota.
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Fun Facts About South Dakota
What are some fun facts about South Dakota?
Some fun facts about South Dakota include some of the following tidbits that you probably have never heard or realized:
- South Dakota has even more miles of shoreline than the entire state of Florida
- It is home to one of the world’s largest motorcycle rallies. Hundreds of thousands of bikers are drawn to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every August
- More than 1,400 bison call Custer State Park home
- They host one of the most unique sports out there: mashed potato wrestling
- South Dakota boasts that it has more natives who have gone on to host television shows than any other state (such as the late Bob Barker, Tom Brokaw, Pat O'Brien, and Mary Hart)
- The town of Spearfish holds the record for the world's fastest temperature change, which occurred in 1943
]Check out the 9 weirdest things to have ever happened in South Dakota for a deeper dive into all things strange and bizarre that have happened in Mount Rushmore State.
What are the weirdest laws in South Dakota?
Some of the weirdest laws in South Dakota include the following:
- In Deadwood, it's illegal to mix an alcoholic beverage with another without a permit
- It's illegal to use a throwing star in Sisseton
- It’s illegal to disturb a mink den
- It's illegal to fall asleep in a cheese factory
- It’s illegal for hunters to use a spotlight in South Dakota unless they're hunting raccoons and need the light to keep track of their dog
- It’s against the law to create static in Huron
- It’s illegal to allow your dog to hunt big game, with the exception of mountain lions
You'll be shocked and puzzled (to say the least) by these 9 strange laws in South Dakota.
What strange or bizarre things have happened in South Dakota?
Some very strange and bizarre things have happened in South Dakota, but it's all just part of what makes this beloved state so charming. Some examples of strange happenings in Mount Rushmore State include the following:
- South Dakota made mashed potato wrestling famous
- The state was once known for being the divorce capital of the world
- The highest temperature recorded in the state's history was 120°F, and the coldest recorded temperature was -58°F
- It was made illegal to use fireworks to protect your sunflower crops
- It's also illegal to ride your horse into a fountain unless it's wearing pants (and yes that's a real law)
- It is home to the world's only Mitchell Corn Palace
- Spearfish set the record for the fastest temperature change in the world in 1943 when the temperature changed from -4°F to 45°F in only two minutes
If you'd like to learn more, read these 14 quirky facts about South Dakota that are sure to surprise and entertain you.