If you’re from South Dakota, you’ll know these things all too well. We do these things so often, we often forget that they are even South Dakota traditions and not necessarily a way of life for everyone! See how many of these aspects of South Dakota culture you can relate to:

1. We manage to make it through the long, frigid winters.
Stephanie / Flickr
Year after year after year. And somehow, we still love our state.
2. We eat chislic. It's actually the state food of South Dakota!
Gomboc2008/Wikimedia Commons
Only in South Dakota do we have God's perfect creation that shall not be called by any other name.
3. We storm watch.
Dan (catching up) / Flickr
No need to go inside until the tornado sirens turn on.
4. We make hotdish.
srsldy / Flickr
Usually with tater tots on top, but always with meat.
5. We round up the buffalo.
South Dakota / Flickr
Custer Round Up takes place every year in Custer State Park, drawing spectators from across the nation.

Related Stories

This Speakeasy Hidden Underground In South Dakota Is Perfect For A Date Night

This Speakeasy Hidden Underground In South Dakota Is Perfect For A Date Night

 Take A Drive To The Country To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In South Dakota

Take A Drive To The Country To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In South Dakota

 This 7.1-Mile Trail In South Dakota Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime

This 7.1-Mile Trail In South Dakota Is Covered In Wildflower Blooms In The Springtime
6. We eat Sunday dinner with our family.
Darkhorse Winterwolf / Flickr
Living in South Dakota, it never gets old having the whole family gathered around the table.
7. We take long autumn drives just to see the colors.
blucolt / Flickr
They're so vibrant and beautiful, we just can't get enough.
8. We skip work (and school) for season opener.
@NickMKE / Flickr
Because hunting is a way of life around here.
9. We look for the first robin in spring.
Gale / Flickr
After those long, hard winters, we need a sign that spring and summer are on their way.
10. We wave and smile at everyone.
pxl eyes / Flickr
A super special tradition is the two-finger wave while driving (mostly applicable when passing farmers).
11. We raise animals to show at the State Fair.
South Dakota 4-H / Facebook
We are a state that's proud of our agriculture and we want to pass that on to our kids.

What South Dakota traditions did we miss? What are some other things you’ve recognized about South Dakota culture? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments, whether you’re a local or a transplant!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

South Dakota traditions

Luke | March 04, 2021

What are some common stereotypes in South Dakota? 

As with every state, there are some things that only residents from that state do, and South Dakota is no different. So here are some common stereotypes that you'll only find in South Dakota: 1) all South Dakotans have accents; 2) everyone drives tractors everywhere; 3) electricity and technology haven't yet reached South Dakota; 4) there’s literally nothing to do in South Dakota; 5) nothing but corn fields and farms. What do you think? Are these fair assessments of SD?

What are the best things about living in South Dakota? 

Some states have more livable areas than others, but all states have some truly great reasons to consider a move. Let's look at some of the best reasons to move to/live in South Dakota: 1) career opportunities. According to reports, South Dakota is in the top ten states for job opportunities; 2) salary and taxes. No personal income tax, personal property tax or inheritance tax; 3) high quality of life with low cost of living. According to US News, SD is the 2nd best state for quality of living! That's a pretty good mark. 

What are the worst things about living in South Dakota? 

As we saw above, there are plenty of reasons to think that South Dakota is a great place to reside and call home, but it might not be for everyone. Although stereotypes are inflated and over exaggerated, there are still kernels of truth in them, such as for some South Dakota will not offer them the same opportunities or big city feeling as you might get in other states. Some also think that the local cuisine lacks imagination, or that there's not much to do there. What do you think are the worst reasons to move to South Dakota?   

Related Articles