Even with our state’s first-class education, there are some things they just don’t teach about South Dakota in school. These are a few things you might be surprised to learn about our fair state.

1. South Dakota has even more miles of shoreline than the entire state of Florida.
Dave Ginsberg / Flickr
Though hard to believe, it's totally true. With all of our rivers and lakes, the miles of shoreline add up quick.
2. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a big deal.
Jeff Siarto / Flickr
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is not just a big rally in South Dakota terms; it's actually one of the biggest bike rallies in the world. It started way back in 1938 and is one of South Dakota's most well-known features.
3. Custer State Park is home to nearly 1,300 bison.
Robin Zebrowski / Flickr
Each year, nearly 10,000 people visit the park to watch as the bison are rounded up and moved from one area to another. An event like this could only be found in South Dakota. Yet your teacher probably never told you about it!
4. South Dakota used to be almost completely covered by water and home to prehistoric species.
Len Saltiel / Flickr
Some of those species include the saber-toothed cat and giant pig-like animals. What a time to be alive!
5. Mashed Potato Wrestling is an actual event that occurs annually in SD.
Clark, SD
You have to see this to believe it. Every year, in Clark, their Potato Day celebration features this event. Other events of the day include a potato decorating contest and a potato chip and dip judging.
6. South Dakota is home to the highest summit east of the Rocky Mountains.
blucolt / Flickr
Harney Peak reaches up to 7,242 feet tall. The scenic area where Harney Peak sits means it also offers views unlike any other.
7. We hunt our state bird.
Ellen & Tony / Flickr
You may have learned that the pheasant is our state bird. But when you put two and two together about the fact that we hunt that bird, it becomes clear just how much we believe in hunting as a way of life.
8. It is actually illegal to fall asleep in a cheese factory in the state of South Dakota.
Krista / Flickr
Though I'm not even sure we have any cheese factories, which is probably why we don't learn about this in school.
9. Before it had faces carved into it, Mount Rushmore was actually called Mountain of Rock.
CameliaTWU / Flickr
I tend to prefer Mount Rushmore quite a bit better. Another fun fact they probably didn't teach about South Dakota is that they originally intended to sculpt each president down to their waist. The project was cut short due to lack of funds.
10. South Dakota used to be "The Sunshine State."
Cuksis / Flickr
It wasn't until quite recently, in 1992, that we took on the new motto of "The Mount Rushmore State."
11. The best preserved T Rex skeleton was found in South Dakota.
Ashleigh Bennett / Flickr
Given the name Sue, this skeleton is over 40 feet long and 13 feet tall. If you want to see the fossil yourself, it is now on display in the Field Museum of National History in Chicago.
12. South Dakota has a great craft beer scene.
Firehouse Brewing Company / Facebook
I guess it's no surprise why they didn't teach you about this in school, but it is true. From Firehouse Brewery to Fernson and so many more, the South Dakota brewed beers are one of the many things to love about our state.

What have you learned about South Dakota since graduating?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles