14 Ridiculously Weird But Totally True Facts About South Dakota

South Dakota is an incredible state at the center of many significant parts of American history, but did you know that it also has a quirky side? Take, for instance, these 14 fun facts about South Dakota that sound made up but are completely real:

1. A natural gas-infused well fuels South Dakota’s flaming fountain

A natural gas-infused artesian well feeds the Flaming Fountain on South Dakota State Capitol Lake. Now here is a quick one — have you ever wondered what gives the Flaming Fountain its distinct hue? Now you know!

2. The real-lifeDdorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" was from Aberdeen

We know one of the world's most popular stories may have its roots in the Sunflower State. But the author L. Frank Baum and his niece, who inspired Dorothy, hailed from the state of Kansas, not South Dakota, which is not known as the Mount Rushmore State.

3. South Dakota ranks second in the nation for sunflower production

Speaking of the Sunflower State, South Dakota is the second-largest producer of sunflowers after North Dakota. Check out this statistical data from the United States Department of Agriculture to learn more about South Dakota's 2024 sunflower yield overview. Being among the top sunflower producers in the country is something we'll always be proud of as locals.

4. Mount Rushmore construction stopped during WWII due to funding

Did you know that Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln were supposed to have giant carved heads and torsos? Well, the completion of Mount Rushmore was halted during World War II due to a lack of funding.

5. South Dakota was once known as America’s divorce capital

Overall, SoDak is a reasonably wholesome place, but during the early 1990s, it was one of the only states to grant a divorce for things other than adultery. South Dakota reported 6,000 divorces, all of which involved couples who had lived in the state for at least three months.

6. South Dakota entered the Great Depression before the rest of the U.S.

The end of the 19th century wasn't kind to the Mount Rushmore State at all. The Great Dakota Bust (1887-1890) brought devastating drought conditions, leading to a significant number of people relocating out of the newly founded state.

7. South Dakota boasts the world’s only corn palace

There is no other corn palace in the world! We are the only ones to have ever made a palace out of corn. It's cool, right? And are you wondering when to visit? Mitchell Corn Palace is open for visitors year-round, with restrooms and accessible entrances available.

8. South Dakota hosts an annual mashed potato wrestling contest in Clark

If you think that's — er, cool — we also host an annual mashed-potato wrestling contest at the annual Potato Days festival in Clark. This quirky small-town event draws visitors from across the region, and it's held every August.

9. South Dakota: 17th largest state but 5th least populated

South Dakota is the 17th-largest state by area, yet the 5th least populous. With approximately 919,000 residents, according to the 2023 census, South Dakota ranks behind Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska, and North Dakota.

10. Pierre, South Dakota: The Nation’s second-smallest state capital

With a population of less than 14,000, Pierre is the second-smallest capital city in America. The smallest capital city in America is Montpelier, Vermont, with a population of 8,002. When visiting, be sure to take a free tour of the South Dakota State Capitol building or explore the scenic Missouri River nearby.

11. South Dakota has four cows for every person

And if you think you've heard it all, you should know that there are four cows for every person in South Dakota. Don't you think that’s a lot of steak potential and milk for one state? Well, just kidding anyway. We like it that way!

12. South Dakota’s Highest Recorded Temperature Soared to 120°F

The highest recorded temperature in South Dakota was a whopping 120°F. The record was set on July 15, 2006, in Usta. However, on that date, several other locations, including Fort Pierre and the cooperative observer station, also recorded the same temperature.

13. South Dakota’s Coldest Recorded Temperature Plummeted to -58°F

And the lowest temperature was a "balmy" -58°F. Remind us never to visit McIntosh in the winter. But do you know what? South Dakotans joke that it’s just another winter day up north.

14. In SD, Some Strange Laws Ban Sleeping in Cheese Factories and More

Finally, in South Dakota, it is illegal to fall asleep in a cheese factory, use fireworks to protect your sunflower crop, and/or ride your horse into a fountain unless it is wearing pants. Hey, we don't make the rules, okay? While some of these quirky laws may no longer be enforced, they remain part of South Dakota’s fascinating legal folklore.

For even more weird-but-true SoDak facts, check out the unique things you can only find in South Dakota. And when in the Coyote State, be sure to visit these hidden gems that most people don't even know exist.