5 Surprising Firsts That South Dakota Can Proudly Claim

Everyone knows about South Dakota's iconic landscapes and our one-of-a-kind attractions, but did you know that we were also the first to do some monumental things? From discoveries to innovations, SoDak stands as a state with many firsts. Read on to discover five extraordinary facts that make a trip here all the more interesting.

1. One of the First Complete Skeletons of a Tyrannosaurus Rex Was Found in South Dakota

Discovered near the small town of Faith in 1990 by explorer and fossil collector Sue Hendrickson, the T. rex was the first specimen of its kind, as it was more than 90% complete. "Sue" now resides at the Field Museum in Chicago after undergoing a long battle over who was the rightful owner of the remains. (The bones were eventually auctioned off to the highest bidder, which was the Field Museum at $8.4 million!)

2. The First Modern Hot Air Balloon Was Flown in Sioux Falls

Another one of the many fun and interesting facts about South Dakota is about the hot air balloon. While the original hot air balloon was created in France in the late 1700s, it was revised and made safer in the 1960s by Raven Industries in Sioux Falls—another of the great South Dakota inventions! No wonder the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival is held in Hot Springs, South Dakota, every summer.

3. In 2001, a First-Of-Its-Kind WWII Memorial Opened at the Capitol in Pierre

Composed of six bronze statues that represent the branches of service that thousands of South Dakotans enlisted in during WWII, the memorial is as striking as it is innovative. These aged men and women are not shiny or glossy, but weathered in acknowledgment of the sacrifices each made in the harrowing conflict. The six figures range include a marine, a female volunteer, a sailor, an air pilot, a maritime figure, and an army GI.

4. South Dakotans Love Potatoes So Much That They Invented a Weekend-Long Festival for Them

Although potatoes are just one of many unique South Dakota food traditions, this state sure pays homage to the spud in an innovative way. In an effort to celebrate this profitable and important foodstuff, the town of Clark began its annual Potato Days, which consists of mashed potato wrestling, recipe competitions, and even potato decorating! Since it first began in 1992, this quirky festival in South Dakota's potato capital has become a state-wide favorite. It takes place the first weekend of August every year, and while similar celebrations occur elsewhere, we know ours is the best.

5. SoDak Was the First Place in the World to Ever Experience a 49° Temperature Increase in Less Than Five Minutes

Can you imagine the weather changing from -4° to 49° in 2 minutes flat? That's exactly what happened in 1943 when the Black Hills region experienced this rare phenomenon. Caused by warm, dry winds descending from the mountains, this “Chinook wind” led to the sudden change, leading to a record-breaking event that would make the Guinness Book of World Records.

From dinosaurs to propane-fueled flights, South Dakota offers no shortage of interesting features. Even South Dakota’s picturesque small towns hold countless tucked-away gems waiting to be discovered. Ready to unearth this state’s potential? Before you book your next trip to the 40th state, download Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to help you tailor the perfect trip to this expansive region.