11 Things South Dakotans Do That Outsiders Find Totally Strange

South Dakotans are a breed apart. If we're not decorating our buildings with corn husks or eating dessert with our chilli dinner, then we're not tried-and-true locals. Sure, some of the weird things South Dakotans do might seem downright strange to people in the rest of the country, but we know that we're totally normal. Kind of.

Among the many weird South Dakota facts, you have to know that our people are so lovable, and we adore our state. Outsiders may not get it, but all these quirks make total sense to us. Whether you're a recent transplant, have moved away and since returned to your home state, or have lived in South Dakota all your life, here are some silly things locals do that other states may not understand.

1. We Decorate the Exterior of Buildings With Corn Cobs and Husks

...And then tear it off and redo it every year with new designs. The World's Only Corn Palace is a man-made wonder in the town of Mitchell that just can't be adequately explained to out-of-staters. The palace has been around for over 100 years and attracts more than 500,000 visitors each year. Now, it's a South Dakota hub for festivals, graduation ceremonies, and Mitchell dances and stage shows.

It might be a little weird to spend $130,000 and countless hours nailing corn cobs on the outside of this palace every year, only to tear it all down the following year and start over, but our beloved Corn Palace is worth every bit of time and money we spend on it.

2. We Stay Home From Work and School to Go Hunting

Hunting as a family is a generational tradition here in South Dakota. Pheasant season is an especially important time for many locals, which typically runs from October to January. No matter what game your family likes to hunt, the peak season calls for ditching work and school to head out to the fields. It's the way we bond around here—algebra class and punching the clock can simply wait. Plus, who doesn't love fresh jerky from the fruits of your hunting labor?

3. We Don't Lock Our Doors

Most of us live in pretty tight-knit, friendly towns. Why would we need to lock our doors if we know and trust all our neighbors? Thanks to the small-town vibe throughout the majority of South Dakota, we all feel relatively safe in our state, and the open-door policy is a must for our friends and family. There is no big, bustling city vibe here, people.

4. We Can Spend Hours Playing Cornhole

The backyard game of cornhole has become increasingly popular in South Dakota. In fact, the Mount Rushmore State is home to several competitive cornhole leagues and even state championships! That said, you don't have to compete to enjoy this easy, fun game. Just gather up a bunch of friends, get beers and barbecue going in the backyard, and you've got yourself hours of fun. At this point, it's a South Dakota tradition.

5. We Host the Largest Motorcycle Rally in the Country

Every year, we invite about 750,000 people to the small town of Sturgis for the country's largest motorcycle rally. You'd think if we were planning such a large event, we'd host it in a bigger city. But nope, Sturgis has fewer than 7,000 residents. When motorcycle time comes, however, the population skyrockets to about the state's entire population! It's a tight squeeze, but we have to admit that we love it.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is going on its 86th season this August, bringing bikes, beers, food, and live concerts to the area. You don't even have to be a biker to enjoy this action-packed event, or to love quirky places in South Dakota like Sturgis.

6. We Pronounce the Name of Our Capital City the Right Way

Aka, we say Pierre that way it's supposed to be said. No, it's not "pee-air." And don't give us that look. We live here. We know how to pronounce it. (It's "peer" for those newbies who are still trying to figure it out.) The city is right in the middle of the state, and officially became the state capital in 1880. In 1910, the Capitol building was finished, signifying Pierre's importance as a major hub on the Missouri River.

7. We Allow Kids to Get an Instruction Permit at Age 14

This one is definitely a strange South Dakota law, but because it's so rural here, it's easier to learn to drive. It's true: 14-year-olds can legally get their learner's permit and begin driving, as long as a parent or guardian is present. But it still seems odd to people who don't turn over the car keys to their kids until they are 16. Chalk it up to another thing about the South Dakota lifestyle that outsiders will never understand.

8. We Eat Chili With a Warm Cinnamon Roll on the Side

If you grew up in the Midwest, namely Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and the Dakotas, you likely remember getting a steaming bowl of chili and a decadent cinnamon roll from the cafeteria at lunchtime. This wasn't just some odd pairing—it's a Midwest delicacy. The combination of hearty, slightly spicy chili and the sweet cinnamon roll is an unbeatable combo in our book. While the rest of America enjoys chili with cornbread or a regular dinner roll, we're eating dinner and dessert at the same time!

9. We Spend Hours Canning and Pickling Fresh Fruits and Veggies

Speaking of food, South Dakotans love to can their own produce. Green beans, cucumbers, carrots, and fruit like peaches can all be preserved and stored for the winter. Ask a city person if they canned their green beans this fall, and they'll give you a blank look. Why spend hours canning them when you can buy them from the store? We'll tell you—they're better when home-grown and preserved! Chalk it up to another quirky South Dakota fact.

10. We Suck It Up When It Snows and Start Shoveling

When the wind chill drops the outdoor temperature into the negatives, and the blustery snow starts piling up and crowding the driveway, South Dakotans don't just sit around. We get up and start shoveling ASAP. Snowstorms happen too often around here to wait by the fire all winter long. We're pretty tough when it comes to bitter cold—and we teach our kids to be tough, too. Throw on a parka and a hat and get out there!

11. We're Protective of Our Family and Friends

Above all else, South Dakotans are protective of the ones they hold dear. Most of the time, we're friendly and easygoing folk, but when it comes to our friends and family, we don't play. Whether it's our local community groups, our neighbors, and our families, we fiercely support and defend our fellow South Dakotans, and love any opportunity to gush about the small-town vibe of our entire state.

Bottom line, you'll know you're from South Dakota if these quirky facts seem totally normal to you. Which of these fun facts have you heard? Are there any we missed? If so, take a South Dakota road trip to discover more unique things about our wonderful state. Who knows, you might discover something new about life in the Mount Rushmore State.