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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- South Dakota
South Dakota
South Dakota has several claims to fame, including 'Sue', the
world famous T-rex unearthed in the bewitching Badlands; the four
massive stone faces of Mount Rushmore; DeSmet, the old stomping
grounds of Laura Ingalls Wilder; and Wild Bill Hickok's final, and
fatal, poker game in Deadwood, now the setting of the hit
television series. Yet the state is often overlooked as a holiday
destination. True, it is rather sparsely populated. Its largest
city, Sioux Falls, has a population of just 141,000. Visitors won't
find flashy attractions or nonstop nightlife. But the hauntingly
beautiful landscape, ranging from vast high prairies to broken
granite hills to echoing caverns, will leave a lasting impression.
This sometimes harsh land has long been the home of the Sioux
nation, Native Americans who followed the buffalo herds across the
plains. In the 1800s, settlers seeking riches flocked to South
Dakota, and skirmishes between the Indians and US soldiers quickly
followed. One of the last conflicts was at Wounded Knee, where a
large group of Sioux, including women and children, were massacred.
Today, visitors can pay homage at a small memorial at the site. The
Sioux remain a large part of the population of South Dakota, and
their culture continues to provide enriching experiences. The Black
Hills, a solitary range of ponderosa pine-covered mountains rising
dramatically from the plains, are considered sacred by the Sioux. A
landscape naturally groomed for the classic American road trip, the
rolling prairies, meandering rivers and staggering peaks of South
Dakota make for some of the most beautiful scenery in the country
and is a must-see on any American journey.
Information & Facts
Climate
South Dakota has a temperate climate. Its summers, particularly
July and August, are hot, dry and pleasant, making this season the
best for tourists, though they may experience occasional
thunderstorms. Winters are bitterly cold and harsh, with relatively
significant snowfalls and strong winds. January and February are
typically the coldest months of the year, though snow is more
likely to fall in March and April.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Time
Eastern South Dakota: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November);
Western South Dakota: GMT -7 (GMT -6 from March to
November).