The Quirky Side Of South Dakota: Facts That Will Make You Say, “Huh?!”
From mashed potato wrestling to a fountain that looks like it’s on fire, South Dakota is anything but boring and always full of surprises. 😲 #SouthDakotaNews #TravelNews #WeirdNews
Sioux Falls, SD – From the world’s only Corn Palace to laws that make you scratch your head, South Dakota is a state that knows how to keep things interesting. So next time you visit, embrace the quirky side of this amazing place. Who knows what surprises you’ll discover? Today, we’ll share with you some amazing facts and stats that will leave you scratching your head.
Quirky South Dakota Facts
🗿 Mount Rushmore’s Unfinished Business
You’ve probably seen the giant carved faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln on Mount Rushmore, but did you know they were supposed to have bodies too? Yep, the original plan was to carve the presidents from head to toe, but they ran out of money because of World War II.
🌻 The Sunflower State? Think Again!
You might think Kansas is the sunflower capital of the U.S., but South Dakota actually produces more of these cheery blooms. But, this state has them both beat.
That’s not the only surprise South Dakota has in store, though. Did you know it’s illegal to use fireworks to protect your sunflower crop here? Yep, that’s a real law!
🌪️ Toto, I Have a Feeling We’re Not in Kansas Anymore
Speaking of The Wizard of Oz, the “real” Dorothy was actually from Aberdeen, South Dakota. The author who wrote the famous story, L. Frank Baum, based the character on his niece who lived right here in the Mount Rushmore State.
🐄 More Cows Than People
If you visit South Dakota, don’t be surprised if you see more cows than people. There are actually four cows for every person in the state. That’s a whole lot of moo!
🥔 Mashed Potato Wrestling, Anyone?
South Dakota isn’t afraid to get a little weird. Every year, the town of Clark hosts Potato Days, which includes a mashed potato wrestling contest. It’s messy, it’s silly, and it’s 100% South Dakotan. I wonder if they ever use gravy?
🔥 The Flaming Fountain Mystery
There’s a fountain on South Dakota’s Capitol Lake that seems to be on fire, but don’t worry – it’s not actually burning. The secret behind the Flaming Fountain’s glowing color is natural gas bubbling up from an artesian well. Pretty cool, huh?
🧀 No Snoozing in the Cheese Factory
If you’re ever tempted to take a nap in a South Dakota cheese factory, resist the urge. It’s actually illegal to fall asleep in one. Oh, and if you’re planning to ride your horse into a fountain, make sure it’s wearing pants first. Yep, that’s illegal too.
🌡️ Extreme Temperatures
South Dakota’s weather can be pretty wild. The highest recorded temperature in the state was a scorching 120°F in Usta, while the lowest was a bone-chilling -58°F in McIntosh. Better pack your sunscreen and your parka!
Conclusion
South Dakota is a place where the unexpected becomes the unforgettable. From quirky laws to bizarre contests, South Dakota embraces its unique charm with open arms. It’s a place where you can marvel at unfinished masterpieces, discover surprising facts, and experience the kind of oddities that make for the best stories.
So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to fall in love with the Mount Rushmore State’s delightfully weird side. Trust us, once you’ve experienced the magic of South Dakota, you’ll be eager to come back for more. After all, in a state this full of surprises, there’s always something new and exciting waiting around every corner! Happy travels.
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🗣 Which of these quirky South Dakota facts surprised you the most? Have any we should add to the list? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
