10 Very Unique and Humorous Things About South Dakota
As South Dakota rolls out the welcome mat for the busiest week in tourist season, bikers and fans heading out to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will fall in love with our state. Whether it's your first time here or a yearly visitor to the Black HIlls, here are some funny and amusing things you'll notice.
- 1
Jackalope
I hate to break it to you, but there's no such thing as a jackalope in real-life. The rabbit (or hare) with antlers is a mythical creature sure to be found in almost every gift shop and souvenir stand.
- 2
Wall Drug's Billboards:
On the road to and through South Dakota, you'll encounter countless billboards advertising Wall Drug Store with quirky slogans. Free Ice Water!, .Five Cent Coffee!, and Clean Restrooms!, are just a few.
- 3
World's Largest Pheasant
Standing at a majestic 28' feet tall, the large pheasant proudly stands in Huron, SD.
- 4
We're Really Flat
With the exception of the Black HIlls, South Dakota is pretty flat. Many jokes about seeing your dog run away for days or seeing your neighbors house for miles are quite common.
- 5
Unpredictable Weather
People often say you can see all four seasons in one day occasionally. It's true - and weather 'round here can change very quickly.
- 6
Wide-Open Spaces:
We like not having bumper-to-bumper traffic and tall skyscrapers. We have more buffalo than people - and we kinda like it that way.
- 7
Punny Highway Signs
You may be greeted by signs like "Welcome to South Dakota...Just Kidding!" or my favorite, "Don't Drive Like My Brother...He's Not Home Yet!"
- 8
Ghost Towns
We have many deserted ghost towns which often leads to strange stories about it's past residents. Kids today will never kick a soccer ball under old man Jenkin's porch.
- 9
The World's Only Corn Palace
The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota, is a unique attraction, and visitors jokingly wonder if it's where corn royalty resides. By the way...if someone asks if the corn pops in extreme heat...just politely laugh and be on your way.
- 10
Bison Traffic Jams
Yes, we have bison and we have tourists. This creates "bison traffic jams" when these massive animals cross roads, causing cars to stop and wait. Never get out of your car. Just patiently wait it out and take pictures.