Visit These 7 Places to Become a REAL South Dakotan

South Dakota boasts an average of nearly 30,000 people moving here each year. It's really no wonder it's one of the most popular states to move to with its robust economy, good leadership, and majestic natural wonders. If you're new here...welcome! But before you call yourself a real South Dakotan visit these destinations:

1. Corn Palace - This is a bit difficult to visualize for newbies to the Rushmore State but we have a world-famous building made of corn located in Mitchell. We call on local artists for different themes every year and they masterfully turn it into a touring mecca. You can also see concerts, sporting events, and trade shows at the "Maize Splendor." It's billed as the "World's Only Corn Palace" and has a unique history you can read about here.

2. Mount Rushmore - In the Black Hills (the western portion of the state) lies 1,278 acres that is home to 4 giant presidential busts carved in stone. More than likely you've learned about it as a student but you must see it to believe it. Gutzon Borglum was the architect and dreamer who created the heads of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln and it's truly majestic. More than 2 million people visit Mount Rushmore every year and if you want to be a true South Dakotan, then you've got to visit too.

3. Crazy Horse - As long as you're in the neighborhood of Mount Rushmore, take the short drive (17 miles from Mt. Rushmore) to see the other marvel carved in rock, Crazy Horse Memorial. It's unfinished but is coming along nicely as seen in progress photos in the visitor center. When finished, Crazy Horse Memorial will be nearly 650 feet tall and was built to honor the Lakota natives.

4. Wall Drug - No doubt you've seen billboards for this tourist destination along nearly every interstate in the country, the jungles of Peru, and the deserts of Africa. Free ice water, 5-cent coffee, souvenirs, and homecooked meals are part of its charm. Even locals find it hard to believe these 5 facts about Wall Drug.

5. Falls Park - The namesake of Sioux Falls is a beautiful park with flowing falls in the heart of the city. Feel the power as 7,400 gallons of water fall 100 feet per second over the splendid granite. If heights don't bother you, there is a visitor center with an observatory tower that allows you sto ee Falls Park from above and beyond. Don't forget to grab a beverage and lunch at the Overlook Cafe.

6. 1880 Town - Located about 17 miles west of Murdo, you'll see an old restored town that is open to visitors. It depicts what life was like in South Dakota nearly 150 years ago. It features a 14-sided barn, a one-room schoolhouse, a saloon (of course), props from the award-winning Kevin Costner film, Dances With Wolves,' a Casey Tibbs museum, log cabins, a church, and a bank, which should be robbed any day now if we've learned anything from 1880.

7. The Badlands - Jump off I-90 between Interior and Wall (yes...the Wall Drug mentioned earlier) and travel Highway 240 to see the steep canyon and time-worn spires that make this a magical and awe-inspiring place to visit. The Badlands is a place you most definitely do not want to be stranded in so know what you're doing if you set out on a hike on this unforgiving terrain. (I've hiked it and camped it and it's not for the faint of heart)

Welcome and enjoy the great state of South Dakota!

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Even though snow is blanketing the Sioux Empire, some snowstorms still do not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlighted ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the road during the winter. South Dakotans are well aware of the fact that the state’s winters can be harsh which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: KXRB