Find Houses for Rent in South Dakota
South Dakota, a vast and rural state, has much more to it than just Mount Rushmore. Homes for rent in this Great Plains state offer families a chance to live on the American prairie or in a city like Rapid City, Pierre or Sioux Falls while being able to take in the beautiful landscape and variety of national parks.
Important Information for SD Renters to Know
- South Dakota became part of the U.S. in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Lewis and Clark's expedition through the territory established the first settlement in South Dakota at the present-day capital of Pierre.
- After being a territory along with North Dakota for decades, South Dakota became a state in 1889. The two states were competitive to see which could be admitted first, so then-President Benjamin Harrison shuffled the bills, signed one at random and didn't record which was signed first.
Top 3 Attractions for South Dakota Renters to Enjoy
- South Dakota's top attraction is Mount Rushmore. The national monument, carved out of the Black Hills, is visited by nearly 3 million people each year. The sculpture was created by Gutzon Borglum, who led a team that blasted and drilled the faces of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt into the mountain. These presidents were chosen because of their abilities to lead, create, expand and preserve the U.S. The 6,200-foot carving took 14 years and was completed in 1941.
- The Badlands of South Dakota have been rumored to have been the hiding places of some of the most famous outlaws. But the area, named by the Native Americans, is "bad" because it is so barren, arid and difficult to traverse. Families who visit the national park can drive along the edge and see the unique rock formations created by volcanic activity, wind and water. People will also see plenty of prairie dogs and bison, and maybe even a fossil.
- South Dakota has been significant to Native Americans for far longer than the U.S. has occupied the space. Families can visit everything from a Scenic Byway or art museum to the Wounded Knee Museum.
Fun Facts About South Dakota
South Dakota is home to the third-longest cave in the world, Jewel Cave. The cave's 120 miles of passageways shimmer and sparkle because of calcite crystals throughout the caverns. Another cave in the state, Wind Cave, has the largest amount of boxwork, a rare rock formation.