South Dakota is one of only 12 states in the United States of America to have a single area code. So, it only makes sense that when the numbers line up (on June 5 each year), we celebrate all things South Dakota.
This year, we’ve created a South Dakota Scavenger Hunt! Nine symbols that connect to our state are hidden throughout the Museum — and it’s your job to find them. Stop by the Museum Welcome Center to get started.
But if you are looking for extra fun and want to play along at home, we’ve got you covered with this downloadable pdf.
On our scavenger hunt, you’ll find:
- Ring-necked pheasant – Pheasants are the official state bird of South Dakota. Want to see an iconic pheasant perched on a roof and have a delicious meal to boot? Check out The Pheasant Restaurant & Lounge in Brookings!
- Jackalope – A mythical animal of North American folklore, depictions of this friendly critter have become sought-after tourist souvenirs. There’s even a jackalope you can sit on for a photo opportunity at Wall Drug.
- Walleye – The state fish of South Dakota, the walleye is highly sought after by anglers and found statewide in large streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Looking for a fishing report in northeastern South Dakota? SD Glacial Lakes & Prairies Tourism Association has it!
- Coyote – In 1949, the coyote was named the official state animal of South Dakota because of its resilience. The coyote can survive a variety of habitats by changing its breeding habits, diet, and social dynamics. The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation has even more coyote-related facts!
- Bison are the largest land mammals in North America. They primarily eat grasses and leafy plants. If you want to see bison, head over to Custer State Park, or if you want to stay closer to Brookings, check out the Bramble Park Zoo.
- Dignity of Earth & Sky – Dignity is a sculpture of a native woman that stands high on the bluff of the Missouri River, located off of I-90 near Chamberlain. According to sculptor Dale Lamphere, she represents the courage, perseverance and wisdom of the Lakota and Dakota culture in South Dakota.
- Mount Rushmore National Monument – This sculpture features 60-foot faces of four American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. It is located in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota.
- Crazy Horse Monument – Crazy Horse Memorial tells the story of the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. When completed, the depiction of the Oglala Lakota warrior Crazy Horse, riding a horse will be 641 feet long and 563 feet high.
- T. Rex Fossils – Some of the world’s more important dinosaur fossils were discovered in South Dakota, including Sue and Stan. The Children’s Museum of South Dakota also has some fossils on display.
Find all of these South Dakota-themed icons, and more fun during your next visit to the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. You best start planning!
If you are looking for even more places to play, Travel South Dakota has a whole gamut of themed passports worthy of a road trip. See you on the road.
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