South Dakota - Great Places and Great Faces While South Dakota is probably most famous for Mount Rushmore, it also boasts several other attractions: like the Badlands, Wind Cave National Park, the world's only Corn Palace, the Black Hills National Forest, and historic Deadwood, where legends like Wild Bill Hickock and Calamity Jane once roamed. Its topography is varied, from its mountainous Black Hills on the western edge, to its central rolling grassland plains, to its eastern side covered with rich farmland and numerous lakes from ancient glaciers. The state is primarily dominated by agriculture and ranching, although Sioux Falls and Rapid City, its largest cities, are rich in science, industry and business opportunities. It is also home to nine Native American Indian Reservations. South Dakotan's love recreation, and enjoy fishing, hunting, skiing and many other outdoor activities. The state is bisected by the mighty Missouri River. Dams along this river contribute to large lakes that are outstanding havens for walleye and salmon fishermen. The state is also well-known for its pheasant hunting each fall. South Dakota has a colorful history as part of the Louisiana Purchase, site of the Wounded Knee massacre, and as a major exploration spot for the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. It was admitted as the 40th state in 1889.