@AntsDakota, tell me more! Though I have to confess I am surprised there are even people in South Dakota...isn't it just one large swath of field with the occasional stone head sticking out of some big rocks?
On the contrary. In fact, if there's one thing I enjoy talking about just as much as ants, it's my state. 
Most people do think of it like this, but in fact, it's so much more. Such beauty, and diverse culture. As far as beauty and diverse landscapes go, 'East River', as it's locally called, (anything east of the Missouri River, i.e. half the state) is very fertile land, where most farmland is, yet it is also where most of the population is concentrated. The largest city, Sioux Falls, is home to a large and beautiful waterfall, known as the Falls (very creative, I know 
), and lots of beautiful pink quartzite, which used to be a big industry back in its day (yet is still mined today). Downtown Sioux Falls is pretty much built from it. And a few dozen miles west of Sioux Falls, the town of Mitchell is home to the World's Only Corn Palace. It's walls are built entirely out of corn!
And moving on, anything west of the Missouri River is known as 'West River', and is more arid and dry. Here you'll find the beautiful Badlands, filled with gorgeous rock formations, and even some desert species, such as Pogonomyrmex occidentalis (Western Harvester Ants). It was even made into a national park.
And actually, Mt. Rushmore isn't some random rock sticking out of a prairie. It is part of the Black Hills, a small mountain range which is actually taller than the Appalachians out east. It is a major tourist destinations, with lots of diverse wildlife. Some beautiful places within the Black Hills include Sylvan Lake in Custer State Park, Bridal Veil Falls, and Hot Springs.
So, as you can probably tell, we South Dakotans are pretty proud of our state, and I for one love sharing out it. Hope you can stop by and visit someday.
