South Dakota

Strong German Heritage

Forty percent of South Dakotans claim some degree of German heritage. The German influence is evident in the language, food, customs, and traditions of South Dakotans, especially those in the eastern portion of the state. The German festival Schmeckfest is held each September in Eureka, an area heavily settled by Germans from Russia. Citizens who trace their ancestry to Norway and Ireland are each fewer in numbers, but their ethnic influences are felt as well. St. Patrick's Day in Sioux Falls is celebrated each year with a parade and many family reunions for those of Irish ancestry.

Religion plays an important part in the lives of most residents of South Dakota. The two Protestant denominations with the greatest number of members are Lutheran and Catholic. Church services, fundraisers, and assisting those in need all strengthen the social networks and the building of community.

Hutterites reside in 52 separate colonies in the eastern portion of the state, making South Dakota home to the largest population of Hutterites. The Hutterites segregate themselves from mainstream society. They are known for their religious practices and communal ways of life, which include shared production of crops and livestock, cooking, childrearing, and finances.

The Missouri River geographically divides South Dakota into West River and East River areas. These two areas tend to be distinct in their politics, culture, and means of earning a living. This geographical distinction forms the foundation for a South Dakotan's identity. Typically, West River people are conservative in their political views, and those involved in agriculture are more likely to make a living by cattle ranching than farming due to the rugged terrain.

The Wild West culture is still celebrated through rodeos, tourism, and old-fashioned horse-and-wagon trail rides. East River tends to be more populated, as the largest city, Sioux Falls, is located in the southeastern part of the state. The East River population also tends to be conservative in their political views but less so than the West River residents. Rural East River residents are more likely to make their living through farming than ranching, since the land is flat and ideal for growing crops. Eastern South Dakota is more densely populated, while most of the tourism is in West River. Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills, and Custer State Park are all prime tourist destinations located in western South Dakota.

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