South Dakota is known for its wide open spaces, rugged beauty, and historic Wild West towns. It’s also home to Mount Rushmore, the famous monument featuring the carved heads of four US presidents. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that people have come up with riddles to challenge others on their South Dakota knowledge. Here are 39 fun riddles about South Dakota along with their answers.
Geography Riddles
Let’s start with some riddles related to South Dakota’s geography and landmarks.
Riddle 1
I’m a town in the Black Hills gold rush area, originally founded as a mining camp. Today I’m known for casinos, biker rallies, and as the setting for the HBO series Deadwood. What am I?
Answer: Deadwood
Riddle 2
I’m a Native American tribe that is closely associated with South Dakota and have a large reservation located in the southwestern part of the state. My people played a major role in the history of the western plains. Who am I?
Answer: The Oglala Lakota Sioux
Riddle 3
I’m a national park in southwest South Dakota featuring unique geological formations like needles, spires, and buttes. Famous landmarks here include the Needles Highway and Mount Rushmore. What am I?
Answer: Badlands National Park
Riddle 4
I’m South Dakota’s largest city and am located on the Big Sioux River near the borders of Iowa and Minnesota. I’m home to several universities and have vibrant dining and arts scenes. What city am I?
Answer: Sioux Falls
Riddle 5
I’m a famous geographic feature located in western South Dakota near Rapid City. I contain the carved heads of four US presidents – George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. What monument am I?
Answer: Mount Rushmore
History Riddles
How well do you know the history of South Dakota? Here are some riddles to test your knowledge.
Riddle 1
I’m a Native American woman who taught the Lakota Sioux traditions and supported their resistance against US expansion onto tribal lands. I was present at the Battle of Little Bighorn. Who am I?
Answer: Sitting Bull
Riddle 2
I’m a town in the Black Hills where a huge gold deposit was found in 1874, sparking the Black Hills gold rush. Thousands of prospectors came to seek their fortunes here. What town am I?
Answer: Deadwood
Riddle 3
I’m a battle that took place in 1876 between the US 7th Cavalry led by George Custer and a force of Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. It was a major Native American victory. What battle was I?
Answer: Battle of Little Bighorn
Riddle 4
I’m a law passed by the US Congress in 1877 that seized the sacred Black Hills from the Lakota Sioux after gold was discovered there. I’m considered one of the worst treaties ever made by the US government. What was I called?
Answer: The Manypenny Agreement
Riddle 5
I’m an 1890 event where around 300 Lakota Sioux were killed by US troops at Wounded Knee Creek. I marked the end of major Native American resistance to US expansion. What massacre am I?
Answer: Wounded Knee Massacre
Culture Riddles
Let’s move on to some riddles about South Dakotan culture and traditions.
Riddle 1
I’m an annual motorcyle rally held in Sturgis that attracts hundreds of thousands of bikers each year. I feature races, concerts, and lots of leather! What rally am I?
Answer: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Riddle 2
I’m a traditional outdoor arena performance held yearly at Deadwood’s Days of ’76 rodeo. Lakota Sioux riders and horses perform feats of skill and daring while dressed in colorful regalia. What am I called?
Answer: Indian Relay Race
Riddle 3
I’m a Native American tribe closely tied to South Dakota that holds an annual Sun Dance ceremony on my reservation lands. My people were known for our fierceness in battle. Who am I?
Answer: The Oglala Lakota Sioux
Riddle 4
I’m a traditional food eaten by the Lakota Sioux made from pounded dried meat, dried fruit, and fat. I provided nourishment and were easy to transport for nomadic tribes. What am I called?
Answer: Pemmican
Riddle 5
I’m a wooden 1920s dance hall located in Deadwood that holds nightly square dancing and lessons. I try to preserve the history and music of the Old West. What’s my name?
Answer: The Silverado Franklin Historic Dance Hall
Music Riddles
For music lovers, here are some South Dakota music riddles to puzzle you.
Riddle 1
I’m a country music singer born in Fort Pierre best known for my patriotic anthem “God Bless the USA.” Sales of my song soared during the Gulf War in the 1990s. Who am I?
Answer: Lee Greenwood
Riddle 2
I’m an alternative metal band from Sioux Falls that had hits like “Wait and Bleed” and “People = Shit.” My music often explores darkness through heavy guitar riffs. What band am I?
Answer: Slipknot
Riddle 3
I’m a blues rock guitarist born in Minneapolis who formed a band in Sioux Falls. I’m influenced by Jimi Hendrix and SRV and am known for my electric blues guitar solos. My name is?
Answer: Jonny Lang
Riddle 4
I’m a jazz saxophonist from Mitchell, SD who became famous in the 1980s with songs like “Songbird” and “Endless Love.” My secret leaked in 1997. Who am I?
Answer: Kenny G.
Riddle 5
I’m an indie folk band originally from Sioux Falls with a floating membership. Our popular songs include “Chicago” and “Michigan.” What band are we?
Answer: The Lumineers
Literature Riddles
Let’s look at some riddles relating to writers and literature from South Dakota.
Riddle 1
I’m an author born in Brookings best known for my Pulitzer Prize winning novel about life on the plains in the 1880s. My famous book is an American classic. Who am I?
Answer: Willa Cather
Riddle 2
I’m a children’s book author born in Sioux Falls who wrote the beloved characters Corduroy, Lyle the Crocodile, and Franklin the Turtle. My last name is Lester. What’s my first name?
Answer: Don
Riddle 3
I’m a Sioux Falls writer who won a Pulitzer for my 1990 book about Lakota Sioux life on a reservation. My book addresses issues like alcoholism and unemployment. Who am I?
Answer: Louise Erdrich
Riddle 4
I’m an author born in Lemmon who won a National Book Award for my 1978 short story collection called “The Beet Queen.” My last name is Erdrich. What’s my first name?
Answer: Louise
Riddle 5
I’m a Brookings novelist and Rhodes scholar who wrote the bestselling novels “Game Change” and “Boys on the Bus” about presidential campaigns. My initials are J.H.?
Answer: John Heilemann
Movie & TV Riddles
How much do you know about South Dakota’s role in movies and television? Try these riddles to find out.
Riddle 1
I’m an Oscar-winning actor born in Sioux Falls who starred in movies like There Will Be Blood, Lincoln, and Gandhi. Who am I?
Answer: Daniel Day-Lewis
Riddle 2
I’m a movie set in the Black Hills of South Dakota about a widowed retired sheriff and his son who stumble upon a human trafficking ring. The movie starred Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham. What am I?
Answer: Hell or High Water
Riddle 3
I’m a 1962 movie starring Kevin Costner about Lakota Sioux life on a reservation. I provided a rare sympathetic portrayal of Native Americans during my time. What movie am I?
Answer: Dances with Wolves
Riddle 4
I’m a HBO series set in Deadwood during the 1870s gold rush. I featured actor Ian McShane as saloon owner Al Swearengen. What’s my name?
Answer: Deadwood
Riddle 5
I’m a classic 1959 Alfred Hitchcock thriller filmed at Mount Rushmore. The movie’s climactic chase scene takes place on the presidents’ faces. What movie am I?
Answer: North by Northwest
Sports Riddles
Sports fans, try to solve these South Dakota sports trivia riddles.
Riddle 1
I’m a NBA point guard born in Chamberlain who played for the Miami Heat, the LA Lakers, and won two championships. My initials are J.N.?
Answer: Jason Kidd
Riddle 2
I’m a famous home run hitter born in West Baden who broke Babe Ruth’s record in 1974 as a San Francisco Giant. Who am I?
Answer: Hank Aaron
Riddle 3
I’m a former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver born in Sioux Falls who made over 1,000 career receptions and played in 4 Super Bowls. My nickname was “Stickum.” Who am I?
Answer: Cris Carter
Riddle 4
I’m a Sioux Falls native who won over 100 LPGA Tour golf tournaments, including a record 10 major championships. I’m considered the greatest female golfer of all time. Who am I?
Answer: Annika Sorenstam
Riddle 5
I’m a famous Olympic track and field athlete from Aberdeen who won 4 gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. I’m nicknamed “The Flying Housewife.” Who am I?
Answer: Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Food Riddles
Finally, let’s look at some tasty riddles about South Dakota’s iconic foods.
Riddle 1
I’m a type of German influenced fried dough sold as a treat at many SD fairs and festivals. I’m often topped with caramel or chocolate sauce. What am I called?
Answer: Kuchen
Riddle 2
I’m a spicy shredded pork sandwich popular in eastern South Dakota. I’m topped with tangy coleslaw and typically served on a hamburger bun. What am I?
Answer: South Dakota sloppy joe
Riddle 3
I’m a custard-like dessert made from ground dried fruits, nuts, and buffalo or deer meat. I was an important portable food source for Native Americans on the plains. What am I called?
Answer: Wojapi
Riddle 4
I’m a traditional heavy bread made from wheat flour, water, and an alkali additive like baking soda. I was well-suited for cooking over open fires on the prairie. What type of bread am I?
Answer: Hardtack
Riddle 5
I’m a savory dish of meatloaf coated in crushed crackers and topped with tomatoes that is popular in South Dakota. I’m baked in the oven until golden brown. What dish am I?
Answer: Cattle country casserole
Conclusion
How did you do with these riddles? South Dakota has a rich history and culture to draw fun riddles from. Learning more about the Mount Rushmore state through these brain teasers allows you to appreciate its landscapes, stories, and people. Next time you’re traveling through South Dakota, test your fellow passengers with these unique riddles. Or share them with friends and family to spark meaningful conversations about the state’s heritage. With wide open spaces that inspire imagination, there’s always more to explore in South Dakota!
