South Dakota Books: Novels Set in the Mount Rushmore State
Whether you’re participating in our Read Around the USA Challenge or simply found your way to our website researching books set in South Dakota, we’ve curated a diverse list of highly-rated titles about the Mount Rushmore State! If you’re looking for another state, check our comprehensive list of books set in every state.

A Few Things South Dakota is Known For…
South Dakota’s landscape is as varied as it is beautiful. While you’ll find fertile farmland in the east, the topography becomes more dramatic as you travel west. This includes the unique formations of the Badlands, a maze of canyons, pinnacles, and spires sculpted by millions of years of erosion, followed by the Black Hills, a small, isolated mountain range.
South Dakota’s rich cultural and natural attractions, including Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, and the historic town of Deadwood, have made tourism a significant part of the state’s economy. The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally also draws a substantial number of visitors.
Historically, mining and agriculture dominated the economy of South Dakota, followed by a boom in credit card processing in Sioux Falls in the 1980s. In recent decades, South Dakota has diversified its economy into biotechnology, renewable energy, and telecommunications.
The largest city, Sioux Falls, has a bustling downtown that is set against the cascading waters of Falls Park, blending urban life with natural beauty. The capital city of Pierre is nestled along the Missouri River, while Rapid City is strategically located at the gateway to the Black Hills. Its proximity to national treasures like Mount Rushmore and the Badlands places Rapid City at the center of the state’s tourism industry.
Best Books Set in South Dakota
Read Around the USA – Books Set in Other States
We hope you enjoyed this list of books about South Dakota and found some great titles to add to your TBR. If you’re participating in our Read Around the USA Challenge, be sure to check out our alphabetical index of books set in each state.
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Printable Version of This Book List
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