Every state is known for something. As you work your way through the list, don’t miss the best movies set in South Dakota. While you're at it, check out the best books set in South Dakota, too.
South Dakota is an expansive, sparsely populated midwestern U.S. state where rolling prairies give way to the dramatic Black Hills National Forest. Black Hills is home to 2 historical monuments carved right into towering granite peaks: Mt. Rushmore, the iconic depiction of 4 revered U.S. presidents, and Crazy Horse Memorial, a tribute to the storied Native American tribal leader.
Movies set in South Dakota often explore a variety of themes, reflecting the diverse aspects of life in the state. Some common themes include:
- Wild West and Frontier Life: South Dakota has a rich history associated with the Wild West and the frontier era. Movies set in this state often depict the challenges and adventures faced by pioneers, cowboys, and Native Americans.
- Native American Culture: The state is home to several Native American tribes, including the Lakota Sioux. Films set in South Dakota may delve into the history, traditions, and contemporary issues of Native American communities.
- Rural Life: South Dakota's landscape is characterized by vast prairies and farmland. Movies set in rural South Dakota may explore the challenges and lifestyles of people living in small towns or on farms.
- Natural Beauty: The state is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Black Hills, Badlands National Park, and the Missouri River. Films set in South Dakota often showcase these picturesque settings, sometimes emphasizing the contrast between the beauty of nature and the struggles of human life.
- Cultural Identity: South Dakota has a unique cultural identity shaped by its history, geography, and the mix of Native American and European influences. Movies set in the state may explore the complexity of cultural identity and the clash of different traditions.
- Historical Events: Some films set in South Dakota may be based on or inspired by historical events that took place in the state, such as the Gold Rush, the Battle of Little Bighorn, or the establishment of Mount Rushmore.
- Isolation and Solitude: The vast, open spaces in South Dakota can create a sense of isolation and solitude, which may be explored in movies as characters navigate the challenges of living in a sparsely populated region.
It's important to note that not all movies set in South Dakota will touch on these themes, and filmmakers may choose to focus on different aspects of the state's culture, history, or geography based on their storytelling goals.
How to Create a State Unit Study for South Dakota
To create a state unit study for South Dakota:
- Define Objectives: Clearly outline what you want participants to learn about the state.
- Gather Resources: Collect books, websites, and online materials about South Dakota's history, geography, and culture.
- Plan Activities: Design lessons on geography, history, culture, and the arts. Include hands-on activities, such as cooking and crafts.
- Explore Culture and Arts: Focus on Native American culture, traditional crafts, and local music.
- Learn About Landmarks: Study famous landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park.
- Engage in Hands-On Activities: Cook traditional recipes, create crafts, and incorporate hands-on learning experiences.
- Incorporate Technology: Use virtual tours and interviews to enhance the study.
- Assessment: Have participants create projects or presentations to demonstrate their learning.
- Reflect and Share: Conclude with a discussion and encourage participants to share their insights.
- Document the Journey: Create a scrapbook or journal to capture the experience, including photos, drawings, and reflections.
Best Movies Set in South Dakota
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Carla Gugino, Cindy Pickett, Mason Adams (Actors)
Son-In-Law
Year: 1993
Country girl Rebecca (Carla Gugino) has spent most of her life on a farm in South Dakota, and, when she goes away to college in Los Angeles, Rebecca immediately feels out of place in the daunting urban setting.
She is befriended by a savvy party animal named Crawl (Pauly Shore), who convinces the ambivalent Rebecca to stay in the city. When Thanksgiving break rolls around, Rebecca, no longer an innocent farm girl, invites Crawl back to South Dakota, where he pretends to be her fiancé.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Kevin Costner, Mary McDonnell, Graham Greene (Actors)
Dances with Wolves
Year: 1990
A Civil War soldier develops a relationship with a band of Lakota Indians. Attracted by the simplicity of their lifestyle, he chooses to leave his former life behind to be with them. Having observed him, they give the name Dances With Wolves.
Soon he is a welcomed member of the tribe and falls in love with a white woman who has been raised in the tribe. Tragedy results when Union soldiers arrive with designs on the land.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Nicolas Cage, Jon Voight, Harvey Keitel (Actors)
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Year: 2007
Ben Gates and his father Patrick are surprised by Mitch Wilkinson's claims that their ancestor was a conspirator in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln based on the missing page of Booth's diary that he possesses. Outraged, together with his wife, Abigail, and his best friend, the writer Riley Poole, they head to France, England and Washington to collect clues to prove his honor.
![Pow Wow Highway [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sx2cXt3yL.jpg)
- A Martinez, Gary Farmer, Joannelle Nadine Romero (Actors)
- Jonathan Wacks (Director)
Pow Wow Highway
Year: 1988
Two Cheyenne Indian friends with very different outlooks on life set off on a road trip. Philbert Bono (Gary Farmer) is a spiritual seeker trying to find the answers to life's questions; his pal, Buddy Red Bow (A Martinez), is a realist who sees the world in black-and-white terms.
When Buddy's sister is jailed in Santa Fe, N.M., the mismatched duo hit the highway in Philbert's dilapidated 1964 Buick and experience wild twists and turns on their journey of self-discovery.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Doris Day, Howard Keel, Allyn Ann McLerie (Actors)
Calamity Jane
Year: 1963
Doris Day and Howard Keel star as “Calamity” Jane and “Wild Bill”Hickock in this lighthearted musical based on the lives of two real celebrities of the American West.
Now that you’ve completed the list of best movies set in this state, why not check out some others? Here are the Best Movies Set in All 50 States.
DOWNLOAD AND PRINT MOVIES SET IN ALL 50 STATES
Click here to download this printable. It has a list of movies in all 50 states, including the Best Movies Set in South Dakota.
Further Reading About the State:
- South Dakota travel guide 2023: Your Ultimate Travel Companion for Unforgettable Experiences, Natural Wonders, and Rich Heritage in the Heart of America
- Fodor's The Black Hills of South Dakota: with Mount Rushmore and Badlands National Park (Full-color Travel Guide)
- South Dakota Curiosities: Quirky Characters, Roadside Oddities & Other Offbeat Stuff (Curiosities Series)
- South Dakota (A True Book: My United States) (A True Book (Relaunch))
- Moon South Dakota’s Black Hills: With Mount Rushmore & Badlands National Park: Outdoor Adventures, Scenic Drives, Local Bites & Brews (Travel Guide)
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