The Smart State of South Dakota Quiz

Answer: Black Hills spruce

The Black Hills Spruce is a conifer that is used to cold weather. It grows only in South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming. It is a tall, thin tree with long cones, and grows slowly.

Answer: Ring-necked pheasant

The ring-necked pheasant is a well-known gamebird that is the South Dakota State Bird. These colorful birds roost in trees at night and lay their eggs in hedges. They are commonly found all over South Dakota.

Answer: Native American

"Dakota" is the from the Sioux language and means "friend". The Dakota Territory included North and South Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. The Dakotas both became states on November 2, 1889.

Answer: Rose quartz

In 1966 the State of South Dakota named rose quartz as the State Mineral. It has been mined in the Black Hills since the 1880s. It is used for jewelry and for ornamental symbols.

Answer: Walleye

A deep water fish, the walleye loves large, clear lakes. They tend to eat in the shallows at night. The Museum of Wildlife, Science and Industry in the city of Webster is designated as the official state fishing museum.

Answer: Fry bread

Fry bread was named as the official state bread in 2005. It is a Native American food. It is made with flattened bread dough that is deep-fried in oil. It is served with sweet toppings such as honey or powdered sugar, or beans, ground beef, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and shredded cheese.

Answer: Kuchen

Kuchen is a cake with custard and sometimes fruit. This German dessert was handed down from the German settlers of the area. It is sometimes made with cream cheese.

Answer: American pasque

The blossoming of the American pasque flower signals the beginning of springtime in South Dakota. It has purple blossoms and is found throughout the state.

Answer: True

Triceratops was declared the State Fossil in 1988. Many fossils have been found in South Dakota. The vegetarian triceratops lived about 68 million years ago.

Answer: Agate

South Dakota named agate the official state gemstone in 1966. Agate is used in jewelry and is a favorite of rock collectors. It comes in many colors and many unique designs.