List of state highways in South Dakota facts for kids
 
Standard South Dakota state highway shields
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Quick facts for kids System information |
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| Notes: | South Dakota highways are generally state-maintained. |
| Highway names | |
| Interstates: | Interstate X (I-X) |
| US Routes: | U.S. Highway X (US X) |
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| South Dakota numbered highways | |
South Dakota's state highways are like important roads that help people travel all across the state. They have a special numbering system. Roads that go from east to west usually have even numbers, and these numbers get bigger as you go from north to south. Roads that go from north to south usually have odd numbers, and these numbers get bigger as you go from east to west.
This numbering rule mostly applies to highways with two digits, like SD 10 or SD 20. For highways with three digits, like SD 101, they still follow the odd/even rule for their direction, but they don't always stay close to a "parent" two-digit highway. Instead, they are often more independent routes.
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Understanding South Dakota Highways
South Dakota has many different state highways. Some are very long and cross the entire state, while others are shorter and connect smaller towns or special places. These roads are important for people traveling for fun, visiting family, or moving goods for businesses.
How Highways Get Their Numbers
The way highways are numbered helps people understand where they go.
- Even Numbers (East-West): Imagine a map of South Dakota. Highways like SD 10, SD 20, and SD 34 run across the state from the eastern border to the western border, or vice versa. As you move down the map from the top (north) to the bottom (south), these even numbers generally increase.
- Odd Numbers (North-South): Highways like SD 11, SD 19, and SD 37 run up and down the state, from the northern border to the southern border. As you move across the map from the right side (east) to the left side (west), these odd numbers generally increase.
Highways That Changed Over Time
Some highways in South Dakota have changed their numbers or routes over the years. This can happen for many reasons, like when new, bigger roads are built, or when parts of a highway are no longer needed. For example:
- SD 8: This highway used to be 180 miles long and ran from the Montana state line to Mobridge. It was created in 1935 but was later absorbed by SD 20 in 1968 when SD 20 was extended.
- SD 12: This road was once 325 miles long and went from Mound City to the Minnesota state line. In 1927, it was changed and became part of SD 10.
- SD 15A and SD 15Y: These were shorter routes connected to SD 15. They were later given new numbers, becoming SD 123 and SD 109, respectively. This helps keep the numbering system clear as the road network grows.
Important and Scenic Highways
Many South Dakota highways lead to exciting places or have interesting features.
Highways to Famous Parks
- SD 240: This highway is about 40 miles long and is special because it takes you right through the amazing Badlands National Park. It connects Wall to a spot near Cottonwood. It's a great road for seeing unique landscapes!
- SD 244: If you want to visit Mount Rushmore, this is the highway for you! It's about 10 miles long and connects US 16/US 385 near Hill City to US 16A near Keystone. It was established in 1975.
- SD 377: This short highway, about 2 miles long, connects SD 44 in Interior to the entrance gate of Badlands National Park. It used to be called SD 40A.
Highways with Unique Features
- SD 204: This highway is only about 2 miles long, but it's unique because it travels right over the Oahe Dam. It connects SD 1806 and SD 1804 at Lake Oahe.
- SD 34: This is one of the longest state highways, stretching over 419 miles! It goes all the way from the Wyoming state line to the Minnesota state line. It's a major east-west route across South Dakota.
- SD 44: Another very long highway, SD 44 is over 379 miles long. It runs from US 385 near Merritt to I-29 near Worthing.
Other Notable Highways
- SD 10: This highway is about 176 miles long. It starts in Pollock and goes all the way to the Minnesota state line.
- SD 20: A very long highway, SD 20 is over 385 miles long. It starts at the Montana state line near Camp Crook and ends at the Minnesota state line near Revillo. It even follows parts of US 212, US 81, and I-29 in some sections.
- SD 38: This highway is about 63 miles long and connects Mitchell to Sioux Falls.
- SD 100: This is a newer highway project, still being built. It will connect I-29 south of Sioux Falls to I-90 east of Sioux Falls.
Images for kids
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View of an actual South Dakota state highway sign. The signs enclose the route number within the state's shape on top of a green background.
