Become a partner
Countdown to 250

South Dakota is part of America 250, a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. The multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.


PROGRAMS/EVENTS

To view America's 250th South Dakota events and activities, visit our Historical Society events calendar.
Filter by Event Category and select America's 250th. Events will be added as the Semiquincentennial approaches, so check back often.

stock photo of walking shoes

Walk 250 Miles by 2026

Sponsored by the Department of Game, Fish, and Parks,
this program encourages South Dakotans to track their
miles as they walk through the varied landscapes
of South Dakota. Prizes will be awarded to participants completing 250 miles by July 4, 2026.

Stock photo of books

America's 250th Reading- Celebration

The South Dakota State Library invites you to expand
your mind as we celebrate our nation's 250th Birthday.
Join us for a self-paced, self-reported reading celebration
for all ages. You can achieve reading milestones, read
a title from our challenges, or just enjoy reading.




Historic photo of USS South Dakota

USS South Dakota
Day of Honor Ceremony
Aug. 10, 2024

This free event, held at the grounds of the Battleship
South Dakota Memorial in Sioux Falls, begins at 10 a.m.
with a performance by the Sioux Falls Municipal Band quintet.
The ceremony commemorates crew members of the three
U.S. Navy ships that have carried the South Dakota name.
Crew members and their descendants will be special guests.



Historic image of newspaper headline

A "Proving Up" Event:
The Indian Citizenship Act
Fall 2024

In cooperation with the Institute of American Indian Studies
at the University of South Dakota, the America's 250th
SD Commission is co-hosting this roundtable event
to discuss the impact of the Indian Citizenship Act,
passed in 1924. More details coming soon.







BE A PARTNER IN
SD'S AMERICA'S 250TH

As we approach 2026, we expect communities and organizations
across South Dakota to find unique ways to celebrate our nation's
birth and long, storied history. Learn how you can become a partner
in the state's celebrations.




CONNECT WITH THE COUNTRY

Want to know more about what's happening across the country?
Visit the official website of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission.
From the America's Stories project to the latest news from the national perspective, visit america250.org.

America's Stories. Link.


Contact Us

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