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.

Reading Adventure Through America's History.

A Reading Adventure Through America's History

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.

The adventure starts soon.

Photo of SD State Capitol Building with two lights

Two Lights for Tomorrow

South Dakota recently joined over 30 other states and participated in, "Two Lights for Tomorrow" as part of the nation's commemorations of the upcoming celebration of the country's 250th birthday.

South Dakota put out two lights on their
Capitol dome. In Pierre, the Capitol dome beaconed the "two lights" from 8 p.m. on
April 18 until April 19 at 8 a.m.








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

  1-605-773-5344       •         SDSHSAdmin@state.sd.us       •       Find us on Faceook