South Dakota State Flags

South Dakota Flag Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Material for the Plains

Hoisting the "Great Seal" banner requires a material that can handle temperature swings from -30°F to 100°F. Match your region to our American-made fabrics:

• For High-Wind & Open Prairie: We recommend our 2-Ply Tough-Ply Polyester South Dakota Flags. This is our "Gale-Force" fabric, designed specifically for Mitchell, Pierre, and Watertown. The 2-ply open-weave construction allows mountain and prairie winds to pass through the material, reducing the "whiplash" stress that shreds standard flags.

• For High-Altitude UV & Brilliant Color: Our Heavy-Duty Nylon South Dakota Flags are the #1 choice for homes in Spearfish, Custer, and the Black Hills. These flags are vapor-jetted with specialized inhibitors to keep the "Sky Blue" field and the golden sun rays from fading against the bright winter sun-glare.

• The Tidmore Standard: Every South Dakota flag we sell is 100% Made in the USA, FMAA-certified, and strictly follows South Dakota Codified Law 1-6-4. We ensure the seal is perfectly centered within the golden sun.

If you’re not sure whether nylon or polyester is right for your display, check out our guide to the best flag materials for South Dakota weather to match your material to your wind, sun, and weather conditions.

What size South Dakota Flag should I buy?

While our Heavy-Duty Nylon is the standard for color, and our 2-Ply Polyester is built for Prairie winds, the scale of your flag is vital for a professional look. Because the South Dakota flag features an intricate central seal with text, choosing a size that is too small makes the motto illegible from the ground. Before you order, see our South Dakota State Flag Size Guide to learn why a 20ft residential pole typically requires a 3x5ft flag, whereas a 25ft pole—common for State Capitol buildings and local ranches—is better suited for a 4x6ft design.

The Meaning of the South Dakota Flag: Under God the People Rule

Originally adopted in 1909 and updated significantly in 1963 and 1992, the South Dakota flag represents the state's natural wealth and pioneer spirit. At Tidmore Flags, we honor the "Coyote State" by adhering to these official symbolic requirements:

• The Golden Sun: The central seal is surrounded by a blazing sun, representing the state's original nickname, "The Sunshine State" (before it was officially changed to the "Mount Rushmore State" in 1992).

• The 1992 Motto Update: We ensure your flag features the correct modern text: "South Dakota, The Mount Rushmore State" encircling the sun.

• The State Seal Details: Our high-fidelity printing captures every element of the seal: the Smelting Furnace (mining), the Plowman (agriculture), the Steamship (commerce on the Missouri River), and the Running Cattle (ranching).

• Sky Blue Field: We use the official "Sky Blue" specified by the South Dakota Secretary of State, ensuring a professional appearance for schools, government offices, and residences.

• Historical Accuracy: We maintain the exact proportions required by state law, ensuring the sun has precisely 16 rays as intended in the 1963 standardization.

Learn more about the history of the South Dakota State Flag and Design