South Dakota

Planning to visit a South Dakota state park in 2026? Here’s how to get an annual pass.

Published

3 months ago

October 14, 2025

Planning to visit a South Dakota state park in 2026? Here’s how to get an annual pass.

There are more than 60 state parks and recreation areas spread across South Dakota – and if you’re planning to visit in 2026, annual passes are already available.

The annual entrance licenses, valid from Oct. 1, 2025, to May 23, 2027, can be purchased online, by calling 1-800-710-2267 or at local state park offices. For residents, the price is $40 for one or $60 for two.

While it provides access to South Dakota’s state parks and recreation areas, the license doesn’t cover the cost of camping.

“We have a variety of overnight options for everyone with campsites, camping cabins and modern lodging throughout the year,” Jeff VanMeeteren, state parks director, said in a news release.

In 2026, South Dakota’s state parks will celebrate a place in history as part of the America 250 initiative, which marks the country’s 250th birthday, the news release said.

Here’s more about the annual entrance license and your other options for visiting South Dakota’s state parks.

This new South Dakota video series shows what it’s like to herd buffalo in Custer State Park

Where do I put my annual South Dakota state parks entrance license?

The annual entrance license adhesive must be placed in the passenger-side corner of your windshield, within 3 inches of the bottom, according to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. The license is valid for everyone in the vehicle.

Are there other options for entering South Dakota state parks?

There are also daily entrance licenses available – $10 for residents, $15 for nonresidents – at many state parks, though notably not at Custer State Park.

If you want one license for multiple vehicles, you can buy a transferable annual entrance license. It costs $90, but comes in the form of a hang tag that can be moved between different vehicles.

How does South Dakota use the fees collected at state parks?

All of the fees collected at South Dakota’s state parks “play an important role” in daily operations, Game, Fish and Parks says. The sale of park entrance licenses and camping fees make up more than two-thirds of the funding used to run state parks and recreation areas and “provide comfortable and enjoyable facilities and recreation opportunities,” according to the agency’s website.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 8, 2026

Published

3 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

05-12-13-39-48, Lucky Ball: 13

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.

When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South Dakota

Sheridan Lake rescue prompts winter ice safety warning

Published

16 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Sheridan Lake rescue prompts winter ice safety warning

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – A harrowing scene at Sheridan Lake ended without serious injury Tuesday after a man, a woman and their dog fell through thin ice near the swimming beach, authorities said.

Keep pets on a leash and never attempt a risky rescue if someone falls through the ice, officials said. Call 911 immediately.

The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks agency advises that ice three inches or less is unsafe. Four inches is generally considered the minimum for walking, ice fishing or skating.

Lt. Casey Kenrick of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office said the incident is a reminder to take extra precautions this winter.

“Usually at this time the ice is significantly thick on the lakes around the area, well, some aren’t even frozen all the way at this point. The temperatures have been up and down so much that the ice isn’t solid even though it may look like it is, so make sure you know the ice depth that you’re getting onto,” Kenrick said.

Kenrick said those precautions could mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy.

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South Dakota

A day in South Dakota history

Published

1 day ago

January 8, 2026

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RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – On Jan. 7, 1995, William Janklow began his third of four terms as governor. From statehood until 1972, governors served two-year terms. Voters then approved a constitutional amendment in 1972 allowing governors to serve two consecutive four-year terms.

Janklow served from 1979 to 1987 and again from 1995 to 2003. His 16 years are the longest stint of any governor in South Dakota history

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