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Physical Map of South Dakota - Geographical Features of South Dakota

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:40 ET

Physical Map of South Dakota showing the geographical features of the state such as rivers, lakes, mountain peaks, elevations, plateaus, plains, topography, water bodies and many other South Dakota physical features.

South Dakota Physical Map

Physical Features of South Dakota

South Dakota features a diverse landscape that includes rolling plains, river valleys, and rugged hills. The eastern part of the state consists of fertile farmland and glacial plains, while the central region is defined by the Missouri River and its wide valley. Western South Dakota is more rugged, with the Black Hills rising sharply above the surrounding plains and the Badlands showcasing dramatic eroded formations. The terrain gradually changes from flat plains in the east to elevated hills and plateaus in the west.

Major Landforms in South Dakota

LandformTypeRegionDescription
Great PlainsPlainStatewideWide grassland region
Missouri River ValleyValleyCentralMajor river corridor
Black HillsMountainsWestForested isolated mountains
BadlandsBadlandsWestEroded rugged terrain
Drift PrairiePlainEastGlacially formed plains
Coteau des PrairiesPlateauEastElevated prairie plateau
James River BasinBasinEastFlat drainage basin
White River PlateauPlateauSouthElevated flat region
Pine RidgeRidgeSouthwestForested ridge area
Cheyenne River ValleyValleyCentralRiver carved valley

Major Mountain Ranges in South Dakota

Mountain RangeRegionHighest PeakElevation
Black HillsWestBlack Elk Peak7,244 ft
Bear Lodge MountainsWestWarren Peak6,560 ft
Pine RidgeSouthwestEast of Chadron area4,000 ft

Major Rivers and Water Bodies in South Dakota

NameTypeRegionNotable Feature
Missouri RiverRiverCentralLargest river in state
James RiverRiverEastFlows through plains
Big Sioux RiverRiverEastForms eastern boundary
Cheyenne RiverRiverCentralTributary of Missouri
White RiverRiverSouthFlows through badlands
Lake OaheLakeCentralMissouri River reservoir
Lake SharpeLakeCentralHydroelectric reservoir
Lewis and Clark LakeLakeSouthBorder reservoir
Angostura ReservoirLakeSouthwestRecreation lake
Pactola LakeLakeWestBlack Hills reservoir

Elevation and Terrain in South Dakota

South Dakota’s elevation rises from the eastern plains to the higher elevations of the Black Hills in the west. Black Elk Peak is the highest point, while the lowest point lies along the Big Stone Lake. The terrain includes plains, plateaus, hills, and rugged badlands.

FeatureElevation / Detail
Highest PointBlack Elk Peak – 7,244 ft
Lowest PointBig Stone Lake – 966 ft
Average Elevation2,200 ft
Terrain TypePlains, hills, and plateaus

South Dakota Physical Map Facts

FeatureDetail
StateSouth Dakota
Total Area77,116 sq mi
Land Area75,811 sq mi
Water Area1,305 sq mi
Highest PointBlack Elk Peak
Lowest PointBig Stone Lake
Longest RiverMissouri River
Largest LakeLake Oahe
Major LandformsGreat Plains, Black Hills
Main Water BodiesMissouri River, Lake Oahe
Terrain TypePlains and rugged hills
CoastlineNo coastline