1. The Fort Pierre to Deadwood Trail was opened on February 17, 1877. The trail was used to transport supplies, food, and other necessities to the gold mines in the Black Hills.

2. In 1883, the South Dakota House of Representatives passed a bill designating February 17 as the state's official Arbor Day. The day is celebrated by planting trees across the state.

3. On February 17, 1925, the Flandreau Indian School in eastern South Dakota hosted the first statewide basketball tournament. The tournament featured teams from various Indian schools in the state.

4. In 1969, the first air ambulance service in South Dakota was established by Commodore A. Nettleton. The service began operating out of Sioux Falls on February 17 of that year.

5. On February 17, 1985, the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra became the first symphony in the state to be nationally broadcast on National Public Radio. The concert was recorded live at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science in Sioux Falls.