1. In 1925, the state of South Dakota established a state park system. Today, the state has 13 state parks that visitors can explore, each with its own unique attractions such as hiking trails, lakes, and wildlife.

2. On February 9, 1978, the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was officially recognized by the state of South Dakota as an official event. Every year in August, thousands of bikers descend on the town of Sturgis for the week-long festival.

3. In 1889, Congress passed the Enabling Act, allowing South Dakota to become a state. On February 9 of that year, President Benjamin Harrison signed the act into law, paving the way for South Dakota to join the Union.

4. On February 9, 1950, a B-36 bomber from the United States Air Force crashed near the town of Whitewood, South Dakota. Five crew members were killed in the accident, which remains one of the worst bomber crashes in United States history.

5. In 1961, the South Dakota State Legislature designated the Black Hills Gold Rush as the official state gold rush. The rush, which took place in the late 1800s, led to the rapid expansion of settlement in the region and the founding of many towns that still exist today.