12 Surprising (and Completely True) South Dakota Laws You’ve Never Heard Of

South Dakota: famous for Mount Rushmore, roaming buffalo, wide-open prairies—and a surprisingly quirky batch of laws hiding beneath its rugged frontier charm. Beyond the Badlands, biker rallies, and Wild West history, the Mount Rushmore State quietly maintains statutes so amusingly odd you’ll wonder if they were carved into law by mistake. Buckle up and saddle your horses—things are about to get wonderfully weird in South Dakota.

Horses Can’t Enter the Fountain Inn Unless Wearing Pants in Sioux Falls

Equine fashion strictly regulated—no pants, no entry for horses at the Fountain Inn. Dress appropriately, stallions.

It’s Illegal to Lie Down and Fall Asleep in a Cheese Factory

Cheese-induced naps explicitly banned statewide. Dairy visits stay upright and alert.

No Horses Allowed into Fountains

Horse fountain-swimming officially outlawed. Equines must find water elsewhere—hydration etiquette enforced.

You Can’t Use Fireworks to Protect Sunflowers from Birds

Sunflower fields defended by pyrotechnics officially prohibited. Birds feast freely—fireworks stay festive, not protective.

It’s Illegal to Create Static Electricity in Huron

Static shocks explicitly outlawed in Huron. Shuffle carefully—or face shocking consequences.

Hotels Must Have Twin Beds Exactly Two Feet Apart

Hotel bed-spacing strictly mandated—two-foot gaps officially required statewide. Sleep comfortably and legally.

Movies Must End Before 1:00 AM in Sioux Falls

Late-night cinema explicitly regulated—films must wrap before 1:00 AM. Movie marathons stay strictly scheduled.

It’s Illegal to Disturb Mink Traps

Mink-trap disturbances officially banned statewide. Fur trapping remains serious business—respect mink-catching.

You Can’t Fall Asleep While Driving

Dozing behind the wheel explicitly outlawed statewide. Alert driving mandatory—naps roadside only.

It’s Illegal to Attempt to Convince Pacifists to Give Up Their Beliefs

Pacifist persuasion explicitly banned. Peaceful beliefs remain legally protected—no arguing allowed.

It’s Illegal to Throw Objects at Pedestrians from Vehicles

Projectile tossing from cars explicitly outlawed. Pedestrian safety enforced—keep your hands (and objects) inside vehicles.

No Horses Allowed Upstairs in Fountain Hotels

Horse hotel climbing strictly prohibited. Equines stay firmly ground-floor guests only

There you have it—12 amusingly odd, totally true South Dakota laws that showcase the quirky charm of this frontier state. Whether you’re politely spacing hotel beds or carefully outfitting horses, South Dakota clearly enjoys a little legal peculiarity. Stay wonderfully weird, South Dakota—we wouldn’t have you any other way!

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