Mount Rushmore within the Black Hills is the most famous landmark in South Dakota. Therefore, it's not surprising that the area goes by the nickname of the Mount Rushmore State. This is the official South Dakota state nickname, chosen in 1992. It also features on the state flag, making the name recognizable among all residents and many visitors.

South Dakota's nickname is The Mount Rushmore State because of the impressive sculpture in the beautiful Black Hills in South Dakota that features four faces of important American Presidents.

State nickname. The Mount Rushmore State" is hereby designated as the official nickname of the State of South Dakota.

The Mount Rushmore State (Official) This is the official nickname of South Dakota and appears on the South Dakota State Flag. Referring to the fantastic mountain sculpture created by Gutzon Borglum over a period of 14 years, this nickname has been codified in the South Dakota State Statutes as: 1-6-16.5. State nickname.