Symbol | Official Item

Missouri designated the fiddle as the official state musical instrument in 1987. The fiddle (violin) was an important part of life to the early pioneers at community gatherings and square dances.

South Dakota designated walleye (Stizostedion vitreum) as the official state fish in 1982 (walleye is also a state symbol of Minnesota and Vermont). All State Fish

South Dakota designated Black Hills white spruce as the official state tree in 1947. The beautiful short-needled white spruce tree is one of the dominant trees of the vast boreal forest that reaches from the northeastern United States across Canada to Alaska. All State Trees

In 1988, South Dakota designated the triceratops fossil that was discovered in Harding County in 1927 as the official state fossil. The triceratops skeleton is on display at the Museum of Geology in Rapid City, South Dakota. All State Dinosaurs & Fossils

Milk was designated the official state drink of South Dakota in 1986. South Dakota also recognizes a state bread and a state dessert. All State Foods & Beverages

Kuchen was designated the official state dessert of South Dakota in 2000. South Dakota also recognizes a state bread and a state drink.

South Dakota designated English as the official state common language in 1995. All State Languages & Poetry

"Dakota" is the word for "friend" in the Native American Sioux language. All State Name Origins

South Dakota designated "Hail, South Dakota," a marching song by Deecourt Hammitt, as the official state song in 1943. All State Songs

South Dakota, a leader in honey production, designated the honeybee as official state insect in 1978. The honeybee is recognized as an official symbol in seventeen states, primarily because honeybees play such an important role in agriculture. All State Insects