South Dakota & Montana: Core Great Plains States

Great Plains Geography: SD & MT Included

Yes, both South Dakota and Montana are integral parts of the Great Plains region.

Great Plains Extent

• North: Canadian Prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba)
• South: Texas (Llano Estacado, Edwards Plateau)
• West: Rocky Mountain front
• East: ~97th meridian (approx. Missouri River in Dakotas)

South Dakota

• Entire state west of Missouri River is Great Plains
• East River (glaciated till plains) often included
• Badlands, Black Hills (eastern Rockies outlier), Pierre Hills
• Semi-arid west; sub-humid east

Montana

• Eastern 2/3: Un glaciated plains (Missouri Plateau)
• Western 1/3: Rocky Mountains (not Plains)
• High Plains subdivision; "Big Sky" country
• Fort Peck Reservoir, Makoshika State Park (badlands)

Shared Characteristics

• Mixed-grass prairie (west) → tallgrass (east)
• Continental climate: cold winters, hot summers, variable precipitation
• Agriculture: wheat, barley, pulse crops, cattle
• Energy: oil (Bakken in ND/MT, not SD), wind, coal (MT)

The Great Plains is a transition zone, not a uniform flatland—both states exemplify its ecological and economic diversity.