The symbols on the great seal of South Dakota represent the state's commerce, industry, and natural resources.

Under God the People Rule (South Dakota's state motto) appears at the top of the inner circle, which has a background of sky and hills. In the foreground, a steam ship navigates a river running through agricultural and industrial land.

The outer circle of the seal bears the words State of South Dakota, and Great Seal 1889 (the year South Dakota became a state). The state seal also appears on South Dakota's state flag:

State flag of South Dakota features the state seal design
in center against a blazing sun and field of sky blue