West River (South Dakota)

The Great Plains tribes, especially the Lakota or Sioux groups, held most of the territory west of the river.

West River includes the Badlands, a vast expanse of rugged, unusable land designated a national park in 1939.

Nearly 10% of South Dakota's total population is Native American[1] and Indian reservations are located in both sides of the state.

Containing both Ellsworth Air Force Base and most installations of the South Dakota Army National Guard, West River has major military activities contributing to the regional economy.

Only the South Dakota Air National Guard is located in East River (at Joe Foss Field in Sioux Falls).