With spring and summer vacation season right around the corner, in theory, I mean Old Man Winter is gotta hit the road one of these days, right?

When he finally does, and the warmer weather vacation season does arrive, chances are you and the fam will load up your version of the Wagon Queen Family Truckster and eventually hit the holiday road.

Have you ever wondered just how many McDonald's locations there are in the United States, or better yet, how many Mickey D's there are in just South Dakota alone?

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How Many McDonald's There Are in South Dakota?

So, once you start perusing the state of South Dakota and all the hidden treasures this state has to offer, sooner or later you're gonna get hungry.

When those hunger pains do set in, and if you're in a hurry, you're more than likely going to be searching for fast food. I don't know about you, but when I think of fast food, McDonand's immediately comes to mind.

It has been my experience that the golden arches seemingly span almost every inch of every state in the nation.

But have you ever wondered just how many McDonald's locations there are in the United States, or better yet, how many Mickey D's there are in just South Dakota alone? I'm guessing probably not, but I am going to tell you anyway.

According to ScrapeHero.com as of February 2023, there are (13,269) McDonald's restaurants here in the U.S.

McDonald's has multiple locations in every one of the 50 contiguous states here in the country.

You will find the most golden arches in California with (1,188) stores to be exact. And the fewest Mickey D's are in North Dakota with only (22) stores.

What about South Dakota?

We only have seven more McDonald's locations than our friends up north. At last check, the website Csun.edu says there are (29) McDonald's stores scattered throughout South Dakota.

What I found really surprising, South Dakota actually has more McDonald's locations than the state of Alaska! According to Csun.edu, there are only (27) McDonald's restaurants to be found in The Last Frontier. Kinda crazy, given the sheer size of that state.

The new McSalmon sandwich never caught on up there I guess.

Here's another little chicken mcnugget of info for you, should you ever find yourself in the U.S Virgin Islands, according to the website Scrapehero.com, they have no McDonald's locations. So you better pray you never get a Big Mac Attack there.

Source: Scrapehero.com/Csun.edu

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.