Join Us in Nominating South Dakota’s Greats

Since 1974, the South Dakota Hall of Fame has celebrated South Dakota's legends and trailblazers who embody our state's innovative spirit and high achievement. “Inductees have changed our state, nation, and the world in meaningful ways. Their impact has been significant,” said Laurie Becvar, SD Hall of Fame CEO.

Nominations open Wednesday, November 4, 2026. Over the following months, the South Dakota Hall of Fame Board of Directors, whose members live across the state, will select the Class of 2027 from a strong pool of nominees. The process unfolds over several weeks: board members review each nomination packet in depth, rate nominees against the selection criteria, and discuss them together. It all culminates in the selection of up to 10 inductees across 11 categories.

Anyone can nominate a person or persons using the Hall's nomination site. To be eligible, the nominee must be from South Dakota or have lived in South Dakota at some point in their lives. Additionally, the nominee must have transcended boundaries in their field and made a lasting contribution to South Dakota and beyond.

Nominators are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming virtual seminars, Nominating Excellence, scheduled for Friday, December 4, at 2 pm CT as well as Wednesday, January 13, 2027, at 4 pm CT. Call 605-234-4216 to register or register online here.

The SD Hall of Fame is seeking new nominations now through February 1, 2027, at 10 pm CT. The Class of 2027 will be chosen and notified in April, and they will be recognized at the South Dakota Hall of Fame’s Honor Ceremony held on Friday, September 17th, and Saturday, September 18th in Chamberlain and Oacoma, South Dakota. The South Dakota Hall of Fame is the state's official Hall of Fame, as deemed by the SD Legislature in 1996.