The Family Fun Escapes Passport is the perfect guide to great family attractions in Southeast South Dakota. Earn prizes along the way as you escape to fun for all ages.
The
Dahl Arts Center, located in Downtown Rapid City, is a community-owned art
space, offering a variety of attractions. It features five curated art
galleries, a hands-on Art Studio designed for families, and the Dahl Artists'
Market, where art crafted by local and regional artists is available for
purchase. Managed by the Rapid City Arts Council, The Dahl is a community space
that hosts all kinds of arts and culture events. It also provides art education
programs for both youth and adults, along with open pottery and art studios,
offering people a welcoming space to unleash their creativity. The Dahl is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Entry to the
galleries is always free, with donations warmly welcomed.
Karttrax Family Fun Park is a family-owned and operated five-acre, 18-hole mini-golf facility that has been providing fun to the Yankton area since 1986. We strive to provide family entertainment in a Christian-based atmosphere for the purpose of strengthening family unity. We are open seasonally and weather permitting. Visit our Facebook page for the most current information, including hours of operation. FOR 2025: We are only offering mini-golf. (Go karts may return in the future.)
Writer/filmmaker Austin Kaus loves nothing more than exploring (and eating) in South Dakota. Experience some of his favorite places and stories.
Explore the Great Faces and Great Places of South Dakota—a state where natural beauty, historic sites, epic road trips and endless wonder await you and your family.
If your teens are anything like mine, it can feel impossible to disconnect them from their devices. That's why I enlisted their help in creating a fun-filled itinerary that will have you making lasting memories during these fleeting years before they go into the world on their own. The only reason they’ll be taking out their phones during your Sioux Falls trip is to take pictures of all the fun they are having!
At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point in South Dakota. Discover top hiking trails and tips for taking in stunning views of Black Elk Wilderness.
Experience the magic as you journey from Hill City to the North Pole where Santa will be waiting to board the train. Each child will get the chance to meet Santa. All Holiday Express passengers receive hot chocolate, a sugar cookie and candy cane. The 1880 Train depot and train will be festooned with holiday cheer. This holiday ride is perfect for the whole family and lasts one hour. In 2025, varying departures are available November 26, 28 and 29, and December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27 and 28. Admission: Ticket prices vary based on date and time. See our website for details, including information about the Holiday Express First Class (offered December 13-24) and the Winter Express (offered December 27-28).
Experience the magic and a spiked hot cocoa as you take a one-hour journey from Hill City to the North Pole (and back). Each passenger receives assigned seating in an adults-only car, spiked hot chocolate, and a keepsake mug. This special trip departs Hill City at 5:15 p.m. on November 28-29 and December 6, 13, 14, 20, 21, 23, 27 and 28. See our website for admission and other details. (Spiked! is for those 21 and older, only.)
Celebrate Oktoberfest on board the 1880 Train. On Saturday, September 27, the 1880 Train will hold its annual Oktoberfest Express. Prior to departure, enjoy snacks, beer and yard games 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. On board, passengers enjoy authentic seasonal beer along with traditional German foods. The train departs from the Hill City station at 2:30 p.m. and the round-trip ride takes about two hours. See website for special event rates information (must be 21 years of age or older).
