The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets live today. This cycling event held in Badlands National Park offers a choice of six rides: pavement 31 miles, pavement 38 miles, gravel 35 miles and gravel 64 miles, plus pavement 28 miles (Sunday) and gravel 33 miles (Sunday). (This event is part of the Grasslands Triple Crown point series competition, which also includes Grassland Gravel and the Thunderhawk Wide Open.)
Free concerts on Main Street Deadwood are awesome, but that's not all! You can also check out the National Dock Dogs Competition and learn the tricks of gold panning and sluicing from Black Hills pros right on Main Street. There's also a weekend-long classic car auction, and free concerts by top bands. Have fun celebrating the life and times of Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood.
Wild Deadwood Reads is an annual event held at The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort in Historic Deadwood. Our multi-author, multi-genre Book Fair is just one of the exciting events happening, along with a basket raffle to support a local nonprofit organization, numerous giveaways and prizes, and much more. In attendance will be more than 100 authors from all over the country, including bestselling and award-winning authors of every genre—romance, historical, Christian, children’s, mystery, thrillers, Western, non-fiction and more. You will be able to find something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Admittance is free, so bring the whole family and find your new favorite books and authors.
Deadwood’s finest businesses will once again serve up samples of select fine wines, pleasing cheeses, and sweet chocolates to ticket holders. This yearly event runs 1-5 p.m., with registration from 12 noon-3 p.m. Your ticket will get you tastings at all participating locations along with a commemorative Reidel wine glass. Registrations are limited to 300 people so buy early and don’t miss out on great times in Deadwood this winter. Must be 21+ to participate and must show photo ID at registration. All participants are required to check-in at the registration at the Deadwood Visitor’s Center.
Explore old traditions that find new expressions, taste rich flavors that ignite your imagination, and watch creations transform before your very eyes.
Explore Central South Dakota’s art, sculptures and Native heritage, from Missouri River masterpieces to vibrant museums in Pierre and Chamberlain.
Located just off I-90 near Chamberlain, SD, this stunning monument honors the cultures of the Lakota and Dakota people. Plan a visit to the Dignity statue.
Located on each side of the “Mighty Mo’,” the communities of Chamberlain and Oacoma each offer stunning views and opportunities for fun.
South Dakota's Interstate Welcome Centers along Interstate 90 (east/west) and Interstate 29 (north/south) are great places to rest or stretch your legs, but they offer so much more to travelers than that. You can speak with a travel counselor, pick up brochures and find up-to-date road and weather information.
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!
