Join in a fall tradition at the Beaver Creek Nature Area southeast of Brandon for the annual Homesteader Day Celebration on Sunday, September 7, 1-4 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the pioneer life from more than 100 years ago. The historical Samuelson cabin will be open for visitors to see and experience. There will also be pioneer agriculture demonstrations, a black smith, civil war soldiers, Dutch oven cooking, rope making, candle dipping, music and more. It is free for all ages.
Market at the Meridian was created to help small-scale agricultural and home-based businesses who grow and produce their own products. The Market provides a place where local farmers and entrepreneurs can sell directly to the consumer. Held at the corner of 2nd Street and Douglas Avenue in downtown Yankton, hours are 9 a.m.-12 noon, Saturdays, May through October.
The George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota is more than just a recreation Trail, it’s a trail of history. Burlington Northern built the rail line more than 100 years ago to accommodate the miners who had rushed to the area to pan for gold. In 1983, the rail line was abandoned and this incredible trail was envisioned and became a reality in 1998. In celebration, the third weekend in September finds hundreds of bicycle riders joining together in the annual three-day Mickelson Trail Trek. Rider registration fee includes: annual trail pass, shuttle service, six snacks, two meals and two meal vouchers for dinner in Hill City or Custer and Deadwood. Lodging is the riders' responsibility. Pre-registration is required and open until midnight on June 1 or until filled.
The annual Milk's Camp Community Traditional Wacipi is held the fourth weekend in July at the Joe Stars, Sr. Memorial Arena located 5.5 miles southwest of St. Charles. Other events include the Mud Races, Miss Milk's Camp Contest, Giveaways, Naming Ceremonies and more. See Facebook for more information and the latest updates.
Painting on the Prairie is an annual Plein Air event held at the Ingalls Homestead, Laura Ingalls Wilder Society and throughout the De Smet area. Sponsored by the Harvey Dunn Society, the weekend features Artists and Youth Art workshops, a Plein Air Art Sale, and more. It is a tremendous opportunity to watch artists at work and for 'budding' artists to learn techniques and materials used by professionals. All activities are free to the artists and the public.
Prairie Village, located west of Madison, invites you to join us for a day full of fun featuring planes, trains & automobiles. On Saturday, July 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., there will be local aircraft on site; rides all day on trains, the doodlebug and motorcars; and the 31st annual car show. The day will also feature steam carousel rides, yard games, a caricature artist, a juggler, and more. Food will be available on site. See our website for more information, including admission and ticket prices, and a full schedule of events.
The 62nd Annual Prairie Village Steam Threshing Jamboree is four days of fun. The 2025 event will feature the Hart Parr Oliver Collectors Association Summer Show. Additional activities include steam and horse threshing, parades, machinery demonstrations, flea market vendors, tractor pulls, historical programs, musical entertainment, and train and carousel rides. Admission: $14 for adults ($18 on Saturday), $4 for children (ages 6-12), and free for ages 5 and under. A four-day pass is $45 for adults (ages 6-12, $10). (See our website for complete details, including camping and lodging information.)
Head to Prairie Village west of Madison for Hobo Marlin's Pumpkin Train. Ride the train to the Pumpkin Patch where children (ages 12 and under) can pick a pumpkin from the patch. The event runs 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. and also includes donuts, cider and games. Admission is $5 per child (ages 12 and under) and $2 per adult/teen. Proceeds benefit the Prairie Village Herman & Milwaukee Railroad. (Prairie Village season passes not accepted.) Also included is the SoDak Vendor Showcase featuring a variety of South Dakota vendors on site.
Members of the Dakotas Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club from five states will meet in Custer for a weekend of cruising and showing off their cars. Owners will display their cars and trucks on 6th Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be both restored and customized vehicles in the show. Viewers can vote for their favorite car or truck. Free admittance to viewers who can vote for their favorite vehicle.
The annual Sturgis Mustang Rally is a week-long rally packed with racing, cruises, a car show and fun events. Racing events include autocross, drag racing, barrel racing and rodeo. Take a BFGoodrich Driving Class and learn how to increase your skills. Most of the events take place at the ThunderDome and are only open to SMR registered participants. The Show & Shine and parade are open to the public.
