The annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant in De Smet is an outdoor theater experience. Join us as we celebrate the Ingalls family and De Smet’s early history. Our outdoor prairie stage over looks cottonwood trees planted by Charles and the Big Slough. Seating is provided, but lawn chairs are welcome (jackets and/or blankets are recommended). The gates open at 6 p.m. and the performance begins at 8 p.m. All seating is general admission. The show does not sell out and we do not turn guests away. See website for admission information. 2025 performance dates are July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.
The annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant in De Smet is an outdoor theater experience. Join us as we celebrate the Ingalls family and De Smet’s early history. Our outdoor prairie stage over looks cottonwood trees planted by Charles and the Big Slough. Seating is provided, but lawn chairs are welcome (jackets and/or blankets are recommended). The gates open at 6 p.m. and the performance begins at 8 p.m. All seating is general admission. The show does not sell out and we do not turn guests away. See website for admission information. 2025 performance dates are July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.
The annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant in De Smet is an outdoor theater experience. Join us as we celebrate the Ingalls family and De Smet’s early history. Our outdoor prairie stage over looks cottonwood trees planted by Charles and the Big Slough. Seating is provided, but lawn chairs are welcome (jackets and/or blankets are recommended). The gates open at 6 p.m. and the performance begins at 8 p.m. All seating is general admission. The show does not sell out and we do not turn guests away. See website for admission information. 2025 performance dates are July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.
This free summer music festival is held the third weekend in July in Rapid City's Memorial Park. It features many of the best Christian artists over two days. There is a KidsZone with outreach ministry, on-stage shows, bouncy village, and a children's tent. Several delicious food vendors are on site, as well as merchandise vendors and non-profit booths. Don't miss the Friday night Artist Showcase at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City. LifeLight Hills Alive brings in 20,000-25,000 people each day. 2025 marks the 40th anniversary.
It is the best party north of the Bayou! Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Wild West with a weekend full of free parades, costume contests, parties and live music. Make your plans now - you don't want to miss this cabin-fever-busting event in Historic Deadwood. The fun starts at 8 p.m. on Friday and lasts until 10 p.m. on Saturday.
The Mickelson Trail Summer Trek is a three-day bike ride of the entire 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail. Pre-registration is required (early registration closes March 31). The registration fee includes: three meals, six snacks, refreshments, merchandise, and shuttle service. Participants will enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills and travel through scenic valleys, old railroad tunnels, and historic mining towns. Check-in is at Custer and the ride starts in Custer on Tuesday and Wednesday and in Deadwood on Thursday. Lodging is the riders' responsibility.
The Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is held beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30 each year. From May through early August, the ceremony starts nightly at 9 p.m., and from early August through September 30, it starts nightly at 8 p.m. From October through May, there is no ceremony, but the sculpture is illuminated nightly at sunset. See the website for specific details.
Yee-Haw, Ride Em Cowboy! Join us for the Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch June 14, June 21, August 3, August 9 and August 17, 6-9 p.m. Come enjoy the Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and the Mutton Bustin. There will be thrills, spills and good ole' fashioned western fun. Stay at our Black Hills resort (Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch or Mount Rushmore Lodge at Palmer Gulch). Don't forget your favorite pair of boots and cowboy hat. Admission: Free for those staying at Palmer Gulch. Admission is a $10 day-use fee for non-guests, $5 for ages 6-12, and 5 and under are free.
Yee-Haw, Ride Em Cowboy! Join us for the Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch June 14, June 21, August 3, August 9 and August 17, 6-9 p.m. Come enjoy the Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and the Mutton Bustin. There will be thrills, spills and good ole' fashioned western fun. Stay at our Black Hills resort (Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch or Mount Rushmore Lodge at Palmer Gulch). Don't forget your favorite pair of boots and cowboy hat. Admission: Free for those staying at Palmer Gulch. Admission is a $10 day-use fee for non-guests, $5 for ages 6-12, and 5 and under are free.
Yee-Haw, Ride Em Cowboy! Join us for the Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch June 14, June 21, August 3, August 9 and August 17, 6-9 p.m. Come enjoy the Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and the Mutton Bustin. There will be thrills, spills and good ole' fashioned western fun. Stay at our Black Hills resort (Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch or Mount Rushmore Lodge at Palmer Gulch). Don't forget your favorite pair of boots and cowboy hat. Admission: Free for those staying at Palmer Gulch. Admission is a $10 day-use fee for non-guests, $5 for ages 6-12, and 5 and under are free.
