Nearly every city in America has a seedy side to it, but not all of those cities are rife with otherworldly activity that draws paranormal investigators and enthusiasts from all over the country. Deadwood is one such city that defines the term “ghost town,” holding a special place in the ghostly universe. Deadwood Ghosts takes you to some of South Dakota’s most haunted locations, such as the Lucky Nugget Casino. Hear the true terrifying accounts of the Wild West’s sinister entities tormenting those who entered their space. Former employees and patrons of the casino have claimed to hear the sound of heavy boots in the upstairs hallway and have seen shadow figures peering from around doorways. It’s one of many haunted locations you’ll experience with Deadwood Ghosts. Tours are held nightly, they meet in front of the Deadwood Welcome Center, and last one hour across a one-mile walking distance.
Next to the beautiful Black Hills National Forest, top-rated Rush-No-More has something for all. Our cabins range from sleepers to luxury cabins with full kitchens and bathrooms. All are air conditioned and include microwaves and fridges. We offer big rig-friendly pull-thru sites and shaded tenting sites near clean, hot showers and bathrooms. Enjoy our pool, hot tub, patio, playground, beer/wine garden and event center. We are perfect for seniors, families, groups, weddings and family reunions.
1st Fridays on Main in Mitchell is held the first Friday of each month, 5-9 p.m., May through September (May 2, June 6, July 4, July 31, and September 5, 2025). Event goers will enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, activities and games for both adults and children. This free event is held around the Corn Palace Plaza in downtown Mitchell, corner of 6th Avenue & Main Street. (July 4 hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 31 is a Thursday and is the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party.)
Schmeckfest is an annual festival held in the southeastern South Dakota town of Freeman. The gathering uses food, art and a celebration of community to honor the history of Germans that emigrated from Russia. Held on the campus of the Freeman Academy, it’s been a fundraiser for the school every spring since 1959. The ethnic German meal, served family-style, and the community musical take place over two days each spring, in March or April. Admission information and complete details can be found online.
Events at the annual Twin Brooks Threshing Show include quilting, lead pouring, blacksmithing, sanctioned Kids Pedal Pull, tractor pull, threshing and baling, as well as horse demonstrations, saw mill demonstrations, log cabin, school house, flea market, homemade food and music. There are parades both days, 1 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Cockshutt Farm Equipment is featured in 2025, our 39th annual show. Weekend admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 12. Souvenir buttons are available.
Archeology Awareness Day is a fun-filled event showcasing technologies used by the original inhabitants of the Village, including flint knapping, atlatl throwing and other on-site demonstrations. Attendees can meet with Native American cultural presenters as well as archaeologists who are engaged in the archaeological excavation, and discuss archaeological techniques, discoveries and artifacts at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village in Mitchell. See our website for information about admission and hours.
The annual Black Hills Film Festival will be held in Rapid City at The Journey Museum. In addition to screening great Independent Films, the Festival also features seminars and workshops with industry experts and great parties with celebrity guests. See the website for full schedule and admission information.
The Black Hills Photo Shootout brings photographers from across the country together in the Black Hills of South Dakota for photography, education, sightseeing, camaraderie, and fun. Through the Photo Shootout, we are able to showcase the beauty and diversity the area has to offer both visitors and residents while providing attendees an incredible weekend packed full of informative photography workshops, great photo networking opportunities, unbelievable outdoor photography subjects, and most of all, fun! Workshops will take place throughout the Black Hills. See website for registration, hotel and headquarters information.
The Black Hills Plein Air Paint-Out gathers artists in western South Dakota to paint the beautiful Black Hills in late September. The area offers rolling green hills, thick green forests, prairie, lakes, creeks, and wildlife. Hill City and Custer State Park both have a myriad of awe inspiring painting options, and a quick drive will take you to two historic monuments: Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. This event includes daily plein air painting, homework displayed for sale in a gallery, Artists meet and greet, wet sale, Sponsors and Artists reception, and a Quick Draw Competition and Auction. See the Hill City Arts Council website for complete details.
First held in 1971, Lemmon's Boss Cowman Rodeo & Celebration is an annual, community-wide event. Highlights include rodeo performances Friday and Saturday nights, a parade Saturday morning, and a car show Saturday afternoon, along with kids games, inflatables, a farmers market, water balloon fight, art show, cornhole tournament, softball tournament and more. The full schedule can be found online. Rodeo admission is $12 for adults and $10 for kids, or weekend passes are $20 for adults and $15 for kids.
