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.
Come for the live music and stay to watch the fireworks over Mina Lake at the annual Freedom Festival. Some of the activities include kids fishing, kids face painting, kids games, family picnic, live music, fun run/walk, parade, car/motorcycle show, and the fireworks display at dusk on July 3. You won't want to miss the AquaPalooza and hog roast on Sturday. See the full schedule on Facebook.
The 2025 Northern Bull Riding Tour will be making a stop at Prairie Village, two miles west of Madison. On Friday, June 6, the Calcutta will start at 6:30 p.m. and the Bull Riding will start at 7 p.m. (This is the same weekend as the Antique Tractor Pull.) Food and beverages will be available on the grounds. See admission information online.
The Northern Fort Playhouse is a summer repertory stock company that delights regional audiences with performances in the historic south barracks building of Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, southwest of Lake City. Northern State University students lend their talents to every production. Two shows will be performed during the 2025 season: Vanities a New Musical and You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. Performance dates are July 11-13, 18-20 and 25-26. All of our Friday evening performances feature a free will donation social hour. There are dinner theatre performances and Sunday luncheon performances. State park entrance license fee is covered by Northern Fort Playhouse. See our website for ticket prices and more information.
Get ready to make some mEMOries at The Birdcage in Sioux Falls. Leave the kiddos at home - this event is strictly 21+ - and get ready to experience a night out rockin' it with your favorite artists. The music lineup includes Hoobastank, Taking Back Sunday, Bowling For Soup, the Plain White T's, The Ataris, and Hawthorne Heights. There will also be beer, cocktail and wine bars; craft food and retail vendors; a throwback video game lounge; art installations; photo ops; and more. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. for general admission (3 p.m. for VIPs). See our website for more information and ticket details.
We welcome you to join us for this fun community event along the Missouri River in Pierre. The Oahe Days Music & Arts Festival takes place over a Friday and Saturday in June, usually the third weekend. There will be arts and crafts and other vendors, as well as a variety of food, drink and music. Activities include carnival rides, inflatables and more. Oahe Days is fun for the whole family.
Join us as we celebrate Oktoberfest in the Wild West. Come to Historic Deadwood and enjoy live German music, a poker run, free food and dancing. Bring the whole family and join us for the now famous Wiener Dog Races and Beer Barrel Games. Activities start at noon on Friday and run until 10 p.m. on Saturday.
This summer, head to Deadwood's Outlaw Square for free Monday Movie Nights. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs, take out food, friends and family, and enjoy a fun evening at Outlaw Square. Starting night is May 26 and the last night is August 31. There is a special showing of The Sand Lot on Friday, July 4. There is is movie on Monday, August 4 (during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally) and the last night is a Sunday. See the full schedule of dates and movies on our website. The City of Deadwood has provided free parking 6-10 p.m. on Monday nights in all of the cities paid parking spots (except the parking ramp)..
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.
