Every 4th of July, the central South Dakota community of Fort Pierre hosts two days of activities to celebrate our nation's independence. On July 3, there is a rodeo performance at 7 p.m. On July 4, there is a parade at 10 a.m., a second rodeo performance at 7 p.m., and a fireworks show following the rodeo. For parade and fireworks information, contact Fort Pierre Tourism.
Join historian and reenactor Les Nuckles as he brings Dr. Valentine Trant McGillycuddy to life in this captivating first-person presentation. Experience the late 1800s through vivid stories, warmth, and humor, as Nuckles shares the doctor’s adventures and encounters with legends like Wild Bill Hickok, Buffalo Bill Cody, Custer, Calamity Jane, Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, and more. Bring a lunch and enjoy the Historic Adams House lawn on Friday, June 13, 12-1 p.m. Admission is free for members and $5 for non-members. In case of inclement weather, the lecture will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center.
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.
Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit offer the fastest marathon course in South Dakota. There is no better place to log miles than in the scenic beauty of Spearfish Canyon. The course departs from the Lead Country Club and follows a gentle, downhill, 26.2-mile journey to Spearfish through Spearfish Canyon. Distance options include full marathon, half-marathon, 10K and marathon relay. Runners are required to register. (Spectators are free.)
For the annual Main Street Arts & Crafts Festival in Hot Springs, vendors are instructed to provide hand-crafted items as opposed to commercial or machine made crafts. There are local artisans as well as ones from several states. The festival includes food vendors and entertainment. A children’s stage is also part of the event. The event takes place in Centennial Park and runs three days over the last full weekend of June. Festival hours are 12-6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday. 2027 will mark the 50th year of the festival.
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.
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 Mount Rushmore Half Marathon is a race with presidential views. It is a challenging course with lots of gorgeous views of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills. The starting line of this uphill, paved course is at Ghost Canyon Getaway near Hermosa, and the finish line will be at the Rushmore Borglum Story museum in Keystone. The rolling wave start begins at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Runner shuttles are available.
