As South Dakota’s official state sport, rodeo is more than a tradition — it’s a high-energy showcase of skill and ranching heritage that draws big crowds year-round. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time spectator, here’s how you can experience the excitement, history and deep-rooted culture of rodeo in South Dakota.
The first official rodeo in South Dakota is believed to have taken place in Rosebud in the late 1890s — but ranchers and farmhands had been wrestling steers, riding bulls and roping calves long before. Today, rodeo fans flock to South Dakota fairs and stock shows to see cowboys and cowgirls in action. Hear bellowing cattle, smell fresh dirt from the arena, feel the rush of the cheering crowd — a rodeo in South Dakota isn’t just a Saturday night. It’s a full experience!
In timed events like steer wrestling and barrel racing, contestants fight the clock to get the fastest time. In roughstock events like saddle bronc riding and bull riding, both the riders and their animals are judged. Other highly entertaining rodeo events include goat tying, sheep shearing and mutton bustin’.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Join the fun at these popular South Dakota rodeos.
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo
Rapid City, January-February
The largest event of its kind in the region, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo is jam-packed with cattle shows, ranch rodeos, sheep dog trials, horse events and more. It has been named the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) top indoor rodeo in the country -- five times! This winter spectacle has something for everyone, with live music, youth shows, a pageant and even a beer festival for the grown-ups.
Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch
Hill City, June & August
With events like bull riding, bareback, team roping and barrel racing, Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch promises old-fashioned Wild West action over several summer weekends. Guests of Mount Rushmore Resort & Lodge at Palmer Gulch and Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch get in free, as do children under 5.
Crystal Springs Rodeo
Clear Lake, June
One of South Dakota’s most unique rodeos, Crystal Springs Rodeo is set in an all-natural rodeo bowl formed by the surrounding hills. Beyond the classic rodeo events, locals and visitors enjoy themed nights like a kids’ night and military appreciation night.
Days of ’76 Rodeo & Parades
Deadwood, July
Each summer, rodeo fans of all ages travel back in time to celebrate the Old West during the award-winning Days of ’76 Rodeo and Parades in Historic Deadwood. Experience livestock shows and adrenaline-racing rodeo events, as well as free parades down Main Street.
Black Hills Roundup
Belle Fourche, July
Going more than 100 years strong, the Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche is one of the longest-running outdoor rodeos in the nation. Mosey up to the northern Black Hills over July 4th weekend to see some of America’s top rodeo talent compete at this PRCA event.
Central States Fair & Rodeo
Rapid City, August-September
This family-friendly fair and rodeo is a tribute to South Dakota culture and community. Look forward to concerts, carnival rides, decadent eats, a demolition derby, a motorsports series and plenty of boot-stomping rodeo action.
South Dakota State Fair
Huron, August-September
More than midway games and roller coasters, the South Dakota State Fair is one of the state’s largest rodeo gatherings. The ranch rodeo, timed-event rodeo, turn-and-burn barrel races and stock dog trials draw big crowds over Labor Day weekend.
More Great South Dakota Rodeos
- Back When They Bucked (Deadwood, May)
- Deadwood PBR (Deadwood, June)
- Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo (Mitchell, July)
- Rosebud Fair, Rodeo & Wacipi (Rosebud, August)
Rodeo Museums & Experiences
South Dakota’s rich rodeo history means that even when there isn’t a rodeo happening, there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in cowboy culture.
The Days of 76 Museum in Deadwood showcases the town’s lively Wild West history, with exhibits on rodeo, pioneers and Indigenous culture, plus an extensive collection of wagons and firearms. High Plains Western Heritage Center in Spearfish highlights the history of South Dakota’s rodeo lifestyle in Cowboy Hall, which features saddles, historic rifles and other tools of the trade. In Lemmon, the Grand River Museum is home to a unique ranching exhibit that displays farming equipment and other cowboy memorabilia.
South Dakota has produced legendary rodeo champions, like Casey Tibbs — a nine-time World Champion from Fort Pierre — and trick rider Mattie Goff-Newcomb. View memorabilia and learn about their achievements, along with many others, at the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center in Fort Pierre and the Vanishing Prairie Museum at 1880 Town in Midland.
The Travel South Dakota Stories
Episode 5: The Greatest Show in the west
In South Dakota, rodeo isn't just a sport — it’s a way of life! Hear hooves pound the dirt and crowds roar as you get an exciting look at the skill, tradition and daring on display at one of the biggest events in the region, the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo.
