South Dakota is one of those places in the US that doesn't get enough credit, if you ask me - particularly in the winter. Sure, it can get pretty frigid around here in the depths of winter, but that doesn't mean we don't know how to have a great season anyway. It's quite the opposite - there are so many wonderful Christmas lights displays in South Dakota, for instance, that you could turn exploring them all into a road trip (or a day trip). Curious about Christmas lights near me (and you!)? Come check out these must-do displays:
Every season, McCrory Gardens puts on one of the best Christmas lights displays in South Dakota. From 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. daily from November through December, meander through an amazing wonderland aglow with tens of thousands of shimmery lights. This one might just become your new favorite tradition! Be sure to visit the official McCrory Gardens website for this year's dates and times.
Come see the biggest Christmas lights display in South Dakota in Sioux Falls at the epic Winter Wonderland. For two decades now, this tradition has lit up the chilly nights in town. It'll be aglow every evening from 5 p.m. until midnight, from mid-November until early January. Climb up the visitor's tower for the ultimate birds-eye view of this amazing holiday lights display in South Dakota. These are the best Christmas lights near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, hands down! For this year's festivities, refer to the official Visit Sioux Falls website.
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3. Watertown Optimist Club Winter Wonderland - Watertown
This fun family Christmas tradition in South Dakota is one nobody will soon forget. This awesome, always-free lights display is put on by, well, exactly who you'd expect - the Watertown Optimist Club (yes, that's a thing). Starting the weekend after Thanksgiving and going through Christmas Day, more than 60 magical displays will adorn the roadside at Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park. Donations are encouraged!
The epic Tour de Lights is a magical map of all the best neighborhood and/or business Christmas lights displays in South Dakota. You'll be amazed at how many are on the list; it makes for the perfect winter road trip. Not sure what to bring? Check out our awesome road trip packing list. Bonus points for Christmas music playing as you drive! Visit the official Tour de Lights website for the map!
Christmas Nights of Light is eight and a half acres of jaw-dropping lights and decor sure to thrill the whole family. Held at Storybook Island every year, Christmas Nights of Light is a shimmering homage to the winter season. Meet all your favorite storybook characters decked out in lights; sip on cocoa or cider and enjoy. Visit the official Travel South Dakota website for this year's dates, times, and admission.
Christmas at the Capitol is a much-beloved tradition in Pierre in which the capitol building gets all blingy and decked out in light and color. With up to 100 fully-decorated trees, three floors of wonders, and plenty to offer, this tradition is one you'll wonder why you didn't indulge in before. And if you have, well, welcome back - this beautiful festival of light and conifers is sure to bring you plenty of holiday joy all season long. It all starts with a lighting ceremony - come out and enjoy!
Lead is one of the best Christmas towns in South Dakota, and the lovely Festival of Trees may attest to this. Held at the historic Homestake Opera House, this event puts the "fun" in fundraiser as all proceeds benefit music and theatre programs within the community. Trees and other traditional decor are made all the more magical with song - come out and fall in love with Lead for the holidays.
There they are: some of the best Christmas light displays in South Dakota. This little state sure knows how to make winter special! Come out and enjoy all of these awesome traditions with family and friends - you'll love the memories made.
With all the things to do in South Dakota in the fall, our schedules are usually jam-packed. We only have one problem. Autumn is oh-so-fleeting. That makes it essential to make plans ahead of time, so we don't miss out on anything we really want to do. If you're still creating your autumn calendar, add some of the best places to visit in South Dakota in the fall.
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South Dakota Fall Foliage: Where To Go In State For Fall Foliage
Leaf-peeping is probably one of the most beloved South Dakota fall activities. Before we can start making plans, we have to know when the fall foliage will be at its most brilliant. The leaves usually begin changing color in the early to mid part of September depending on where you are, with the peak arriving for much of the state by mid-October. Keep track of when the leaves will change color in your corner of the state by using the South Dakota fall foliage prediction map.
Now that you know when to expect the fall foliage at its most brilliant, you can plan where to go leaf peeping in South Dakota.
Wow Factor: Horseback and hiding trails promise breathtaking views of the fall foliage.
Need To Know: A daily vehicle fee is required unless you have an annual pass. You can purchase the fee online before going to the park or use the self-serving kiosk at the park's entrance.
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Pack a picnic for your leaf-peeping adventure at
Sica Hollow State Park, a cozy park at 900 acres that's brimming with activities - hiking, horseback riding, biking, and birdwatching - for the whole family. More than eight miles of trails offer an easy way to enjoy the most colorful season in South Dakota. If you feel like relaxing, sit at one of the picnic tables and soak up the scenery.
Wow Factor: Fall colors serve as a breathtaking backdrop for red quartzite chasms and pinnacles, Split Rock River, and Devil's Gulch
Need To Know: Park entry is free from May through October.
Follow a short and sweet half-mile trail that leads to
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Devil's Gulch, a spectacular natural wonder that's flanked by towering trees and chiseled cliffs. The trail tends to be quiet, so you might have it all to yourself. Wander along the path that includes crossing over a bridge. Sensational views of the gulch, framed by fall's colors, await. Carve out at least 30 minutes for your adventure, although most hikers agree you can easily hike the trail in around 10 minutes.
3. Custer State Park
South Dakota-Custer State Park-Route 16A
Location: Custer
Wow Factor: The state park boasts some of the tallest trees in South Dakota.
Need To Know: Unless you have an annual vehicle pass, you must purchase a seven-day license, per vehicle, to enter the park.
Boasting some of the tallest trees in the state makes
Custer State Park a natural choice for soaking up the sheer beauty of the South Dakota fall foliage. Whether you feel like walking along the park's roads or setting off on a scenic hike or bike ride, you'll find an abundance of photo-worthy moments - from the vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold to the grazing bison. Horseback riding and picnicking are popular, too.
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4. Mount Rushmore
Mt Rushmore, South Dakota, United States, North America
Location: Keystone
Wow Factor: Fall foliage frames the national landmark.
Need To Know: Entry to Mount Rushmore National Memorial is free.
A stroll through the park at Mount Rushmore promises sensational views of the fall foliage. Even better, September and October tend to be much quieter as the height of the tourist season has passed. The park is open daily weather permitting.
Best Pumpkin Patches In South Dakota
For many of us, a trip to one (or more) of the best pumpkin patches in South Dakota in the fall is a beloved autumn tradition. Even if you only have an hour or two, you can fit in a whole lot of fun as you stroll through rows of pumpkins in search of that perfect one for carving or baking.
Wow Factor: After picking pumpkins, escape from a corn maze.
Need To Know: The pumpkin patch is open varying hours on weekends only through September and October.
Only three miles from Spearfish,
Spearfish Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, one of the best places to visit in South Dakota in the fall, has been a family tradition for more than a decade. Wander through the pumpkin patch in search of the perfect pumpkin for your needs. Then, after you've found it or them, explore the farm a bit more. Escape from the corn maze, and grab a bite from the food trucks.
Wow Factor: The pumpkin patch also features a five-acre corn maze.
Need To Know: The farm hosts a fall festival, including a pumpkin patch, that runs from mid-September to late October.
Celebrate autumn with a stroll around the pumpkin patch at Mazing Acres, where you'll find a whole host of fun activities for the entire family. The pumpkin patch features more than 30 attractions, including hayrides, a mega slide, a barrel train, and an obstacle course.
Wow Factor: The pumpkin patch also has a petting zoo.
Need To Know: Lil' Harvester's Pumpkin Patch generally opens in mid-September and runs through the end of October.
Bring the family for a day of pumpkin picking at
Lil Harvester's Pumpkin Patch in Rapid City. The family-owned pumpkin patch, which welcomes visitors on weekends from mid-September through October, also features a petting zoo and other autumn activities. Don't forget to bring your camera.
Wow Factor: The large pumpkin patch makes finding pumpkins for decorating and baking easy.
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Need To Know: f your pumpkin goes bad or is smashed, you can get a free replacement, if available, in October.
A family favorite, That Pickin Patch is completely self-serve. Walk past the stands and rows of pumpkins. Choose those you like and leave payment in the dropbox. You can also pay by PayPal, Venmo, and credit or debit card. That Picken Patch is usually open until Halloween evening.
Best Fall Festivals In South Dakota
The best fall festivals in South Dakota become treasured traditions for many of us, the events that we seek out year after year through life's changes. Whether you only have an hour or you want to spend an entire day, these fall festivals promise some of the best fall fun in South Dakota.
Wow Factor: The annual festival boasts some of the biggest - weighing hundreds of pounds - pumpkins in South Dakota.
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Need To Know: The daylong festival is typically held at the end of September.
If you've been on the hunt for the best fall activities near me, you've found one the whole family will love. The annual Rapid City Pumpkin Festival, a daylong event, features a full menu of fun, including kids' activities and vendors, but the star of the show is the pumpkins. Two rounds of pumpkin catapults will be held, and there will be a pumpkin weigh-off to crown the largest pumpkin at the festival.
Wow Factor: The Wiener Dog Races are perhaps the most unique activity of the two-day event.
Need To Know: Admission to the Deadwood Octoberfest is free.
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For two days at the beginning of October, usually on Friday and Saturday, Deadwood celebrates Oktoberfest with a whole lot of good food, drink, and fun. Kiddos and guests of all ages will love the Wiener Dog Races, which culminate with one adorable pooch earning the title of the "Fastest Wiener in the West." The annual event also features polka music, beer barrel games, and a poker run.
Wow Factor: The family-friendly festival features a full menu of activities and food.
Need To Know: Harvest Halloween is generally held on the final Saturday in October.
Celebrate the final days leading to the spookiest day of the season at the Harvest Halloween Festival. The daylong festival promises fun for everyone, from making new four-legged friends at the petting zoo to pictures with popular characters. Fuel up with goodies from the food trucks; watch the kids in the corn pit and on the inflatables; and join an eating contest.
Free & Cheap South Dakota Fall Activities
Some of the best places to visit in South Dakota in the fall are free or come with an affordable price tag. If you're up for an adventure, you'll certainly find it when you check out these free and relatively cheap South Dakota fall activities.
Wow Factor: The 50-foot waterfall surrounded by fall foliage is simply breathtaking.
Need To Know: The trail to Roughlock Falls is considered easy.
Does it get any better than hiking to a waterfall? Only if that waterfall is surrounded by the brilliant fall colors. The 2.1-mile
Roughlock Falls Trail leads to the stunning cascade. You'll need about an hour to take this fall hike in South Dakota that winds past colorful trees and chiseled rocks to Roughlock Falls. The trail is open year-round if you can't make it in the fall.
Wow Factor: The winding byway passes some of South Dakota's best fall foliage, especially during the peak.
Need To Know: Carve out at least two hours for your drive, if you're planning on pulling over and exploring.
One of the best ways to see the South Dakota fall foliage is on a scenic drive. Spanning 19 miles, Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway meanders past tumbling waterfalls, flowing streams, and beautiful cliffs. U.S. Highway 14A, which passes through Spearfish, promises plenty of places to pull over, including Bridal Veil Falls, Roughlock Falls State Nature Area, and the darling town of Savoy.
Wow Factor: Escape the corn maze on certain evenings throughout the season.
Need To Know: The corn maze is open from early August until mid-October.
See how long it takes you to escape from the 11-acre corn maze at
Heartland Country Corn Maze, a beloved local tradition for a quarter of a century. If you find the hidden checkpoint, stop by the concession stand for a free treat. For a one-of-a-kind adventure, bring your flashlight and meander through the maze at night. You'll be guided only by your flashlights and the moonlight.
Wow Factor: Large windows offer beautiful views of the fall landscape.
Need To Know: The restaurant serves lunch and dinner and features a menu for the kids.
Gear up for your next fall adventure with a hearty meal at The Powder House Lodge & Restaurant. Marvel at the awe-inspiring view of the fall colors while indulging in a delicious meal. The menu's packed with such favorites as chicken tenders, burgers, steaks, pasta, and seafood.
What are your favorite things to do in South Dakota in the fall? What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments! With its colorful landscape and crisp air, autumn is an idyllic time for a road trip, too. Follow one of the best road trips in South Dakota on an epic adventure. Before you set, off, though, take a peek at the OIYS road trip packing essentials list.
Everyone has heard of Area 51, and many have a strong opinion of it one way or another. Aliens? Experiments? Government coverups? Who knows?! Back in 2019, the infamous extraterrestrial-infested location was back in the news, as a supposed one million visitors planned to storm the mysterious place to "see them aliens." While that raid never happened, it got us thinking: Have there been alien sightings here in SoDak? Come to find out, there have been! But the story behind the largest one is truly bizarre, if for no other reason than it took place at one of the strangest places in South Dakota: the otherwise unassuming Ellsworth Air Force Base.
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Located just northeast of Rapid City is Ellsworth Air Force Base, which was built in 1941 and currently houses some 8,000 military, family members, and civilian employees.
Like most Air Force bases, Ellsworth is home to some of the bravest and most honorable of military men and women, so when two came forward with a seemingly unbelievable report, the higher-ups took the claims seriously and launched an unprecedented investigation.
As the story goes, during the summer of 1952, an airman and his date were at the drive-in movie when they spotted some strange, orange-colored lights some 10,000+ miles away, which he reported to his superiors the following morning.
Though the Ellsworth airman was the first to report the incident, he was not the only one to see it, as 45+ civilians and a Military Air Defense System personnel in Bismarck, North Dakota also saw the strange object, which they reported as a red light making a peculiar, sweeping motion.
Thanks to these reports and other leads, the event was thoroughly investigated by the government, who took the stories of an unidentified flying object very seriously.
Despite the seemingly credible eyewitnesses, the Air Force later deemed the sightings as not suspicious, citing several different reasons the lights could have appeared.
Even though the possibility of a UFO was officially ruled out in this instance, many to this day believe what flew over the Midwest in the early 1950s wasn't human at all. Are you one of these believers, or do you think there is another explanation for this strange occurrence at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota? Let us know in the comments!
