You have seen South Dakota from deep inside the Wind Cave, whist chugging along on the 1880 Train, and even from the eyes of prehistoric residents... what is next? While you cannot go wrong with any means of seeing the Mount Rushmore State, one of our favorite ways is from high up in the sky, which is precisely how you will see it during this world-renowned South Dakota hot air balloon ride:
Taking flight out of Custer is Black Hills Balloons, a 35-year South Dakota tradition that is being called one of the best hot air balloon rides in the country!
Established in 1984, Black Hills Balloons consists of four professional pilots and several colorful balloons that fly over Custer State Park, the Badlands, and Wind Cave National Park.
Taking off at sunrise, you can expect to see not only gorgeous skies on your trip but also the quintessential South Dakota landscape (valleys, mountains, and lakes) and wildlife.
With all of this included, it should come as no surprise that Black Hills Balloons has received multiple TripAdvisor Certificates of Excellence and a mention on USA Today's 10 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides.
Noted for its views of the colorful Black Hills, this South Dakota hot air balloon ride is listed with other national companies like Napa Valley Aloft, Lake Tahoe Balloons, and Rocky Mountain Hot Air, making this recognition all the more prestigious.
Have you had a chance to ride with Black Hills Balloons? What did you think? Share your experience with us in the comments! For even more adventures around the Black Hills, check out these 8 Tiny Towns In South Dakota That Come Alive In The Summertime.
Few holidays are more traditional than good ol' July 4th. Independence Day represents everything we are as a nation, and on this one special summer day, we come together to celebrate it. In honor of this time of year, I've found a small handful of truly amazing fireworks shows in South Dakota - all of which are worth traveling for, so good luck choosing just one! If you're Googling things like where to watch fireworks near me, no worries - you've found a very helpful starting-off point. Let's get ready to celebrate summer in South Dakota in the most American of ways!
The legendary Uncle Sam Jam is held every year, and this year it's back and better than ever! Taking place on July 4th and going from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m., this one's a super-fun, family-oriented festival the whole crew will love. This year's festivities take place at the Dacotah Bank Center and should be excellent for memory making.
This super-fun family festival extravaganza begins at 9 a.m., bright and early, with a fun junior ranger program for the kids. From there, you can expect music, games, food trucks, and lots more. This is one of those ultra-wonderful events that I'm pretty sure the entire family will agree on - and we all know how uncommon THAT is. These awesome 4th of July fireworks in South Dakota top off the event in a grand finale at 10 p.m. Best of all, it's free!
Happening yearly in downtown Custer, the amazing Custer's Old Time Fourth of July Celebration is yet another must-do - the hardest part about this holiday's gonna be picking just ONE event to attend. It all begins at 10 a.m. with a SUPER cool jet flyover, and activities continue well into the evening, with the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. There will be lots of food, including a hot dog stand, and plenty of fun stuff to do leading up to the main event.
The 3rd of July Freedom Festival takes place over Mina Lake and is outrageously photogenic. There will be lots of activities for the kids, like fishing, lunch, a fun run, and more. For the adults, expect food vendors and good times with live music, and the ol' fireworks show at dusk. Remember that this one takes place on the third, not the fourth - and plan accordingly!
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5. Black Hills Roundup
This one's an ultimate delight for pyrofanatics, considering it's one of - if not THE - the largest fireworks shows in South Dakota. Taking place on July 2nd and 3rd following a rootin', tootin' rodeo, this awe-inspiring show takes place directly in front of the grandstands of the Roundup Rodeo arena. This event is free, but donations to help things run are always appreciated.
6. Gold Camp Jubilee
The town of Lead is a truly delightful one, and it only gets better in the summer thanks to an incredible, all-American fireworks show sure to dazzle the whole family. This year's festivities take place on July 3rd and 4th, and with vendors and life entertainment, you just can't go wrong. There's something truly jaw-dropping about hearing the explosions echo off the rock faces. It's an experience! Fireworks are at 9:30 p.m. on the 4th. Visit the official Gold Camp Jubilee website to learn all about this year's festivities as they develop.
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7. Wylie Park 4th of July Celebration
Taking place at, appropriately, Wylie Park, the fun family event known as the Wylie Park 4th of July Celebration starts at 7 p.m. with a performance by Storybook Land Theatre and ends with fireworks at dusk. With live music and fun for all, there's no chances of being bored by this delightful tradition.
8. Independence Day Celebration at Lake Mitchell
Another lakefront show? Yes, please! As a tradition going on for more than 30 years, this awesome festival is just more of the same amazing fun it's always been. With boat parades and other shenanigans going on all day, the main show starts at 9 p.m. and features 20 minutes of music and magic. It's also free - so yeehaw! Head out to Lake Mitchell and enjoy.
So, there you have 'em - a small handful of amazing 4th of July events in South Dakota. If you're searching for where to watch fireworks near me, I hope this awesome list makes for an excellent jump-off point! There are always amazing things to do in South Dakota, and we take our July 4th holiday very seriously. After all, it's one of the high points of the year! Do you have a favorite fireworks display in South Dakota that I didn't mention? Tell me about it in the comments!
Winter in South Dakota means long, leisurely days curled up by a roaring fire and getting outdoors for epic adrenaline rushes as we zip down hills on sleds, snow tubes, and skis, depending on our mood that day. Part of the magic of the season, the holidays add almost non-stop magic with so many ways to celebrate the season, from marveling at the Christmas light displays in South Dakota to attending some of the season's best activities and events. Pack your schedule with some of the best things to do in winter in South Dakota. Here's some inspiration to get you started.
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Holiday Events In South Dakota
Christmastime in South Dakota allows us to relive some of that childhood magic as we look forward to the merriest day of the year. A drive through the neighborhood to see all of the Christmas lights - and decide which house has the best - allows us to harken back to a simpler time. But that's just the beginning of the seasonal fun. From Christmas light displays to Christmas festivals, South Dakota transforms into a wonderland during the holiday season.
Embrace the Christmas spirit by piling the whole family into the car for a drive through the Watertown Winter Wonderland, a magical drive-thru Christmas lights display in South Dakota. Hosted by the Watertown Optimist Club, the beloved annual event generally runs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Thanksgiving to Christmas. Turn on the Christmas carols, sing along, and slowly meander through this holiday lights display, one of the best free things to do in South Dakota in winter.
Popularity: Popular, so tickets must be purchased in advance
Price: General admission $9
Bundle up for a wintertime stroll through McCrory Gardens' annual Garden Glow. One of the best family things to do in South Dakota in winter, Garden Glow boasts thousands of twinkling lights. Meander past shimmering Christmas trees and through a light tunnel on your adventure. Garden Glow runs from early December to the beginning of January. Stop by between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. nightly. The Christmas event in South Dakota is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve. Tickets go on sale in late November and must be purchased in advance.
Embark on one of the most enchanting Christmastime experiences with a visit to
Winter Wonderland at Falls Park. One of the best family things to do in South Dakota in winter, Winter Wonderland promises countless magical moments. The awe-inspiring light display boasts more than 355,000 LED lights, 270 decorated trees, and more than 25 miles of light strings. Don't forget your camera for your visit to this magnificent light display in South Dakota, which runs from mid-November through early January.
Kickstart the Christmas season with a visit to the
" target="_blank">Holiday Celebration & Winter Market at Main Street Square in Rapid City. Set for Nov. 25, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., the celebration's main event is the lighting of the Christmas tree. While you're there, get a bit of Christmas shopping done at the winter market.
Price: $5 per person for lunch; a park license is required
Travel back through the pages of time and celebrate a
Frontier Christmas at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park. Slated for Dec. 9, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this family-friendly Christmas event in South Dakota will feature a full menu of activities, including crafts, candle lighting, and caroling. Climb aboard a sleigh ride, and indulge in such scrumptious treats as homemade bread and roasted chestnuts.
Make your way to Main Street in Spearfish for the beloved annual
Holidazzle Light Parade, set for Dec. 2, 2023, at 6 p.m. Find a spot along the parade route that runs from the parking lot at Spearfish High School to Main Street and Grant Street. Don't forget your camera. The Christmas parade, after all, is one of the best free things to do in South Dakota in winter.
Christmas Towns In South Dakota
With all there is to do during the Christmas season, we can sometimes forget to slow down and really enjoy the magic of the season. See if you can carve out some time in your holiday schedule for a day trip, or even a weekend getaway, to one of these delightful Christmas towns in South Dakota.
Embrace the magic of the season with a visit to the enchanting town of
Pierre for the beloved Christmas at the Capitol, which runs from late November through Dec. 23, 2023. The celebration, which features a full menu of live entertainment, kicks off with the lighting of the Christmas tree in late November.
Mitchell, an idyllic way to get into the Christmas spirit. The small South Dakota town hosts the Parade of Lights at the end of November, and town shops and restaurants compete in a window-decorating contest. Even if you can't make it to the parade, spend a day in this quaint small town, where you can go Christmas shopping and dig into a delicious meal.
Feel as though you've stepped into a winter wonderland when you visit the adorable South Dakota town of Deadwood. Join the town in a holiday celebration at Community Christmas, set for Dec. 8, 2023, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. Spend some time Christmas shopping and indulging in a delicious meal or two, too.
Outdoor Activities
South Dakota is an outdoor lover's paradise all year round, but it's something magical during the winter. Whether you prefer a laidback adventure as you glide around an ice skating rink or you prefer an adrenaline rush by zipping down a hill on a snow tube. Not sure what to do next this winter? Check out these South Dakota winter activities.
" target="_blank">Main Street Square ice rink in Rapid City. One price gives you access to the rink all day, where you can hone your skating skills and enjoy the fresh winter air. The ice skating rink is open seasonally from the end of November to late February.
Spend the day zipping down the hill on a snow tube at
Great Bear Ski Valley. Billed as the largest snow tubing park in South Dakota, Great Bear Ski Valley's Kirby Family Tubing Park boasts 12 lanes and a conveyor belt to take you back to the top. Try to visit for nighttime tubing at least once, too. The resort, which also offers skiing and snowboarding, generally opens in mid to late December.
For one of the best cheap things to do in South Dakota in winter, look no further than
Mitchell Ice Arena for a round of bumper cars on ice. If you thought traditional bumper cars were fun, wait until you try 'em on ice. Waivers are required for all participants. If you prefer ice skating to bumper cars on ice, lace up your skates for an ice skating session. Season passes are available for ice skating.
Winter Getaways
Most people naturally think of summer when it comes to planning a getaway. However, there's something oh-so-magical about a winter getaway, especially after it's snowed. The world is a little bit quieter; the landscape transforms into a wonderland, and we have the chance to appreciate nature in a whole new way. Before the doldrums set in, plan a winter getaway in South Dakota.
Escape for a winter getaway to Custer State Park Resort, where you'll find a variety of accommodations, including rustic cabins. The resort boasts a full menu of amenities, including some of the best food in South Dakota. If you're looking for one of the best romantic things to do in South Dakota in winter, you've just found it.
Both a bed and breakfast and a self-described "adventure lodge,"
Hisega Lodge Bed and Breakfast provides an idyllic backdrop for a winter getaway in South Dakota. Snuggled in the Black Hills, this quaint B&B makes it easy to relax. Spend the day snowshoeing or exploring the snow-capped landscape before taking it easy in front of a roaring fireplace after a day of fun.
secluded cabin at Coyote Ridge Lodge in Spearfish. Tucked on 10 acres, the cozy cabin comfortably sleeps up to six guests in its two bedrooms. Curl up by the wood-burning fireplace or wrap yourself in a blanket to watch the snow fall outside of the picture window. The quaint South Dakota cabin is perfect for a romantic getaway for two or for a family vacation.
What are your favorite things to do in South Dakota in winter? Let us know in the comments! On the hunt for more free things to do in South Dakota in winter? How about going on a refreshing winter hike in South Dakota? For even more of the best hikes in South Dakota, head over to AllTrails.
