Make Plans to Attend Oktoberfest in Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood, South Dakota is a unique town in the Black Hills of South Dakota that is a great destination to visit during your vacation to Mt. Rushmore. In the first weekend of October, you can join visitors and residents in celebrating the beginning of fall with Oktoberfest.
Oktoberfest takes place October 2 through 3 in Deadwood. The weekend begins with a polka fest, brat giveaway, and beer belly contest on this first day. Saturday is a day full of events, including more polka contests, brat giveaways, and more. Visitors can enjoy the annual weiner dog races and the beer barrel games. In addition, Oktoberfest features a German cook-off where you will be able to find your favorite German dishes. The event culminates with a wife-carrying contest.
While in Deadwood, you can visit the Historic Adams House. This restored property was originally built in 1892. The house was once owned by the mayor of Deadwood, W.E. Adams. Since then, the house has functioned as a bed and breakfast and private residence. Today, it is open to the public through the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission. Tours are available of the house, and visitors can see many artifacts and items from the 1920s and earlier.
Why not also visit the Adams Museum? Founded by W.E. Adams, this museum features the past of Deadwood. The museum contains information on famous outlaws and cowboys that called Deadwood home, including Calamity Jane, Wild Bill, and Deadwood Dick. The museum contains artifacts from these people as well as other items from Deadwood’s past.
Deadwood Jam Offers Lively Reason for Visiting the Black Hills
This September 11 – 12, Deadwood will be hosting the annual Deadwood Jam on historic Main Street for a lively time of country, blues, bluegrass, general songwriters and more for a varied look into the sounds of the Black Hills. Just some of the names set to appear at this year’s festival include Mat Kearney, Rocco DeLuca and The Burden, Randy McAllister with the Brandon Sprague Blues Band, The Outlaws, Sarah Pierce, Savage Henry, and more.
Those interested in attending the Deadwood Jam can find a variety of lodging options throughout the Mount Rushmore area online.
Of course, you can’t stop by the Mount Rushmore area without visiting the monument itself, and along the Mount Rushmore Tour you will see the iconic landmark and more! The Mount Rushmore Tour begins with Mount Rushmore and its visitor’s center. From there, you will explore the area’s other famed sculpture-in-process, the Crazy Horse Memorial. You will then pass through Custer State Park on your way to the Big Thunder Gold Mine for an authentic gold panning experience from the 19th century.
Reserve your Mount Rushmore Tour online.
Aside from sightseeing, the entire family can delight in the down home sounds and tastes with the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch. The night will feature a hearty meal consisting of tender roast beef, barbecue chicken, biscuits, and more. As for the entertainment, you will be treated to traditional country songs as the house band performs hits from Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Sons of the Pioneers, and more.
Book tickets to the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch online.
Upcoming Summer Events in the Mt. Rushmore Area
If you have been waiting for the perfect time to plan a trip to Mt. Rushmore, July is a great time to visit. With a number of festivals and events going on in the area, you will have plenty of options to keep you entertained during your vacation. In addition to seeing the great monument up close, you will also be able to get a taste of the area’s unique culture and history.
For a day full of summer fun, take your family and enjoy a day at the Festival in the Park in Spearfish, South Dakota. This festival takes place at Spearfish City Park July 17 to 19, which will give you plenty of time to take advantage of all that the festival offers. Live entertainment goes on throughout the festival, featuring performances from dance troupes, bands, and choirs. A highlight of the festival is the hundreds of local and regional arts and crafts booths set up. From Native American crafts to Americana, you will be sure to find something to take home. Your kids will love the special entertainment area just for them, complete with a boat race and a children’s musician. Of course, there will be a variety of food vendors set up for your refreshment throughout the festival.
Another great family event is the NAJA Shrine Circus in Rapid City, SD. The circus happens on July 15 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. This three-ring circus features traditional circus acts like high-flying trapeze artists and roaring lions. There will also be clowns, elephant rides, and more fun activities. Of course, you can get all of your favorite circus food like cotton candy and popcorn while you are being entertained by the show.
On the weekend of July 16 to 18, the Black Hills Corvette Classic will be taking place in the Mt. Rushmore area. The weekend-long celebration includes over 300 classic and contemporary Corvettes. The highlight of the weekend is the Corvette Caravan from Sioux Falls to South Dakota. The weekend is full of various events including mixers, a drag race, a fashion show, and more. Any car lover, and especially a Corvette lover, will have a great time at this event.
Plan a Patriotic Weekend in Mt. Rushmore
Mt. Rushmore pays tribute to some of the United States’ most important presidents, making it a tribute to the history of America. What better place to celebrate July 4th than at this beautiful monument? With a variety of July 4th weekend festivals and events, there is no better time to visit Mt. Rushmore and South Dakota.
The Black Hills Heritage Festival takes place July 1-4 in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota in Rapid City. With a variety of craft vendors, food vendors, musical features, and a spectacular fireworks show, this festival is sure to provide a memorable and fun way to spend July 4th weekend. You will be able to experience the local culture and native artisans as you celebrate America at this event.
While celebrating at the Black Hills Heritage Festival, you will also be close to the Annual Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche, taking place July 2-4. Featuring real cowboys and cowgirls, this annual event features beauty pageants, a carnival, food, and fireworks as well as traditional rodeo events like bull riding and calf roping. Perfect for families, this rodeo will be an unforgettable and festive event.
For a July 4th event at Mt. Rushmore, the Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration is your best bet. Taking place on July 3rd, you will get a head start on your celebration. Featuring food vendors, family entertainment, and a dazzling fireworks display, this event is sure to be an unforgettable way to celebrate America as you enjoy the Mt. Rushmore Monument lit up by hundreds of fireworks.
With this variety of events in the Mt. Rushmore area, you are sure to have plenty to fill your vacation. You will be able to take in the culture of the area as well as celebrate America at one of America’s most well-known monuments.
Schedule Your Mt. Rushmore Trip During the Annual Black Hills Bluegrass Festival
While the terrific natural beauty of the Black Hills is reason enough to visit the Mt. Rushmore area of South Dakota, this June 26 through June 28 offers another reason with the 29th Annual Black Hills Bluegrass Festival. The longest running bluegrass and acoustic music festival in South Dakota, the Black Hills Bluegrass Festival welcomes music fans from all over the world to attend this three-day event.
The festivities begin on Friday evening with the First Night Performer’s Concert. This year’s event already has commitments from such musicians / groups as The Martins, Midnight Flight, Chuck Suchy, and The Greenman Band, plus the dancing team of the Care Country Cloggers. On Saturday morning, the Kids Bluegrass Workshop will provide kids with the opportunity to learn bluegrass music from local musicians. A Saturday afternoon performance is next, followed by the annual bluegrass picnic and the Saturday night performances. Wake up Sunday morning and attend the Gospel Music Show to cap off the weekend.
Of course, no trip to the Black Hills would feel complete without taking in some of the outstanding scenic beauty. So take some time for yourself to explore both the natural and man-made wonders of the Black Hills. The Mount Rushmore Tour offers a way to see both, as you will witness the Mt. Rushmore Monument, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Big Thunder Gold Mine in addition to the beautiful landscape.
The Black Hills Bluegrass Festival only comes around once a year. Act now and schedule your summer vacation in South Dakota during this popular event.
Honor America’s Heritage with a Mt. Rushmore Vacation
Mt. Rushmore is one of the most familiar American landmarks with its impressive lifelike carvings of four American Presidents. It is also located in the scenic Black Hills region of South Dakota, an area rich in recreational opportunities.
Mount Rushmore Tour
Take your vacation with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abe Lincoln, and Teddy Roosevelt, as you embark upon the fascinating Mt. Rushmore tour. Not only can you stand in awe of Mt. Rushmore’s design from the Borglum Historical Center (named after the Mountain’s designer Gutzon Borglum), but as a bonus you also can see the in progress Crazy Horse Memorial, and enjoy a ride through Custer State Park, where bison still roam the plains in large numbers.
If you really want to get in touch with the Black Hills, try an authentic 1880 steam engine train tour that will take you through the Black Hills on a whistle stop tour through breathtaking scenery that might make you nostalgic for the Wild West.
Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show
If you are looking for food and fun for the whole family, don’t miss the Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show. Delight in the music and comedy of a Western Stage Show, and enjoy some good country cooking at the Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show. Bring your appetite and be prepared for a mouthful of food and a bellyful of laughter.
