Rapid City Hosts Central States Fair and Rodeo
Rapid City is host to Central States Fair and Rodeo which is taking place from August 20-29 where you can see great grandstand events including Supercross racing, a metal crushing demolition derby, artists such as Clay Walker, The Band Perry, Uncle Kracker, Little River Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Gary Allan. To top off all the excitement there will be the PRCA Range Days Rodeo for three action packed nights during the fair. Bring the whole family to Central States Fair and Rodeo to enjoy fun crafts, a petting zoo, and many more exciting activities.
While you’re visiting the Mount Rushmore area, be sure to check out other great activities including the Chuckwagon Dinner and Music Show at Circle B Ranch, 1880 Train: A 19th Century Train Ride Tour, and many more! To view a list of activities in the Mount Rushmore area, click here.
Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch
This dinner experience has been entertaining guests with the Chuckwagon Dinner and Music Show since 1976. There are over 60 acres filled with trail rides, playgrounds, model calf roping, a wax bullet shooting gallery, and more fun activities. After a day filled with fun, you can enjoy a great supper that includes scrumptious roast beef, BBQ chicken, biscuits, and more delectable choices. After your meal, sit back and enjoy wonderful traditional cowboy music from Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, the Sons of the Pioneers, and many more classic artists by talented musicians.
1880 Train: A 19th Century Train Ride Tour
On the 1880 Train, you can experience how people traveled in the 19th century on an authentic steam engine train that has been fully restored. Enjoy the incredible scenery of the Black Hills as you travel along the smooth tracks. Choose to have a classic box lunch along the ride for the ultimate experience of the “good ole days.” The train departs from Hill City as well as Keystone making this a versatile option for your trip to the Mount Rushmore area in South Dakota.
During your trip to Central States Fair and Rodeo or if you just wish to travel to the Mount Rushmore area for your vacation, we offer several great hotels to make your stay comfortable. For a list of hotels in the Mount Rushmore area, click here.
Celebrate Independence Day at Mount Rushmore
Mount Rushmore is perhaps one of the most fitting places to celebrate Independence Day. This year’s celebration is packed with two days of fun and activities. This Independence Day celebration spotlights local talent and if you visit, expect musical entertainment, patriotic tributes, and educational programs. Activities scheduled are appropriate for all ages so bring the whole family to Mount Rushmore and celebrate the Fourth of July.
This year at Mount Rushmore there will not be a fireworks display due to the infestation of Mountain Pine Beetles that have left standing dead trees which cause a high fire danger. In place of the fireworks display will be a sculpture lighting.
While in the Mount Rushmore area, there are several great activities to experience. One activity is the Mount Rushmore Grand Legends Tour. You can see the great presidents, shop for souvenirs, visit exhibits, and tour the visitor center. Also during your tour see Custer State Park. Here you can have lunch then see Sylvan Lake. After seeing the Crazy Horse Memorial take a ride on the 1880 train through the rugged terrain of South Dakota and the Black Hills.
Travel to Rapid City while you’re in the area and enjoy a great time with singing and a fantastic dinner at the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch. This dinner experience has been happening since 1976 and is better than ever. Enjoy foods such as roast beef, BBQ chicken, biscuits, and more. Hear songs by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and more.
Plan on coming to the Mount Rushmore area to celebrate Independence Day? We have a list of great hotels in the Mount Rushmore area that are sure to complement your great vacation. Click here for a list of hotels in the Mount Rushmore area.



