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Custer 4th of July Fireworks!
Starts: 07/04/2023 - Ends: 07/04/2023
Don't miss all the fun of Independence Day in Custer with the annual Fourth of July Celebration. From a parade and live music, to old-fashioned games and races, to an arts and crafts festival, Custer is the place to be. The fireworks display from Pageant Hills tops off the celebration at dark (about 9:30 p.m.) on July 4.
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37th Annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch
Starts: 06/03/2023 - Ends: 06/03/2023
The Crazy Horse Volksmarch is the most popular organized hike in the United States (15,000 walkers in a record year). This family event is sponsored by the Black Hills Chapter of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) and hosted by Crazy Horse Memorial®.The bi-annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch (an organized hike) is a 10K or 6.2-mile woodlands ramble to the world's largest mountain carving in progress in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota.
The Spring Volksmarch in 2023 will only be the first Saturday of June.Hikers follow dirt trails and gravel work roads up to the Crazy Horse Mountain Carving. The turn-around point is on the Arm of Crazy Horse directly in front of the nine-story-high face, which was completed June 3, 1998. Hikers get an up-close view of the mountain. Work continues on the rest of what will be the largest sculpture in the world.
The Laughing Water Restaurant at Crazy Horse opens for breakfast at 6 a.m. during the Volksmarch, and serves lunch and dinner. The snack shop also is open. Coffee is always free at Crazy Horse Memorial®.COSTAdmission for hikers will be discounted. The American Volkssport Association's hike fee is $3 (cash or check, no credit cards accepted) for each participant regardless of age.Regular admission applies to non-hikers.
PARKINGFREE. Due to the popularity of the event, parking can be some distance from the starting point and not on paved or gravel surfaces. Shuttle buses operate between these outlying parking lots and the start-finish area.
REGISTRATION. No advance registration. Hikers must check in at starting point, which is at the Memorial's upper parking area. Registration will begin at 7:00 am. Hikers must register before 1 p.m. and be off the trail by 4 p.m. No late starts.
STARTING TIMESAnytime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
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Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival
Starts: 08/25/2023 - Ends: 08/27/2023
An Open-Air Event You Can Enjoy From A Distance
The Hot Springs Municipal Airport field, where the Festival is held, offers plenty of space to physically distance. You can also view the launches from your vehicle if you are a more at-risk guest who still wants to enjoy the spectacle.
Schedule a Balloon Ride
Balloon Rides are $325 per person, cash is highly preferred. To schedule a balloon ride, call (970) 420-4109 or email tamieshrum5@gmail.com.
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National Trails Day Hike
Starts: 06/03/2023 - Ends: 06/03/2023
National Trails Day on the first Saturday in June recognizes all the incredible benefits federal, state and local trails provide for recreation and exposure nature. The day encourages people to discover their local trials, become active concerning trail issues, and share their excitement for the outdoors.
Sylvan Lake Shore Trail (Easy- 1 Mile): From past cultures to modern day films take an easy, one mile hike around Sylvan Lake. The trail scenery awes most visitors and provides a backdrop for many recreational pursuits. Come and discover how history unfolded at this site and continues to add even more chapters today. Meet at the Sylvan Lake General Store.
Little Devils Tower (Strenuous: includes rock scrambling - 3+ Miles): This trail offers millions of years of stories right under our toes. Rocky outcroppings surround hikers, highlighting times of gradual change. Meet at the Little Devils Tower Trailhead.
Mount Coolidge (Moderate – 3 Miles): Celebrate the ending of National Trails Day by joining Custer State Park Naturalist on a guided sunset hike to Historic Fire Tower, Mount Coolidge. We will discuss fire in the park, history, and the nocturnal creatures of the park. Meet at the Heddy Draw parking area at the base of Mt. Coolidge. The hike departs at 8:30 pm.
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Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
Starts: 09/28/2023 - Ends: 09/30/2023
Watch cowboys and cowgirls as they roundup and drive the herd of approximately 1,300 buffalo. Not only is the roundup a spectacular sight to see, it is also a critical management tool in maintaining a strong and healthy herd.The Buffalo Roundup will begin at 9:30 a.m. MT on September 29, with the parking lots opening at 6:15 a.m. Be sure to arrive early if you want to pick your spot. Guests must stay in the viewing areas until the herd is safely in the corrals, generally around noon. Breakfast is available at 6:15 a.m. in both viewing areas. Lunch is served at the corrals once the buffalo are rounded up. There is a fee for both meals. Testing, branding, and sorting of the buffalo begins at 1 p.m. and lasts until approximately 3 p.m. Crews will work the remainder of the herd in October.
What you need to know:
- Bring folding chairs, cameras, binoculars, layered clothing, rain gear, and sunscreen.
- You will need to determine which viewing area you will be going to prior to Friday morning. All vehicles will depart the way they entered. Motorcoaches welcomed.
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- North Parking and Viewing | Head south from the Game Lodge area on Wildlife Loop Road. (See green path on map.)
- South Parking and Viewing | Head east on Wildlife Loop Road near Blue Bell campground. (See red path on map.)
- We encourage that you do not bring your camper. Call 605.255.4515 for drop-off locations. If you do bring it, follow the green route on the map, and you will be parked in the North Overflow Lot and be shuttled to the Roundup.
- We encourage you to leave your pets at home. If you must bring them, they must remain in the vehicle.
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5th Annual Custer Off-Road Rally
Starts: 06/09/2023 - Ends: 06/11/2023
Grab your ATV, UTV, Jeep or Dual Sport and join us for a weekend of fun and adventure on the many trails in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Registration includes your choice of Friday night guided rides, Saturday's mapped Poker Run Route and banquet and a guided ride on Sunday. All Passengers and children must be registered. Poker hands and T-Shirts are add-ons.**Wristbands given to all registered attendants will be required to attend the banquet on Saturday night.**
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The Big Mick
Starts: 06/10/2023 - Ends: 06/10/2023
Bike it like you mean it!
The George S. Mickelson Trail • 109 Miles • One Day
Experience the beauty of the Black Hills from the back of your mountain bike, via the Mickelson Trail.
Century Ride: the entire length of the Mickelson Trail ONE day!
Deadwood to Edgemont • 108.8 miles
Half-Century Ride: from the Mountain Trailhead (near Custer) to Edgemont • 49.6 miles
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Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival
Starts: 07/14/2023 - Ends: 07/16/2023
The Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, youth groups, and park visitors for a stellar experience. Celebrate the beauty of a dark night sky and the wonder of space exploration.
Novices and experts alike will enjoy daily family-friendly activities and evening presentations with special guest speakers. In the past, activities have included planetarium visits, solar telescope viewings, technology demonstrations, and more. Nightly telescope viewings will be sponsored by the NPS Night Sky Program and event partners.
This three-day celebration at Badlands National Park will support the continued protection and enjoyment of our incredible night skies as a precious natural resource. Although light pollution threatens dark skies across the globe, the Badlands are nestled in a corner of the Great Plains where light pollution is not a prevalent issue. Come celebrate the dark skies of the park with us!
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Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch
Starts: 06/10/2023 - Ends: 06/10/2023
Yee-Haw, Ride 'Em Cowboy! Join us for the Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch - June 10, June 17, August 3, August 19 and August 26, 6-9 p.m. Come enjoy the Bull Riding, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Riding, Team Roping, Barrel Racing and the Mutton Bustin. There will be thrills, spills and good ole' fashioned western fun. Stay at our Black Hills resort (Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch or Mount Rushmore Lodge at Palmer Gulch). Don't forget your favorite pair of boots and cowboy hat. Admission: Free for those staying at Palmer Gulch. Admission is a $10 day-use fee for non-guests, $5 for ages 6-12, and 5 and under are free.
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Fine Arts In The Hills Show & Sale
Starts: 06/17/2023 - Ends: 06/18/2023
The Hill City Arts Council is sponsoring the Fine Arts in the Hills Show & Sale this summer. This juried event was previously called Sculpture in the Hills, but this year we are growing the event to include flatworks along with sculptures. We will be joining with even more fine artists from around the country for a showcase of dynamic art. The event will be held on June 17-18, 2023, in downtown Hill City.
We seek works that fall into categories that require highly developed techniques and skills. Examples may include, but not be limited to, two dimensional art like drawings, pastels, mixed media 2D, paintings, photography, and printmaking. Also, like before, we seek three dimensional works of clay, fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media 3D, metal and wood. Please accept our invitation to apply to participate in the Fine Arts in the Hills Show & Sale in Hill City, SD, June 17-18, 2023. This juried event is sponsored by the Hill City Arts Council, a non-profit organization serving our community. Our mission is to enrich the cultural life of the area by nurturing and supporting excellence in the arts and by providing opportunities for area citizens, students and visitors to experience the arts in its myriad of forms.
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Gold Discovery Days
Starts: 06/21/2023 - Ends: 06/23/2023
In 1874, Lieutenant Colonel George Custer led the troops of the 7th Cavalry into the Black Hills and discovered gold near present-day Custer. Colonel Custer and his men found wealth beyond gold in the beauty of the Black Hills. To celebrate this event, the town of Custer has the annual Gold Discovery Days celebration. This annual three-day celebration has it all for the ENTIRE FAMILY! A carnival, car show, arts & crafts fair, volleyball tournament, 5K fun run, cornhole tournament, golf scramble, hot air balloon rally, and one of the largest parades in the Black Hills!
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National Public Lands Day
Starts: 09/03/2023 - Ends: 09/03/2023
National Public Lands Day - Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day is traditionally the nation's largest single-day volunteer effort. It celebrates the connection between people and green space in their community, inspires environmental stewardship, and encourages the use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits. National Public Lands Day falls on September 23, 2023. About National Public Lands Day: National Public Lands Day is organized annually and led by the National Environmental Education Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service and other federal agencies. Hundreds of thousands of volunteers roll up their sleeves to help restore and preserve public lands of all types and sizes—from iconic national parks and rivers to local urban green spaces and everything in between. National Public Lands Day is special because it provides all lovers of the environment—old and new—an opportunity to show our appreciation for these unique places. Get Involved: There are many ways to participate in National Public Lands Day. Whatever you choose to do, be sure to #RecreateResponsibly!
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Veterans Day
Starts: 11/11/2023 - Ends: 11/11/2023
FREE ADMISSION TO BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK AND DEVILS TOWER NATIONAL MONUMENT
Many national parks have direct connections to the American military—there are dozens of battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. In addition, every national park is part of our collective identity that defines who we are and where we came from as a nation. They are tactile reminders of the values, ideals, and freedoms that our veterans protect.
The majestic landscapes, natural wonders, and patriotic icons that we cherish as a society have also inspired military members through the years. The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the national parks that have served as reminders of home to those stationed abroad. On Veterans Day or any day, honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country with a visit to a national park.
The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day (November 11)
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The Great American Outdoors Act
Starts: 08/04/2023 - Ends: 08/04/2023
The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), passed in 2020, provides funding to improve infrastructure and expand recreation opportunities in national parks and other public lands. The legislation established the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund and guaranteed permanent funding for the existing Land and Water Conservation Fund.
The National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund, supported by revenue from energy development, provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment for current and future visitors. GAOA, the recently passed Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other construction funding sources are part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks.
The Land and Water Conservation Fund receives up to $900 million a year from offshore oil and natural gas royalties. This funding assists national parks in the acquisition of essential lands and provides states with money to invest in local conservation and recreation opportunities.
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 06/02/2023 - Ends: 06/02/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 06/16/2023 - Ends: 06/16/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 06/30/2023 - Ends: 06/30/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 07/14/2023 - Ends: 07/14/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 07/28/2023 - Ends: 07/28/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 08/11/2023 - Ends: 08/11/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 08/25/2023 - Ends: 08/25/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 09/08/2023 - Ends: 09/08/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 09/22/2023 - Ends: 09/22/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 10/06/2023 - Ends: 10/06/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 10/20/2023 - Ends: 10/20/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 11/03/2023 - Ends: 11/03/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 11/17/2023 - Ends: 11/17/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 12/01/2023 - Ends: 12/01/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 12/15/2023 - Ends: 12/15/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 12/29/2023 - Ends: 12/29/2023
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 01/12/2024 - Ends: 01/12/2024
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 01/26/2024 - Ends: 01/26/2024
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 02/09/2024 - Ends: 02/09/2024
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 02/23/2024 - Ends: 02/23/2024
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 03/08/2024 - Ends: 03/08/2024
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 03/22/2024 - Ends: 03/22/2024
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 04/05/2024 - Ends: 04/05/2024
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 04/19/2024 - Ends: 04/19/2024
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American Legion Riders Fish Fry
Starts: 05/03/2024 - Ends: 05/03/2024
