Discover The Land of Infinite Variety: South Dakota Announces What's New and Noteworthy
Maximize the Season Exploring Fresh Attractions and Festivals, Cultural Celebrations and New Hotels

Pierre, SD (June 10, 2025) – More than 77,000 square miles of pure wonder, South Dakota's wild landscapes, rugged beauty, iconic landmarks, and diverse cultural experiences offer infinite opportunity for meaningful connection. As summer 2025 begins, the Mount Rushmore State swells with new developments and experiences that beckon deeper exploration, while also welcoming the return of beloved signature events rooted in heritage.

Statewide Debuts

• Downtown Rapid City Unveils its First New Hotel in 35 Years

Sioux Falls based Lloyd Cos. has opened the 117-room Hyatt Place Rapid City Downtown as part of Block 5, a 10-story mixed-use development. Occupying floors two through four, the distinctive hotel features modern design elements ingrained in the region, such as custom cut stones from the Black Hills framing the arrival experience. The evolving main level of the building, dedicated to retail and recreation, will open the vibrant gourmet toast, juice and coffee bar, Toastique, on June 21.

• Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum Opens in Belle Fourche this Summer
  This all-new dinosaur exhibit is a must-see for families and fossil lovers alike. Created by a husband-and-wife duo of real-life paleontologists, the museum showcases fossils they've discovered during years of fieldwork. Visitors can explore hands-on exhibits, get up close with rare prehistoric treasures, and even join a paleontologist-led fossil dig with Paleo Adventures.
• Shortgrass Resort Embraces its First Full Season in Spearfish
  Shortgrass Resort offers thoughtful luxury on 52 picturesque acres in the Black Hills. The adult-only retreat, cofounded by Building Outside the Lines host Jared "Cappie" Capp, unveils design elements featured on the Magnolia Network hit show. Eight stylish Danish bungalows house plush king beds, custom-tiled bathrooms, heated floors, and open-air decks overlooking a natural lazy river and wild swimming spots on resort grounds. Meander offers farm-to-table meals, and resort amenities include a luxe pool, wellness services, and curated outdoor excursions and experiences.
• Canopy by Hilton Downtown Sioux Falls Opens in the Steel District

With views of the Big Sioux River and a prime location next to historic Falls Park and the Levitt Outdoor Amphitheater, the 216 rooms and suites at Canopy by Hilton Downtown Sioux Falls come equipped with amenities. Guests can enjoy onsite dining at Cascada Italian Cuisine and Torrent Coffee Bar, a fitness center, more than 20,000 square feet of event space, and complimentary Canopy Bikes to explore shops, dining, and museums.

• Bibisol Gains National Acclaim as a New Sioux Falls Eatery

The 2025 James Beard Semi-Finalist Bibisol is more than a restaurant — it's a tribute to the founding team's matriarchal lineage and rich Mexican Indigenous heritage. Sacred foods and traditional practices like nixtamalization are at the heart of dishes, crafted with locally sourced ingredients and sustainable methods. The Nixtamal menu is inspired by seasonal ingredients and the classic flavors of Salas Salsas.

 

Native Culture Revered

• 160th Anniversary of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Annual Wacipi (July 4 – 6, 2025)

Originating in 1867, this wacipi is the oldest powwow in South Dakota and the second oldest in the nation. This social gathering of family and friends to observe and enjoy Native American culture is held at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Ceremonial Grounds in Agency Village, seven miles south of Sisseton.

• Lakota Music Project Goes on Tour (fall 2025)

For almost 20 years, the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra has been collaborating with Native artists, and for the first time ever, Lakota Music Project will embark on a commissioned tour at various locations in the state. During performances, the Native musicians and symphony members will play separately yet cohesively illuminating shared themes, such as love or war. Then all artists come together for works that have been written for the collaborative group, unifying the theme's crescendo.

• Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch (September 28, 2025)

One of the few times the public can hike to the arm of the world's largest mountain carving, this popular trek offers breathtaking views and connection to Native American heritage and history.

• Black Hills Powwow (October 10–12, 2025)
  The Black Hills Powwow in Rapid City is the largest in the state, featuring competitive dancing, singing, drumming, and a powerful celebration of Indigenous traditions and community.

 

Novel Festivals and Events

• Lallycooler Music Festival (July 11–12, 2025)
  A new addition to South Dakota's summer music lineup, the large-scale, two-day Lallycooler Music Festival will debut at Great Bear Ski Valley in Sioux Falls with an eclectic mix of artists across genres. Headlining acts include country music sensation Sam Hunt and international superstar Pitbull, with additional performances by TLC, Uncle Kracker, Confederate Railroad and more. Proceeds will benefit The Foster Network.
• Fleurish Flower Farm Launches FleurishFest (July 19, 2025)

Located in Elk Point, Fleurish Flower Farm is a is a one-acre hidden gem offering a charming, hands-on experience for locals and tourists alike to become beautifully acquainted with the region's heirloom variety flowers. Its first-ever flower and garden festival, FleurishFest, will feature bouquet making, live music, floral crown workshops, local artisans and food trucks, and plenty of dreamy photo moments.

• Multi-Generational Play

Local businesses across the state are encouraging the transformative power of play at all ages. The Children's Museum of South Dakota is leading by example with its innovative “Museum After Dark.” series. Designed exclusively for adults (21+) with libations to match, these after-hours events invite grown-ups to rediscover the joy of play though interactive exhibits and nostalgic games like human-sized “Hungry, Hungry, Hippos” as a playful reminder that fun doesn't have an age limit. Adding to the state's celebration of play, Fort Sisseton Historic State Park in Lake City is hosting its annual "Game of Clue" event from June 29 to July 20, 2025, where participants embark on a large-scale mystery adventure exploring the park's historic buildings to solve a fictional murder. Clues are gathered to determine the location, weapon, and perpetrator of the crime.

 

Only-In-South-Dakota Staples

• Black Hills Roundup (July 2–6, 2025)
  As one of South Dakota's oldest and most beloved rodeos, the Black Hills Roundup in Belle Fourche returns with five days of rodeo action, parades, concerts, and fireworks. Celebrating over 100 years of cowboy culture, it's a true Western experience that draws thousands every Independence Day weekend.
  
  
• Badlands Astronomy Festival (July 18-20, 2025)

Stargazing under one of America's darkest skies, this annual event in Badlands National Park features telescope viewings, night-sky talks by astronomers, and interactive family activities set against the park's dramatic geologic formations.

• South Dakota Chislic Festival (July 26, 2025)

Held in Freeman, this lively celebration honors South Dakota's official state "nosh"—chislic, skewered and seasoned meat—alongside local beer and live music.

• 85th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (August 1 – 10, 2025)

The world's largest motorcycle rally attracts hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe. In addition to scenic rides through the Black Hills, there are live music performances with internationally renowned talent, custom bike shows, competitions and plenty of opportunities to ride. The legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip is the rally's beating heart, offering a vibrant atmosphere often referred to as “The Best Party Anywhere.”

• Mickelson Trail Trek (September 19-21, 2025)

A guided, three-day bike ride or hike along the 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail, winds through tunnels, over trestle bridges, and past ghost towns in the awe-inspiring Black Hills.

• Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup Celebrates 60 Years (September 26, 2025)

The beloved celebration of the American West is a hallmark of the park's wildlife heritage and instrumental to its conversation, attracting thousands of visitors each year to witness the spectacle of cowboys and cowgirls herding more than 1,300 bison across the park's expansive landscapes. Adding to the festivities is the annual Arts Festival, held Thursday through Saturday.

 

The South Dakota Department of Tourism comprises Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Arts Council. The department is led by Secretary James D. Hagen.For more information or to plan a trip, visit TravelSouthDakota.com.

 

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About South Dakota

The Mount Rushmore State is home to scenic byways and dramatic landscapes; iconic monuments and quirky roadside attractions; colorful history and rich culture; and travel experiences that make it a popular destination to visit year-round. South Dakota is home to famed sites like Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Old West town of Historic Deadwood, along with rolling prairies, majestic mountains and agritourism experiences. The state boasts six national parks, including Badlands National Park, and 63 state parks and recreation areas, offering endless opportunities for exploration, camping and spotting wildlife. In addition to the vast outdoor adventures, the destination has an array of distinct events, unique museums and Native American heritage for travelers to discover. Discover more at travelsouthdakota.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.