Boxelder Bluff

10/09/2026

Looking for something special to do in the Black Hills this weekend?
The 38th Annual Black Hills Powwow — He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate — takes place October 9–11 at The Monument in Rapid City.

This is much more than a dance competition. Thousands of dancers, singers, artists and spectators come together for three days celebrating Great Plains Indigenous culture and traditions. The arena comes alive with championship dancing and singing, colorful regalia and the sound of the drums, while vendors offer Native artwork, beadwork, ribbon skirts and other handcrafted items.

If you've never attended a powwow before, this would be a wonderful opportunity. First-time visitors can even attend Wacipi 101 to learn about the different dance styles, regalia, Grand Entry, powwow traditions and cultural protocols before experiencing it for themselves.

There are activities beyond the arena as well, including a fine arts show, fashion show, hand games and archery. On Saturday morning, the Indigenous People's Day Parade travels through downtown Rapid City beginning at 10 a.m.

Another great reason to visit the Black Hills in the fall — and something you don't get to experience just anywhere.

10/07/2026

While in Hill City, take a few minutes to check out the Jon Crane Gallery on Main Street.
Jon Crane is well known for his incredibly detailed watercolors featuring both familiar Black Hills landmarks and some of the lesser-known places tucked away throughout the Hills. Some of his paintings take hundreds of hours to complete, and 2026 marks his 50th year as a professional watercolor artist.
There’s an interesting story behind the artist, too. Before turning to art full time, Crane spent five years as an Air Force pilot, flying combat missions in Southeast Asia. He eventually made the Black Hills his home and has spent decades capturing its landscapes, historic buildings and rural scenes in watercolor. In 2021, he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
The gallery features far more than just Crane’s work, too, with art from a number of other local artists, including photography, sculpture, pottery, woodworking and more.
Even if you’re not shopping for art, it’s worth stopping in just to see how many Black Hills places you recognize — and perhaps discover a few you haven’t visited yet.
Jon Crane Gallery & Custom Framing is at 256 Main Street in Hill City.

10/05/2026

The second weekend of October is packed with cozy fall fun and big‑name events. Here’s what’s coming up:

🌆 Rapid City
• Polo G live at Box Elder Events Center
• Women’s Pampering & Self‑Care Day
• Robert Plant w/ Saving Grace at The Monument

🐎 Sturgis
• Black Hills Mountain Bike Classic — peak‑color riding

🦬 Custer / Custer State Park
• Final weekend of the Blue Bell Chuckwagon Cookout

🍁 October is when the Black Hills slow down… and open up.
Boxelder Bluff has October openings and puts you minutes from everything.

10/03/2026

October nights at Boxelder Bluff are worth staying up for.
One of our recent guests summed it up better than we could:
“The deck was the highlight of our evenings — the stargazing is incredible out there, and one night we were even lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights. That alone made the stay unforgettable.”
We know exactly what they mean. These Northern Lights photos were taken right here at Boxelder Bluff.
While we certainly can't promise the Northern Lights will make another appearance, October has plenty of other reasons to sit out on the deck, turn off the lights and look up.
October 4 — Saturn reaches opposition and will be at its brightest of the year, visible for much of the night.
October 6 — Before dawn, the Moon passes in front of Jupiter for viewers in parts of North America.
October 8–9 — The Draconid meteor shower peaks, with almost no moonlight to interfere. This is an unusual meteor shower because the best viewing is in the evening rather than after midnight.
October 21–22 — The Orionid meteor shower peaks, bringing meteors created by debris left behind by Halley’s Comet. A bright Moon will make the fainter ones harder to see this year, but the brightest may still put on a show.
October 25–26 — Watch the Hunter’s Moon rise over the Black Hills.
October 27–28 — The Moon makes a beautiful close pass by the Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters.
Bring a cup of coffee, a glass of w**e or a warm blanket and settle in on the deck. Sometimes one of the best parts of a Black Hills vacation happens after the sightseeing is over.
We still have some October openings at Boxelder Bluff if you’d like to do a little stargazing of your own.
boxelderbluff.com

10/02/2026

Looking for a quieter hike in Custer State Park?
Not every great Black Hills hike has to end at the top of a mountain.
Tucked away near the northern edge of Custer State Park, the Iron Creek Trailhead gives you access to a beautiful section of the Centennial Trail. From here, the trail winds through the forest along gently rolling terrain, with several small stream crossings along the way.
One of the nice things about this hike is that you can make it as long or as short as you'd like. Follow the trail for a mile or two and turn around, or make a longer day of it — the Centennial Trail continues about six miles south to Highway 16A near Legion Lake.
You'll find the Iron Creek Trailhead north of Needles Highway on Camp Re*****on Road. It's close to some of the busiest and most spectacular scenery in the Black Hills, but offers a chance to get away from the crowds and simply enjoy the forest.
Sometimes the best Black Hills stops are the ones that aren't on everyone's must-see list.
We'll put a link with more information in the comments.

10/01/2026

There's still time to take in events for Deadwood's 150th Celebration. Here are some of the upcoming options:
October 18: Vintage Base Ball Game – “The Finale” – Game #3 at Ferguson Field, featuring a traditional matchup between Deadwood and Lead. This tiebreaker event will decide who takes home the trophy!
October 31: Trunk or Treat & Kidweird, festive Halloween events for children and families.
November 5: The 37th Anniversary of Legalized Gaming in Deadwood, celebrating an important milestone in the city’s modern history.
November 5: Preservation Thursday: featuring Kuchenbecker and Milos
December 4: Community Christmas Gathering, including a telegraph message from the Governor to mark the holiday season and the conclusion of the anniversary celebrations.

09/29/2026

A little Spearfish spot worth knowing about…
Tucked right in the heart of Spearfish, Indian Springs is one of those pretty little places you might never know was there unless someone told you about it.
There’s a scenic waterfall, a gazebo surrounded by greenery, and plenty of room to simply sit for a while and enjoy the setting. It’s just across from Spearfish City Park, so it makes an easy stop while you’re exploring town — whether you stay for five minutes or decide to linger awhile.
Indian Springs is also a beautiful outdoor event and wedding venue, and once you see the setting, it’s easy to understand why.
Best of all, it doesn’t cost a thing to stop and enjoy it.
Indian Springs - 209 Elgin St., Spearfish, SD
Another little Black Hills place worth adding to your list.

09/28/2026

October is here, and the Black Hills are waking up in the best way.
If you’re planning a fall getaway, here’s what’s happening this weekend:

🌲 Wind Cave / Hot Springs
• Elk bugling evenings — the prairie at its most magical.

🎰 Deadwood
• Oktoberfest on Main Street
• Black Hills Film Festival
• Fall Marketplace Pop‑Up at The Monument

🌆 Rapid City
• Fall Festival on Sheridan Lake Rd
• Parade of Homes
• Tracy Lawrence live at The Monument

🐎 Sturgis
• City‑wide yard sale + community fall sale

🍂 October is the Hills’ hidden‑gem season — quiet trails, crisp air, and small‑town magic everywhere.
Boxelder Bluff is centrally located for all of it.

09/27/2026

Mark your calendars for Fossil Fright Night at The Mammoth Site on October 22 from 6-8 p.m. This annual event mixes science and Halloween fun with the Night of the Living Mammoth theme. Admission is just 3 cans of food or $3 per person, with all proceeds going to the Hot Springs Food Pantry. A great way to support a local cause while enjoying an evening of costumes, candy, and fascinating mammoth exhibits. Highly recommend checking it out if you are in the area.

Mark your calendars…The Mammoth Site’s annual Fossil Fright Night is just under a month away! Start brainstorming your costumes for a night of candy and science!