40th Annual Spring Volksmarch - Saturday, June 6, 2026 - One Day Only
13th Annual Fall Volksmarch - Sunday, September 27, 2026 - One Day Only
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 Memorial partners with KOTA Territory’s Care and Share Food Drive so that each hiker’s individual admission to the Memorial is waived with a donation of 3 canned foods (Volkssport registration still applies - see below for more Cost/Registration information).
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®.
The bi-annual Crazy Horse Volksmarch (an organized hike) is a 5K or 10K (6.2 miles round trip) woodlands ramble to the world’s largest mountain carving in progress in the southern Black Hills of South Dakota. The Spring Volksmarch in 2026 will only be the first Saturday of June.
Crazy Horse Memorial Welcome Center
Before or after your hike, don’t miss the short introductory movie "What is Crazy Horse?" playing in the twin theaters in the Welcome Center. Also be sure to see THE INDIAN MUSEM OF NORTH AMERICA®, Sculptor’s Studio / Home Workshop and THE NATIVE AMERICAN EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL CENTER®.
Cost
Admission to Crazy Horse Memorial® will be waived with 3 cans of food per hiker. The American Volkssport Association's hike fee is $4 (cash or check, no credit cards accepted) for each participant regardless of age. Regular admission applies to non-hikers or hikers without food.
Parking
FREE. 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 times
Anytime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
How long does it take?
The hike averages two to four hours to complete. Hikers should pace themselves due to the terrain and peak elevation (nearly 6,500 feet above sea level).
What is the trail like?
The route is a 5K or 10K (6.2 miles round trip) on hilly, rough terrain with some steep inclines. The rugged woodlands path is not suitable for infant strollers. From the valley at the Memorial’s visitor center, the trail rises about 500 feet up to the mountain. You will see views of Crazy Horse Memorial® and its 1,000-acre campus not otherwise available to the public.
What are some hiking tips?
Travel light! Water stations and port-a-potties are available along the trail. Roving trail monitors and medical professionals will be available for those needing assistance. Watch the weather, dress appropriately and anticipate taking layers of clothes. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Are pets allowed?
Pets of all kinds are prohibited on the trail.
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Mount Rushmore Evening Lighting Ceremony
The Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is held beginning the Friday before Memorial Day (May 24) to September 30 each year. May 24-August 11, the ceremony starts nightly at 9 p.m., and August 12-September 30, it starts nightly at 8 p.m.
Mickelson Trail Events
Events on the Mickelson Trail in South Dakota include the popular multi-day Mickelson Trail Trek (Summer & Fall), the challenging Lean Horse Ultra Marathon (100-mile, 50-mile, etc.), the scenic Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon, and shorter rides like the Rails to Ales event, offering biking, running, and walking through the Black Hills, often with shuttle services and local food/drink. Major Annual Events
- Mickelson Trail Trek (Summer & Fall): A 3-day, 109-mile cycling event with shuttle services, meals, and trail passes, celebrating the entire trail.
- Summer Trek: Mid-June.
- Fall Trek: Third weekend of September (e.g., Sept 18-20, 2026).
- Lean Horse Ultra Marathon: A competitive ultra-running event in August featuring 100, 50, 30, and 20-mile races on the trail.
- Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon: A mostly downhill marathon, half-marathon, and kids' fun run held in early June, with shuttle service from Deadwood.
Other Events
- Rails to Ales: A shorter, fun autumn ride (around 16 miles) from Hill City to Custer, often including brewery stops and local beer.
How to Find More Information & Register
- Mickelson Trail Trek: Check Travel South Dakota or Mickelson Trail on Facebook.
- Lean Horse Ultra: leanhorseultra.com.
- Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon: deadwoodmickelsontrailmarathon.com.
- Rails to Ales: Visit Mickelson Trail Affiliates.
Trail Passes
- You need a daily ($5) or annual ($20) trail pass for personal use, purchased separately from event fees, at SD.gov.
Custer State Park Buffalo Round-up Custer, SD Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Round-up (Held each year on the last Friday of September) Custer State Park in the beautiful Black Hills of western South Dakota is full of lush forests, quiet and serene meadows, and majestic mountains. This 71,000-acre state park is also home to one of the world's largest publicly-owned bison herds, nearly 1,300 strong. Each fall, the ground rumbles and the dust flies as cowboys, cowgirls and park crews saddle up to bring in the thundering herd. The annual roundup, held the last Friday in September, is open to the public. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSHow many bison are there in the herd? Why are the bison rounded up? What happens to the bison after they’re in the corrals? How early should I get there? Are reservations required? Does it cost anything? Are food and drinks available? What should I bring? Is there handicapped parking available? Are there shuttles? Which viewing area is best? How long does the event take? How are the horseback riders chosen? Is there anything else going on? All information taken from the Travel South Dakota Website 
BUFFALO ROUNDUP ARTS FESTIVAL September 24-26, 2026 near the State Game Lodge | ||||
Enjoy three days of continuous entertainment along with numerous arts and crafts booths near the State Game Lodge on Hwy. 16A. Visit with artisans and crafters from throughout the Midwest as they exhibit and sell their wares ranging from Native American to Western to South Dakota-made products. Take a breather and experience a variety of entertainment. Hear cowboy poets spin tall tales, share the beauty of Native American dancers or have a foot stompin’ good time with some of the top musicians in the area. Be on the lookout for trick shooters or kick up your heels with cloggers and square dancers. If you build up an appetite you’ll find plenty of good Western vittles right there on site. Park entrance license required. https://gfp.sd.gov/buffalo-roundup/ 
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The Custer Chamber is excited to be Custer, SD!
June 12-14, 2026! Bring your ATV, UTV, Jeep, or Dual Sport and enjoy the beautiful Black Hills. There will be a poker run, live music, a Mayor’s Ride, a President’s Ride, Happy Hour Saturday evening, and more! Ride HUNDREDS of miles of beautiful Southern Black Hills trails! ~Registered attendees will receive more information and a route map closer to the event date. ~ Please make sure to provide a current email address. NO REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER JUNE 5, 2026 Online registration closes at midnight on June 10. Non-Resident Off-Road Vehicle Permit ApplicationNon-residents of South Dakota need to obtain a permit to operate an off-road vehicle on the state's streets and roads. Motorized Vehicle Use PermitA Motorized Vehicle Use Trail Permit is required for any motor vehicle traveling on motorized use trails in the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota. These can be purchased at many local vendors or online. 
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The Custer Chamber is excited to be hosting the 4th Annual Custer Off-Road Rally in beautiful Custer, SD! Pack up your off-road vehicles and enjoy the Southern Hills at the Custer Off-Road Rally, June 12-14, 2026! Head to Custer with your ATV, UTV, or Dual Sport and take in the Hills. There will be a poker run, off-roading course, vendors, live music, a Mayor’s Ride, a President’s Ride, an awards banquet on Saturday evening, and more! Ride HUNDREDS of miles of beautiful Southern Black Hills trails! Registration information will be available soon. Motorized Trail Permits – Online Sales Link: Permits & Passes | Black Hills & Badlands - South Dakota
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Dates TBD downtown Custer | |
The annual Studebaker & Packard Car & Truck show will be held again, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 31, 2025. Join us for our outdoor car & truck show at Mt Rushmore Rd & 6th Streets. There will be vehicles representing several decades of manufacturing dates, both modified and restored, and in several models. Free admittance to viewers who can vote for their favorite vehicle. You’ll also be seeing Studebakers and their owners in Custer on Friday night as they arrive to register and on Saturday as they cruise around the Southern Black Hills. The weekend activities are sponsored by the Dakotas Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club. | |
The Big Mick
This isn’t just a bike ride—it’s a full-day adventure through the heart of the Black Hills. Ride through lush forests, historic mining towns, across expansive bridges, and through railroad tunnels, all on one of America’s most scenic rails-to-trails conversions.
We ride at dawn, departing from the Deadwood trailhead. With varying elevations and terrains, every mile is a challenge—and every hill conquered is a victory. Finish in Edgemont, where your accomplishment will feel as big as the journey itself.
Don’t wait—spots are limited, and event sells out fast!
Register here: http://getmeregistered.com/TheBigMick
Date: June 13, 2026
Limited to 150 riders
Claim your spot today and plan to make this your most unforgettable ride yet!
Century+ Ride:
Deadwood to Edgemont
109 miles
Half-Century Ride:
Mountain Trailhead to Edgemont
49 miles
Registration $175
includes: trail swag & t-shirt, day pass, snacks, 2 meals, trail support
Need Transport?
Shuttle Registration is Required & registration is separate
Shuttle Transport Edgemont to Deadwood $85
Bus & bike trailers will depart Edgemont by 7pm
Register by May 1, 2026 to ensure
you receive your event t-shirt
Riders who register after June 5
responsible for their own transportation
If you choose to speed ride the event and want to leave
Edgemont early - you must secure/pay your own transportation; we have a one-time shuttle departure.
