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South Dakota Rodeos

From the Black Hills to the Badlands, don’t miss out on South Dakota. Its unique and stunning landscapes make it a great destination.

South Dakota is also a great place to see a rodeo. The first rodeo in South Dakota was held in the late 1890s in Rosebud. Rodeo plays such an important role in South Dakota that it became the state sport.

Crystal Springs Rodeo  

If you’re traveling in June, stop by Clear Lake to see the Crystal Springs Rodeo. It’s held in a rodeo bowl that was formed by a glacier, making it America’s Most Natural Rodeo Bowl. 

The first Crystal Springs Rodeo was held in the early 1940s and was produced by E.W. Weisel. It became a professionally sanctioned rodeo in 1946. The Crystal Springs Rodeo is now a community tradition, though production responsibilities have shifted to [XXX].

The Crystal Springs Rodeo hosts PRCA Xtreme Bulls and a PRCA Rodeo. Whatever rodeo event you want to see, you’re likely to find it at the Crystal Springs Rodeo.

The Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) is one of the largest rodeo associations. Its members include rodeo contestants and rodeo contractors. It also sanctions rodeos and hosts annual finals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Clear Lake Chamber hosts other events to make Rodeo Week – the week of the Crystal Springs Rodeo – fun for everyone. There’s a car show, parade, and specials offered by local businesses.

Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo

While not many people venture to South Dakota in the winter, consider making a trip to see the second largest event in South Dakota – the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo.

Held in January and February, the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo started in 1958 as a stock show. It has grown over the years to include all kinds of events – an AQHA Horse Show, Ranch Rodeo, a rodeo for people with disabilities, a team roping competition, and PRCA Rodeo. It also offers mini bucking broncs and mutton bustin’ for kids.

While in most rodeo events only a single cowboy or cowgirl compete, a ranch rodeo is a contest between teams of cowboys and cowgirls. These teams compete by doing various ranching tasks.

South Dakota Rodeo Association (SDRA)

Established in 1955, the South Dakota Rodeo Association supports rodeos and rodeo contestants in South Dakota. It also organizes the SDRA Rodeo Finals each year in October.

SDRA Rodeo Finals

Held in Huron, the SDRA Rodeo Finals is a three-day event. Beyond rodeo events, the SDRA Rodeo Finals includes a daily tradeshow and a church service.

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