Throughout the state, you’ll find everything you need to make this Thanksgiving a holiday worth remembering. From delectable turkey and desserts to holiday-themed events and festivities, there’s no shortage to the fun you can have with your family as you pause to give thanks. This guide will help you journey to the 10 Best Thanksgiving Activities and Events in South Dakota during this 2025 holiday season.
Celebrate Thanksgiving Eve with ice-cold brews and delicious bar food. This downtown pub is in the Hotel Alex Johnson, and the old-world environment combined with the warm, friendly atmosphere makes this a one-of-a-kind watering hole! Locals have voted Paddy’s as the best bar in the Black Hills. They offer an ever-changing tap list with both regional and well-known brews. Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to close are Ladies' Night, in which they offer specialty cocktails like seven chocolate martinis, cosmos, and lemon drops. If drinking isn't your cup of tea, check out their menu with American cuisine, like pizza, burgers, salads, and appetizers.
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Al’s Oasis in Oacoma is an incredibly popular rest stop in the middle of the state along the I-90. Not only do they have pies, but also chicken, steaks, hot sandwiches, buffalo burgers, sandwiches, baskets, Indian tacos, breakfast, and takeout. Al's famous pie comes in the standard flavors, or for adventurous customers, try one of their signature pies that come in either strawberry cream or lemon cream cheese.
The Goose Mobile of Canova provides its animals with a healthy and natural environment. Animals are treated humanely, and happy animals create healthy food. The natural, free-range turkey of Goose Mobile is fresh and only available for Thanksgiving. Be sure to check their website for pricing!
Pay homage to the Native American culture of the Dakotas by visiting the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center in Chamberlain. It is on the campus of St. Joseph's Indian School and was opened to preserve and honor the culture and history of the Lakota people. The museum's exhibits include art, artifacts, education displays, a 36-foot diorama showing life on the prairie, the Outdoor Medicine Wheel Garden, a gift shop, and the Collector's Gallery with original sculptures, paintings, and traditional crafts.
Feeding South Dakota is a hunger relief organization working to feed the needy across the state. Shockingly, one out of every eight individuals in Sioux Dakota is food insecure. Feeding South Dakota works to make food insecurity a thing of the past and provides over 190,000 people with food each year. Volunteer at one of their food banks to make a difference in the lives of your less fortunate community members!
Work off the holiday calories on a livley turkey trot! Mitchell's 5K Turkey Trot Run/Walk is on Thanksgiving day, and all proceeds go to the Mitchell Baseball Association. Awards go to the top male and female finishers, age division awards, awards for the best dressed and some other fun awards. Run
The 605 Running Company is bringing the 2nd Annual Gobble Wobble 10k to Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls this Thanksgiving! Prepare to shake your feathers and enjoy the scenic course while you have an appetite for the big feast. All participants will receive a commemorative, official race long-sleeve shirt. Sign up now for a festive and fun-filled holiday experience!
If you aren’t exactly in the business of cooking your turkey on Thanksgiving, head to the beautiful Overlook Cafe overlooking the Big Sioux River for a meal you won't forget. Try some turkey dishes such as Craisy Turkey (craisin spread, roasted turkey, and lettuce on Black Russian bread) or turkey kabobs. Other options include cold entrees, desserts, quesadillas, made-from-scratch soups, super salads, and hot entrees. They close for the winter season, but private events can be accommodated.
On the day after Thanksgiving, head to Sioux Falls to watch this beautiful parade along historic Phillips Avenue AT 6 pm. The Parade of Lights has been one of the top family activities over the holiday season, and the event features dazzling lighted holiday floats.
Now that Thanksgiving is done, it is time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping! Black Friday is the perfect opportunity to get cheap gifts and money-saving deals. Head to Uptown Rapid in Rapid City and get ready to shop until you drop!
