South Dakota State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair has been a popular destination since 1885. The six-day event attracts about 200,000 visitors each year, and they have plenty to see and do. There are carnival rides and games to enjoy and interesting agricultural exhibits to visit, and there are amazing displays of horsemanship almost every day. The venue covers 190 acres, and it features a state-of-the art entertainment and equestrian complex with more than 5,000 seats. The South Dakota State Fair offers fun and entertainment for the whole family, and it’s a great place to take an RV.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
You will have to spend a few days in Huron to experience everything the South Dakota State Fair has to offer because there is so much to see and do. The large carnival area has games to play and rides to enjoy, and there is a kids’ section with gentler rides like carousels. You can buy a daily carnival wristband for $30 or a weekly ride pass for $60. The agricultural exhibits include an amazing display of historic farm machinery and equipment, and the FAA Ag Adventure Center will give your entire family an opportunity to learn what working the land is really like. You can enjoy craft beers in the Tap Haus or sip wine from local vineyards in the Wine Pavilion, and there will be plenty of delicious food on offer. Rodeo and equestrian displays are one of the South Dakota State Fair’s most popular attractions, and many of them take place in the impressive DEX center. You will be able to see skilled riders take part in roping competitions and turn and burn barrel races, and you could also check out dog trials and draft horse exhibitions.
ON-SITE AMENITIES
Courtesy golf carts will be available and free to ride. You will also be able to rent a scooter, wheelchair, stroller, or wagon. Visitors can take a shuttle bus to the fairgrounds from Gate 3 or the Huron Mall, and there will be a first aid station near the main grandstand. ATMs and bathrooms will be easy to find, and the venue will offer Wi-Fi service for the duration of the fair.
LOCATION
1060 3rd St. Southwest Huron, SD 57350 The South Dakota State Fairgrounds are located in one of the most beautiful parts of the state. The two main roads leading into Huron are South Dakota Highway 37 and U.S. Route 14, and nearby attractions include Splash Central Waterpark, the Akta Lakota Museum & Cultural Center, and the World’s Largest Pheasant. The closest major airport is about 129 miles away in Sioux Falls.
LINEUP
Local and out-of-state artists will be performing throughout the South Dakota State Fair. You can expect to see performances on the NorthWest Energy Freedom Stage, the AARP Centennial Stage, the DeSmet Farm Metal Insurance Stage, and the Farmland Bureau Dakotaland Stage. Sherwin & Pam Linton and the Cotton Kings will be performing on the Centennial Stage and the Miss State Fair Pageant will take place on the Farm Bureau Dakotaland Stage, and other performances will be announced closer to the event. If you want to learn more or receive updates, you can visit the South Dakota State Fair website.
RVING AT THE EVENT
If you will be taking an RV to the South Dakota State Fair and plan to stay for the duration of the event, you can reserve a campsite by calling (605) 353-7340. You can also send the organizers an email. Reservations will open on July 1. If you make a reservation, you will be given a site in either the Gate H or Gate 13 campgrounds. Both of these campgrounds are about a block away from the fairgrounds. The Gate 13 campground has bathroom and shower facilities, but you will have to take a short walk to use the Pasque Park showers and bathrooms if you park your RV in the Gate H campground. If you plan to visit for just a day or two, you will be able to park your RV in Lot J, which is a few blocks away from the fairgrounds. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and it would be a good idea to arrive early as there are only 40 sites available. The RV sites do not have hookups, but you will be able to run a generator. You cannot reserve a nightly camping site. If you want to park your RV in one of these sites, you will have to go to the Gate 13 gatehouse to pay. Parking your RV in Lot J will cost you $25 per night. If you would prefer to have a water, power, and sewer hookup when you park your RV, there are several affordable RV parks a short drive from the fairgrounds. Popular choices include Memorial Park Campground, Gross Hill Campground, and Red Wilk Campground.
WHERE TO STAY
Huron is an agricultural city with approximately 14,000 residents, so finding a hotel room during the fair could be a challenge. If you book early, you could find comfortable and affordable accommodations at the Crossroads Hotel, the Best Western, the Quality Inn, or the Super 8.
HOW TO GET THERE
If you take U.S. Route 14 to reach Huron, you will exit at Lincoln Avenue, and take a left turn onto 3rd Street SW to reach the fairgrounds. If you take South Dakota Highway 37, you will stay on the highway and bear left when you reach Huron. The highway will be signposted as 21st Street SW and Lincoln Avenue SW when you enter Huron, and it will take you straight to the fairgrounds.
PARKING
You will be able to park for free at the South Dakota State Fair, but the lots are small and space is limited. If you will be staying in a local hotel instead of an RV, it might be a good idea to take a taxi or ride share to the venue. If you want to park a vehicle at the fairgrounds, you will need to obtain a permit from the main office. If you don’t, your vehicle could be towed.
TICKETS & PRICING
Ticket prices for the South Dakota State Fair have been announced. You will save 20% if you purchase your tickets on or before Aug. 26, and you will get in for free if you arrive after 8:00 p.m. between Wednesday and Sunday or after 3:00 p.m. on Monday. If you don’t book early or if you show up late, you will pay:
$10 for a daily adult ticket
$5 for a daily youth ticket
$50 for a weekly adult ticket
$25 for a weekly youth ticket
$35 for a daily family pass
A daily family pass provides admission for two adults and up to four youths between the ages of six and 15 years. Kids five years of age or younger get in for free.
WRAP UP
The South Dakota State Fair is a great place to enjoy delicious food and family fun, and a trip to Huron to visit the event could be the perfect opportunity to get a taste of the RVing lifestyle. One of our spacious and luxurious RVs could be your home away from home when you visit the fair, and we will be happy to deliver it right to your door. When the fair is over, why not use our RV to explore the rest of the state? You could visit Deadwood or the Crazy Horse Memorial, and the Mount Rushmore National Monument is just an afternoon’s drive from Huron. To learn more about the South Dakota State Fair and receive updates, you can connect with the event organizers on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
Please note, this is not the official source of the event information. While we try to be as comprehensive as possible, some details may have changed since the time this article was written. Please confirm final details with the official event page .
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