December 2025

VOL. 17 | NO. 11

DECEMBER 2025 & JANUARY 2026

THE 605 BEST ISSUE

FEATURING

The 605 Best List

YEAR-ROUND FUN: GREAT BEAR SKI VALLEY

605 SPOTLIGHT: CENTERVILLE FALL-O-WEEN

605 STOPS BY: LENNOX OLD FASHIONED FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION

ON THE MENU: THE SMOKING MULE

It’s easy to get frustrated behind the wheel. But we all have bad habits. Do your part to keep the road safe for everyone — including you.

VOL. 17 | NO. 11 DECEMBER 2025 & JANUARY 2026 CONTENTS

Tubers enjoy the winter weather at Great Bear Ski Valley in Sioux Falls. More on page 38.

605 04

605magazine.com

Culture + Entertainment 14 The 605 Best List

Adventure Awaits at Custer Stays Custer Hospitality

Year-Round Fun Great Bear Ski Valley 605 Spotlight Centerville Fall-O-Ween

605 Stops By Lennox Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration

Events 06

4 Things

Event Calendar

Food + Drink 76 On the Menu The Smoking Mule

Lifestyle 88 605 Profile Trista Pourier

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ABOUT

CO-FOUNDER + DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Alana Snyder CO-FOUNDER + DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY & CINEMATOGRAPHY John Snyder

CIRCULATION Coralie Richards Downtown Aberdeen Evie Doyle Huron Chamber & Visitors Bureau Jill Connelly Kenzie Bailey Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce

Alana Snyder CO-FOUNDER + DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

John Snyder CO-FOUNDER + DIRECTOR

SALES & ACCOUNT MANAGER + EDITOR Maddilynn Kallsen

OF PHOTOGRAPHY & CINEMATOGRAPHY

Visit Brookings Visit Watertown Zach Walters

MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER + PHOTOGRAPHER Kayla Johnson

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES (605) 274-1999 ex. 4 sales@605magazine.com

MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Hanna Kirschenman

COVER IMAGE Featuring Shortgrass Resort in Spearfish. Taken by 605's John Snyder .

CORRESPONDENCE 726 E 6th St. Sioux Falls, SD 57103 (605) 274-1999 contact@605magazine.com

PRODUCTION Midstates Group 4820 Capital Ave NE Aberdeen, SD 57401 (605) 225-5287

Maddilynn Kallsen SALES & ACCOUNT MANAGER + EDITOR

Kayla Johnson MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER + PHOTOGRAPHER

605 Magazine is printed monthly by The Mighty Bowtones, LLC in Sioux Falls and is distributed free all over the city, in Aberdeen, Beresford, Brandon, Brookings, Chamberlain, Custer, Deadwood, Huron, Lead, Mitchell, Oacoma, Pierre, Rapid City, Spearfish, Vermillion, Watertown, and Yankton. ©2025 605 Magazine. All rights reserved. Content in this magazine should not be copied in any way without written permission from the publisher. 605 Magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Materials will be returned only if accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Content in articles, editorial material, and advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by 605 Magazine .

THANK YOU TO OUR 605 MAGAZINE ISSUE SPONSOR:

HR Petey HUMAN RESOURCES

Hanna Kirschenman MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

605 BEST ISSUE december 2025 + january 2026

605MAGAZINE.COM

605 captures part of a float presentation at the Lennox Old Fashioned Fourth of July . More on page 64.

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AVAILABLE IN ABERDEEN , BERESFORD , BRANDON , BROOKINGS , CUSTER , CHAMBERLAIN , DEADWOOD , HILL CITY , HURON , LEAD , MITCHELL , OACOMA , PIERRE , RAPID CITY , SIOUX FALLS , SPEARFISH , VERMILLION , WATERTOWN , & YANKTON .

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ARTISTS ++++ 16% FOOD & DRINK + 32% TRAVEL ++++ 30% EVENTS ++ 22%

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Give your child the freedom to dream with CollegeAccess 529

No gift is greater than an education. To learn how to start saving today visit www.collegeaccess529.com.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the CollegeAccess 529 plan before investing. This and other important information is in the Plan Disclosure Statement, available at www.CollegeAccess529.com. Read the Plan Disclosure Statement carefully before investing. Before investing, you should consider whether your state of residency, or your intended beneficiary’s state of residency, offers a state tax deduction or any other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in that state’s 529 savings program. The CollegeAccess 529 Plan is issued by the South Dakota Higher Education Savings Trust. The Program Manager and Underwriter for the CollegeAccess 529 Plan is VP Distributors, LLC, One Financial Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, 800-243-4361. Certain of the investment management firms that manage underlying mutual funds in the Program, including Virtus Investment Advisers, LLC, are affiliated with the Program Manager. Only South Dakota residents and Account Owners who designate a South Dakota resident as Beneficiary can invest directly in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan. Certain Portfolios are not available to those who invest directly. Residents of states other than South Dakota can invest in the CollegeAccess 529 Plan only through a financial professional. Additional fees apply for investments made through a financial professional. Please see the Plan Disclosure

Statement for details. State taxes may apply for residents of states other than South Dakota. Notice: CollegeAccess 529 Plan accounts are not insured by any state, and neither the principal deposited nor any investment return is guaranteed by any state.

4 to do in December & January Due to cancellation possibilities, please check event websites & social posts before attending. Things 1 DECEMBER 12 & 13 downtown • deadwood • all day Kringle Crawl EVENTS

3 JANUARY 17

pageant hill • custer • 3:30 P.M. Burning Beetle

Join in on the annual tradition to raise awareness about the Mountain Pine Beetle where a giant wooden beetle is set on fire (with the presence of Custer firefighters). The Burning Beetle event will also include a Bug Crawl and talent show supporting the local arts.

MORE INFO: CUSTERSD.COM.

Join Deadwood in celebrating the joyful, jolly holiday season by participating in the first annual Kringle Crawl ! Enjoy shopping discounts, adult beverages, a Santa -themed pub crawl, and awards for the Best Dressed and Ugliest Sweater .

MORE INFO: DEADWOOD.COM.

4 JANUARY 23 & 24

Snocross Showdown

Days of ‘76 Event Complex • deadwood • all day ”The greatest show on the snow” will take place again at the Snowcross Showdown , featuring more than 400 racers. These races include the world’s best professional Snocross participants.

MORE INFO: DEADWOOD.COM.

2 DECEMBER 27-31

Party all the way into the new year with Deadwood. Drink and dance, eat and be merry, win money and spend money, all the while being with your loved ones! More information to come as the event approaches. New Years in Deadwood various locations • deadwood • all day

MORE INFO: DEADWOODCONNECTIONS.COM.

*All photos are submitted by the event or its promoter unless otherwise noted.

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3 Must -See Shows DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL DECEMBER 23-27 // TIMES VARY Washington Pavilion • sioux falls

This Christmas, give your family the gift of Broadway at the Washington Pavilion . DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL runs December 23–27, offering a joyful, memory-making experience for all ages. Laugh, sing, and celebrate the holidays together with this beloved Broadway hit. For more information, visit washingtonpavilion.org.

Christmas with the Symphony: ‘Tis the Season

DECEMBER 13 & 14 // TIMES VARY WASHINGTON PAVILION • sioux falls Don’t miss the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra for the holidays with Christmas with the Symphony —a holiday tradition for family and friends with heartwarming and jovial timeless classics, plus a sing-a-long. Tenor Ben Gulley brings his versatile voice to holiday favorites. For more information, visit washingtonpavilion.org.

The Ribbon opens November 21, 2025 for ice skating! Reserve your time online and get rental skates for $3.

explorethefalls.org

The Purple Madness Prince Tribute featuring Bobby Miller

DECEMBER 31 // 9:30 P.M. ROYAL RIVER CASINO • flandreau

Highlight the night! Wear neon to watch artist Bobby Miller perform as Prince for a New Year’s Eve celebration, including party favors. Must be 21+. For more information, visit royalrivercasino.com.

EVENTS

+ENTERTAINMENT +MUSIC DECEMBER & JANUARY EVENTS +GET INVOLVED +SPORTS

7, 14, 15, 21, 22 __________________________ SANTA VISIT McCrory Gardens, Brookings. Times vary. Sdstate.edu. 12 & 13 __________________________ WINTER CORNHOLE CLASSIC Dacotah Bank Center, Brookings. 7 p.m. Dacotahbankcenter.com . CANTON 15 __________________________ A CHRISTMAS CAROL Canton Performing Arts Council, Canton. 7 p.m. Cantonpac.com. CUSTER 8 __________________________ ENCHANTED “WONDER”LAND - A HOLIDAY MARKET Black Hills Parks & Forests Association. Bhpfa.org. 13 __________________________ COWBOY CHRISTMAS The Custer Beacon, Custer. 4 p.m. Custerbeacon.com. DEADWOOD 5 __________________________ COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS & TREE LIGHTING Outlaw Square, Deadwood. 3 p.m. Deadwood.com. 6 __________________________ HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Days of ‘76 Museum, Deadwood. 10 a.m. Deadwoodhistory.com.

12 & 13 __________________________ KRINGLE CRAWL Downtown, Deadwood. All day. Deadwood.com. 13 __________________________ CHRISTMAS CHEER WORKSHOP Days of ‘76 Museum, Deadwood. 10 a.m. Deadwoodhistory.com. ONE CHRISTMAS NIGHT IN MEMPHIS Deadwood Mountain Grand, Deadwood. 7 p.m. Deadwoodmountaingrand. com. 27-31 ________________________ NEW YEARS IN DEADWOOD Various Locations, Deadwood. All day. Deadwood.com. FLANDREAU 31 __________________________ THE PURPLE MADNESS PRINCE TRIBUTE Royal River Casino, Flandreau. 10:30 p.m. Royalrivercasino.com. HILL CITY 1-5 __________________________ PURSE PROJECT Hill City Center, Hill City. All day. Visithillcitysd.com. 1-15 __________________________ HOLLY-DAYS Downtown, Hill City. All day. Visithillcitysd.com. 13, 14, 20, 21, 23, 24 __________________________ HOLIDAY EXPRESS FIRST CLASS 1880 Train, Hill City. Times vary. 1880train.com.

13, 14, 20, 21, 23, 27, 28 __________________________ HOLIDAY EXPRESS SPIKED! 1880 Train, Hill City. 5:15 p.m. 1880train.com. HOT SPRINGS 5 & 6 __________________________ CHRISTMAS IN THE HILLS Various locations. All day. Hotsprings-sd.com. 20 __________________________ SANTA HAT SHOPPING SPREE Participating downtown locations, Hot Springs. All day. Hotsprings communitycalendar.com. HURON 5 __________________________ AG APPRECIATION EVENT Nordby Exhibit Hall, Huron. 6:30 p.m. Chamber.huronsd. com. 6 __________________________ CHILI COOKOFF Hurst’s Corner, Huron. 1 p.m. Chamber.huronsd.com. LEAD 11 __________________________ ASK A SCIENTIST WITH MARK HANHARDT Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center, Lead. Sanfordlab.org. 20 __________________________ ARTS & APPS Homestake Opera House, Lead. 2 p.m. Homestakeoperahouse.org .

ABERDEEN 3-7 __________________________ THE GIFT OF THE MAGI Aberdeen Community Theatre, Aberdeen. Times vary. Visitaberdeensd.com. 12, 13, 19, 20 __________________________ ABERDEEN WINGS HOCKEY Ode Ice Center, Aberdeen. Times vary. Aberdeenwings. com. 13 __________________________ SANTA RUN 5K Wylie Park, Aberdeen. 10 a.m. Visitaberdeensd.com. HOLIDAY VENDOR & CRAFT SHOW Uptown Mall, Aberdeen. 10 a.m. Visitaberdeensd.com. PARADE OF LIGHTS Main Street, Aberdeen. 5:30 p.m. Aberdeendowntown. org. 15 __________________________ MISTLETOE ON MAIN Main Street, Aberdeen. 3:30 p.m. Aberdeendowntown. org. 17 __________________________ HOLIDAY JAM WITH THE HEGG BROTHERS Aberdeen Civic Theatre, Aberdeen. Visitaberdeensd. com. BELLE FOURCHE 12-14 __________________________ IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY Rec Center Auditorium, Belle Fourche. Times Vary. Bellefourcheact.com.

BOX ELDER 2-28 __________________________ PARADE OF TREES The Box, Box Elder, All day. Thebox.live. 31 __________________________ BINGO LOCO NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH The Box, Box Elder, 8:30 p.m. Thebox.live BROOKINGS 5 __________________________ CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION OF DANCE Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Brookings. 7 p.m. Sdstate.edu. 6 __________________________ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings. 8 a.m. Prairieplay.org. WINTER FARMERS MARKET Fifth Street Gym, Brookings. 9 a.m. Brookingsfarmersmarket. com. FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Downtown, Brookings. 7 p.m. Downtownbrookings.com. MANHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS Dacotah Bank Center, Brookings. 7 p.m. Dacotahbankcenter.com. 7 & 14 __________________________ VHORSE-DRAWN TROLLEY RIDES McCrory Gardens, Brookings. Times vary. Sdstate.edu.

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31 __________________________ GROOVE INTO 2026 Homestake Opera House, Lead. 6 p.m. Homestakeoperahouse.org . MITCHELL 5-7, 12-14 __________________________ A LAURA INGALLS WILDER CHRISTMAS Mitchell ACT, Mitchell. Times vary. Mitchellact.org. 6 __________________________ FREE FAMILY MOVIE Odyssey Luxury 5, Mitchell. 10 a.m. Luxury5.odysseytheatres. com. 16 __________________________ FESTIVAL OF WREATHS SILENT AUCTION Edgewood, Mitchell. All day. 32auctions.com/ festivalofwreaths25. 16 __________________________ SHAUN JOHNSON COOL YULE Mitchell ACT, Mitchell. 7 p.m. Mitchellact.org. PIERRE/FORT PIERRE 1-26 __________________________ CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPITAL Capitol Rotunda, Pierre. All day. Christmasatthecapitol. sd.gov. 5, 6, 11-13 __________________________ THE THANKSGIVING PLAY Pierre Opera House, Pierre. Times vary. Pierreplayers. com .

6 __________________________ OAHE WINTER FESTIVAL American Legion, Pierre. 9 a.m. Pierre.org. HOLLY JOLLY HOEDOWN ON ICE Expo Center, Fort Pierre. 4 p.m. Business.pierre.org. 8 __________________________ DR. JEKYLL AND HYDE AUDITIONS Pierre Players Community Theater, Pierre. 7 p.m. Pierreplayers.com. 13 __________________________ HOLIDAY BASH Larkspur Landing Event Center, Pierre. 5:30 p.m. Larkspurlanding605.com. 14 __________________________ CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT South Dakota Discovery Center, Pierre. 7 p.m. Mms. sd-discovery.org. 20 __________________________ THE FINAL SLEIGH STOP VENDOR EVENT Casey Tibbs Foundation, Fort Pierre. 10 a.m. Caseytibbs. com. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM River City Transit, Pierre. 5:30 p.m. Lakotachapel.org. RAPID CITY 5 __________________________ BLACK HILLS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: HOLIDAZZLE BIG BAND EXPERIENCE Performing Arts Center,

5 & 6 __________________________ BLACK HILLS INDIAN ARTISTS MARKET HOLIDAY & FASHION SHOW Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City. All day. Rapidcityartscouncil. org. TANNER JOHNS Tinder Box, Rapid City. 8 p.m. Rapidcitytinderbox.com. 5, 12, 19 __________________________ TURTLE SOUP The Journey Museum, Rapid City. 11:45 a.m. Journeymuseum.org. 5-7, 12-14, 19-23, 26-28 __________________________ CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF LIGHTS Storybook Island, Rapid City. 5:30 p.m. Storybookisland. org. 9 __________________________ CHRISTMAS MIXER The Monument, Rapid City. 5 p.m. Themonument.live. 11-13, 26-31 __________________________ RAPID CITY RUSH The Monument, Rapid City. Times vary. Rapidcityrush. com. 12-14, 19-21 __________________________ A CHRISTMAS CAROL Seraphim Theatrical Entertainment, Rapid City. Seraphimte.com. 14 __________________________ STEVE-O The Monument, Rapid City. 7 p.m. Themonument.live. 19, 20, 26, 27 __________________________ ORION AND STACY POTTER The Tinder Box, Rapid City. Times vary. Rapidcitytinderbox.com.

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EVENTS

+ENTERTAINMENT +MUSIC DECEMBER & JANUARY EVENTS +GET INVOLVED +SPORTS

19 & 20 __________________________ CANDLELIGHT CONCERTS Performing Arts Center, Rapid City. 6:30 p.m. Visitrapidcity.com. SIOUX FALLS 1-31 __________________________ WINTER WONDERLAND AT THE FALLS Falls Park, Sioux Falls. 5 p.m. Experiencesiouxfall. com. 2, 9, 13, 27, 28, 31 __________________________ SIOUX FALLS STAMPEDE Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Sfstampede.com . 4 __________________________ HOLIDAY FOR FIDDLERS Outdoor Campus, Sioux Falls. 10 a.m. Gfp.sd.gov. 5 __________________________ FIRST FRIDAY FEATURED ARTISTS Serendipity Studio, Sioux Falls. 5 p.m. Serendipitystudiosd.com. ART COLLECTIVE Washington Pavillion, Sioux Falls. 1 p.m. Washingtonpavilion.org. 5 & 6 __________________________ HANDEL’S MESSIAH First Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls. 7 p.m. Sdsymphony. org. 6 __________________________ THE BLACK MARKET W.H. Lyon Fairground, Sioux Falls. All day. Siouxempirefair.com.

6 __________________________ 605 MADE HOLIDAY MARKET Cherapa Place, Sioux Falls. 10 a.m. Facebook.com. SANTA AT THE ZOO Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls. 10 a.m. Greatzoo.org. BLACK STONE CHERRY The District, Sioux Falls. 6 p.m. Thedistrictsf.com. 6, 7, 31 __________________________ SIOUX FALLS SKYFORCE. Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls. Times Vary. Siouxfalls. gleague.nba.com. 8 __________________________ FCBC PUB QUIZ Full Circle Book Co- op, Sioux Falls. 7 p.m. Fullcirclebookcoop.com. 9 & 23 __________________________ COMEDY OPEN MIC- ON Icon Events, Sioux Falls. 6:30 p.m. Iconsiouxfalls.com. 9 __________________________ BLUE VIOLIN CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Belbas Theater, Sioux Falls, 7 p.m. Washingtonpavilion.org . 12 & 13 __________________________ SIP AND SEW EastBank Art Gallery, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Elepaintings.com . 13 __________________________ 50TH ANNIVERSARY ST. LUCIA FESTIVAL St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls. 7 p.m. Facebook. com.

27 __________________________ ZOO LOVER’S DAY Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls. 11 a.m. Greatzoo.org. 31 __________________________ NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH American Legion, Sioux Falls. 6 p.m. Siouxfallslegion.org. SPEARFISH 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 __________________________ WINTER WONDERLAND Spearfish City Campground, Spearfish. 5 p.m. Visitspearfish.com. 6 __________________________ A JAZZY CHRISTMAS High Plains Heritage Center, Spearfish. 1:30 p.m. Visitspearfish.com. HOLIDAZZLE PARADE Downtown, Spearfish. 6 p.m. Visitspearfish.com. 10 __________________________ BELLMAN PRESENTATION: SPEARFISH PIANO DUET CLUB Matthews Opera House, Spearfish. Noon. Matthewsopera.com. 12-14, 16, 19-21 __________________________ FINSPECTING CAROL Matthews Opera House, Spearfish. Times vary. Matthewsopera.com. 12 __________________________ GRISWOLD UGLY SWEATER CHRISTMAS PARTY Crow Peak Brewing, Spearfish. 7 p.m. Visitspearfish.com.

STURGIS 5

HOLIDAY AT BUTTERFLY HOUSE & AQUARIUM Butterfly House & Aquarium, Sioux Falls. Butterflyhouseaquarium.org. 13 & 14 __________________________ CHRISTMAS WITH THE SYMPHONY Mary W. Sommervold Hall, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Sdsymphony.org. 14 __________________________ CHANUKAH CELEBRATION Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls. 4 p.m. Jewishsd.org. 18 __________________________ MATTHEW MAYER IN CONCERT Orpheum, Sioux Falls. 7 p.m. Siouxfallsorpheum.com. 18-21 __________________________ IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS Goodnight Theatre, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Goodnighttheatre.com. CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL Cathedral of St. Joseph, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Ccfesd.org. 19 __________________________ HOLIDAY IN BLUE CABARET The Premiere Playhouse, Sioux Falls. 7 p.m. Thepremiereplayhouse.com. ANDREA ROSS AND ROBBIE ERHARD Orpheum, Sioux Falls. 7:30 p.m. Siouxfallsorpheum.com. 23-27 __________________________ PDR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! THE MUSICAL Mary W. Sommervold Hall, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Sdsymphony.org.

__________________________ PARADE OF LIGHTS Downtown, Sturgis. 5:30 p.m. Sturgisareachamber. com. 7, 14, 21 __________________________ CLASSIC COUNTRY SUNDAY FUNDAY Kickstands, Sturgis. 2 p.m. Allsturgisevents.com. 18 __________________________ SCROOGE NIGHT Various locations, Sturgis. All day. Sturgisareachamber. com. VERMILLION 4 __________________________ STANDSTILL PARADE OF LIGHTS Downtown, Vermillion. 6 p.m. Chamber.livevermillion.com. 5 __________________________ NMM LIVE! | CURTIS & LORETTA National Music Museum, Vermillion. Noon. Nmmusd. org. 7 __________________________ CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL W.H. Over Museum, Vermillion. 1 p.m. Chamber. livevermillion.com. WATERTOWN 1-21 __________________________ SANTALAND Watertown Mall, Watertown. Times vary. Watertownsd. com. 13 __________________________ BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Bramble Park Zoo, Watertown. 8 a.m. Brambleparkzoo.com.

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19 & 20 __________________________

23 & 24 __________________________ SNOCROSS SHOWDOWN Days of ‘76 Event Complex, Deadwood. All day. Deadwood.com. 24 __________________________ K9 KEG PULL Days of ‘76 Museum, Deadwood. 10 a.m. Deadwoodhistory.com. HOT SPRINGS 17 __________________________ FALL RIVER HISTORY Springs. 9 a.m. Hotsprings communitycalendar.com. MITCHELL 23 CONFERENCE Mueller Center, Hot __________________________ AVERA QUEEN OF PEACE GALA: A NIGHT IN ITALY Highland Conference Center, Mitchell. 6 p.m. Donate. averafoundation.org. RAPID CITY 5 __________________________ WO MOTORSPORTS INDOOR AREANACROSS Central States Fair & Rodeo, Rapid City. 6:30 p.m. Centralstatesfairinc.com. 9-11, 23-25 __________________________ RAPID CITY RUSH The Monument, Rapid City. Times vary . Rapidcityrush.com. 16-18, 23-25, 30, 31 __________________________ CALENDAR GIRLS Performing Arts Center,

23 __________________________ JUDD HOOS & DENHAM The 707 Night Life, Rapid City. 7 p.m . Thepark707.com. 30 & 31 __________________________ BLACK HILLS STOCK SHOW & RODEO The Monument, Rapid City. Times vary. Rapidcityrush. com. SIOUX FALLS 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 __________________________ SIOUX FALLS STAMPEDE Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls. Times vary . Sfstampede.com. 9, 11, 17, 18, 21 __________________________ SIOUX FALLS SKYFORCE Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls. Times Vary. Siouxfalls. gleague.nba.com 10 __________________________ DIVAS: DRAG SPECTACULAR The District, Sioux Falls. 8 p.m. Thedistrictsf.com. 17 __________________________ SF WOW Orpheum, Sioux Falls. 8 a.m. Siouxfallsorpheum.com. 16 __________________________ RESGEN DATE NIGHT COMEDY Mary Sommervold Hall, Sioux Falls. 7 p.m. Washingtonpavilion.org. 23 __________________________ MIDTOWN COFFEE RADIO HOUR Orpheum, Sioux Falls. 7:30 p.m . Siouxfallsorpheum.com.

23 & 24 __________________________ TOUGHEST MONSTER TRUCK TOUR Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls. Times vary . Dennysanfordpremiercenter. com. 24 __________________________ MOZART’S A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC Mary Sommervold Hall, Sioux Falls. 7:30 p.m . Sdsymphony.org. 23-25 __________________________ I AND YOU Icon Event Hall, Sioux Falls. Times vary . Thepremiereplayhouse.com. 30 & 31 __________________________ MRS. DOUBTFIRE Mary Sommervold Hall, Sioux Falls. Times vary . Washingtonpavilion.org. SPEARFISH 17-24 __________________________ CHINOOK DAYS Various Locations, Spearfish. All day . Visitspearfish.com. WATERTOWN 2, 3, 9, 10, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31 __________________________ Prairie Lakes Ice Arena, Watertown. Times Vary . Watertownshamrocks.com. WORTHING 1-4, 8-11 __________________________ THE SAVANNAH WATERTOWN SHAMROCKS

JANUARY ABERDEEN 9, 10, 16, 17, 30, 31 __________________________ ABERDEEN WINGS Odde Ice Center, Aberdeen. 7:15 p.m. Aberdeenwings.com. 25 __________________________ 88TH CARNIVAL OF SILVER SKATES Groton Skating Rink, Aberdeen. 2-3 p.m. Facebook.com. 31 __________________________ WINTER BIG BOY TOY SHOW Downtown, Yankton. 4 p.m. Business.visityanktonsd.com. BROOKINGS 2 __________________________ GLOW LAB CAMP Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings. 9 a.m. Prairieplay.org. 17 __________________________ WINTER FARMERS MARKET Fifth Street Gym, Brookings. 9 a.m. Brookingsfarmersmarket. com. ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Brookings. 9 17 __________________________ BURNING BEETLE Pageant Hill, Custer. 3:30 p.m. Custersd.com. DEADWOOD 16 __________________________ DEADWOOD RED DIRT: CHANCEY WILLIAMS Deadwood Mountain Grand, Deadwood. 6 p.m. Deadwoodmountaingrand. com. a.m. Sdstate.edu. CUSTER

WATERTOWN SHAMROCKS

Prairie Lakes Ice Arena, Watertown. Ties vary. Watertownshamrocks.com. 19 __________________________ THE NUTCRACKER BALLET The Goss Opera House, Watertown. 7 p.m. Thegossoperahouse.com. 20 __________________________ THE FRONTMEN The Goss Opera House, Watertown. 7 p.m. Thegossoperahouse.com. WORTHING 4-7, 11-14, 18-21 __________________________ THE SAVANNAH Worthing. Times vary. Oldetowntheatre.org. YANKTON 1-31 __________________________ MEAD MUSEUM HALL OF TREES Mead Museum, Yankton. All day. Meadbuilding.org. 4 __________________________ HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Downtown, Yankton. 4 p.m. Business.visityanktonsd. com. 6 __________________________ CHRISTMAS PONIES Tractor Supply, Yankton. 1 p.m. Business. visityanktonsd.com. SIPPING CITY Old Towne Theatre,

Rapid City. Times vary. Performingartsrc.org.

SIPPING CITY Old Towne Theatre, Worthing. Times vary . Oldetowntheatre.org.

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14 | 605MAGAZINE.COM

THE 605 BEST AWARDS

It’s a hard job, but someone has to do it. The 605 team travels all around South Dakota, finding hidden gems and statewide staples. The 605 Best Awards are given to people and businesses who 605 feels deserve some recognition, whether it’s eating BBQ by the Missouri River in Chamberlain or celebrating Independence Day in Lennox. Readers and followers also take a vote for the 605 Best People’s Choice Awards . Here are the winners of 2025.

WRITTEN BY ALANA SNYDER

PHOTOS BY 605 MAGAZINE

605 BEST ISSUE december 2025 + january 2026

CULTURE + ENTERTAINMENT

FOOD & DRINKS

605 BEST BAR The Orion Pub ORIONPUB.COM // (605) 271-1481 // 127 W 10TH ST, SIOUX FALLS

In the early days of Sunny's Pizzeria in Sioux Falls, owner Jon Oppold was working every lunch shift. Patron Thomas Hentges would come in now and again to watch a Twins game, and conversations would often lead to, “If we opened a bar…” “Fast forward to a couple of years, and I was hanging out at Glacial Lakes Distillery having a chat with someone who had looked at the space The Orion Pub currently occupies and decided it was too small for the concept he was trying to open,” recalled Oppold. “I was unaware the space was even available.”

“Selfishly, it’s all stuff we like to drink as well,” laughed Oppold. As Sioux Falls didn’t have a classic pub downtown filled with rich history, Hentges and Oppold had to create it themselves. “It just felt so obvious there was a place for a little unpretentious, retro neighborhood bar in downtown Sioux Falls, and we wanted to create a space that felt like it's been there for decades,” said Oppold. They curated the space with nostalgic décor, used bar furniture, ‘70s-style wood paneling, and unique artifacts that showcased people and places in Sioux Falls history. Along with brews, The Orion Pub serves six varieties of 12-inch pizzas from Sunny’s. They also offer classic bar snacks in single servings, like pickled eggs, pickled sausages, and pub mix. Oppold said, “I mean, you can't have a classic pub without something pickled in a jar ready to eat on a moment's notice, right?!” As Hentges and Oppold created a bond over their Minnesota sports fandom prior to the opening of the bar, The Orion Pub has become a place for Minnesota sports fans to watch Vikings , Timberwolves , and Twins games. “I recall a trip to the Twin Cities where I watched a Vikings game in a bar full of their fans and it was such a blast,” said Oppold. “I wanted to try and recreate that environment of comradery at the pub.” Though it’s popular during those particular games, The Orion Pub is anything but a sports pub—it’s your neighborhood bar. “It’s a place of shared connection where memories are made amongst your friends and neighbors,” said Oppold.

He got the building owner’s info and scheduled a showing.

“I liked what I saw in the space and—in a kismet coincidence—Thomas, who worked at Miner Brewing Company at the time, posted on Facebook that day that Miner was closing and he was going to be out of work soon,” he said. Oppold immediately reached out to him to see if he was interested in opening the bar they had talked about. They signed a lease that week and “were off to the races.” The entrepreneurial pair recognized the downtown craft cocktail, craft beer, and elevated food scene was rapidly growing, but something was missing—the feeling of a neighborhood bar. Their concept was a downtown “old school, no frills, cozy, working-class establishment.”

“We knew there was an audience for that,” said Oppold.

The skinny-but-long space seats 49 people, and specializes in offering classics on tap like Hamm's , Coors Banquet , Pabst Blue Ribbon , Grain Belt , Miller High Life , and Old Style . The Orion Pub also serves local beer from breweries such as WoodGrain Brewing Co. , Covert Artisan Ales , Severance Brewing Co. , Fernson Brewing Company , Remedy Brewing Company , and more.

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CULTURE + ENTERTAINMENT

From the creators of South Dakota Magazine , Muddy Mo’s Coffee House in Yankton is a look inside the publication and the Missouri River (“Muddy Mo”) . Muddy Mo’s opened four years ago in the 1885 building in the Meridian District to celebrate “good stories, good coffee, and good company.” South Dakota Magazine covers are used as artwork on the walls, and a large merch section is available filled with Muddy Mo shirts, coffee mugs, and more. Stop by for a lunch special (like a Turkey and Provolone Panini ) or a drink special (like the Nutty Chai ). Check out their Facebook for special events, fundraisers, and live music. 605 BEST BRANDING Muddy Mo’s Coffee House FACEBOOK.COM/MUDDYMOCOFFEEHOUSE // (605) 689-2739 // 233 BROADWAY AVE, YANKTON

The Smoking Mule 605 BEST BBQ

THESMOKINGMULE.COM // (605) 234-6853 // 309 E GLEN AVE, CHAMBERLAIN