The Great American West Calendar is Full in 2023-2024
The Great American West states of Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming always have something fun going on. Whether it’s a classic Western rodeo, a Native American celebration or a winter wonderland experience, there is truly something for everyone in these five states. Read on to find out what you should be doing this year in the Great American West!
Idaho
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is turning 100! This unique lava flow so resembles the moon’s surface that it was used as a training ground for NASA’s Apollo 14 mission. Boise plays host to several notable Basque events, including the San Inazio Festival and Jaialdi. Delectable raspberries are celebrated with a parade, fair, food and live music in Bear Lake Valley. And in the southwest part of the state, Caldwell transforms into a real-life winter wonderland each holiday season.
The vibrant city of Boise, Idaho, has one of the largest concentrations of Basque populations per capita in the U.S., and Boise’s Basque Block is the backdrop for the celebration of the lively Basque culture. Photo courtesy of Visit Boise
Montana
Montana’s annual events include the Montana Folk Festival, monthly community art walks, standout rodeo events and live music. In Billings, 2024 marks the 60th anniversary of the Yellowstone Art Museum, which collects art from all historic periods and emphasizes artists working in Montana and the American Northwest.
Don’t miss Billings’ Burn the Point, a Labor Day weekend celebration of 1950s Americana, big muscle cars and pop music that are the hallmark of an iconic generation. Photo courtesy of Visit Billings
North Dakota
In 2024, North Dakota will recognize the 105th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt’s death; this original “Rough Rider” left his mark on conservation efforts in not just North Dakota, but the country as a whole. And in Fargo, America’s Best Small-Town Race will turn 20 – oof da!
The 20th anniversary of America’s Best Small-Town Race brings a week-long celebration packed full of runs, music, delicious food and cold beer. Photo courtesy of Visit Fargo-Moorhead
South Dakota
In 2024, you can hike up to stand face-to-face with Crazy Horse Memorial, attend “biker heaven” in Sturgis, and feel the ground rumble beneath your feet at the annual Buffalo Roundup. Or head to Rapid City to celebrate one of the nation’s largest powwows or the annual Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo.
Vibrant Native American culture is celebrated each October at the Black Hills Powwow, one of the nation’s largest powwows. Photo courtesy of Visit Rapid City
Wyoming
If “booking a stay at a dude ranch” is on your bucket list, look no further than Wyoming! The country’s first and oldest dude ranch, which still welcomes guests today, will celebrate its 120th anniversary. Or you can celebrate 100 years of history at the Parco/Sinclair Centennial Celebration in Carbon County; the 100th anniversary of the most celebrated bronze sculpture in Cody Yellowstone Country; the Hell on Wheels Rodeo and Chuck Wagon Dinner Series in Cheyenne; or Buffalo Heritage Days in Buffalo and Kaycee, Johnson County.
The Shoshone Lodge & Guest Ranch will celebrate 100 years of helping visitors become “dudes” during old-fashioned, Western-style vacations. Photo courtesy of Cody-Yellowstone Country
Denver
Celebrate mile-high winter magic with family-friendly performing arts classics and elaborate light displays, or embrace your inner cowboy at the national Western Stock Show & Rodeo.
The National Western Stock Show & Rodeo is a Denver tradition for two weeks every January, honoring the country’s rich Old West heritage. Photo courtesy of Visit Denver
For more information on the Great American West, visit GreatAmericanWest.co.
