Our History

Festival History and Black Hills Information

The Black Hills Bluegrass Festival started in 1980, finding a home at the Mystery Mountain Resort and Campground in 1995.  That same year, the festival inaugurated a natural amphitheater nestled among the pines, south of Rapid City, South Dakota, which is located just 16 miles from Mt. Rushmore National Monument. 

In 2010, the festival expanded its camping and festival facilities by relocating to the Elk View Campground in Sturgis, SD. Performers and patrons of this intimate festival in the hills regularly tell us it is one of their favorite festivals because of the friendly South Dakota people and beauty of the venue. 

Millions of visitors come to the Black Hills of South Dakota each year which offer everything you’d expect from a mountain vacation; five National Parks, scenic drives, waterfalls, abundant wildlife, acclaimed recreational trails, monumental pieces of art (Mr. Rushmore and Crazy Horse) as well as diverse cultural attractions including museums, art galleries, restaurants, music, theater and festivals.  Check out www.visitrapidcity.com for more information on vacation planning and Black Hills info.