Circle B Ranch Chuckwagon Supper & Western Music Show, Rapid City, SD

"Gateway to the Black Hills'' or the "Star of the West'' are two slogans associated with Rapid City South Dakota. The city sits on the eastern slope of the Black Hills mountain range. The mountains divide the city into eastern and western parts as a result of its location. Rapid City got its name from the Rapid Creek that runs through the area. Rapid City began in 1874 as part of the gold rush to the west. The Custer Expedition founded the town along with John Brennan and Samuel Scott. Today Rapid City provides a mixture of the old and the new as the second largest city in South Dakota. To honor the old west the Circle B Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Music Show was created. Owners Jay and Betty Baldwin opened the ranch in 1976, running it until 1991 and 1995 respectively. Betty survived her husband, selling the Circle B Ranch to the Horn family. The Horns did not own the ranch for long, selling it in 2004.

The Circle B Ranch is now owned by Dale and Kathy Lawson. It is run by them and their three sons. Their sons along with Dale perform songs from history like that of the Sons of the Pioneers. Guitars and singing are very important to the show. Each night from Memorial Day to mid September the ranch is open for a meal and entertainment. The entertainment can be more than the show depending on the attendees' wishes.

Events to take part in include the Chuckwagon Supper and music, trail rides, gun fights, wax bullet pistol shooting, petting corral and playground for children, pony rides, gem panning, and spending time in the gift shop. There is also an opportunity to watch Doug Ladd carve various items akin to western design. Doug Ladd has been with the Circle B Ranch for several years.

Trail rides take riders across part of the 58 acres which make up the ranch. Visitors have a choice in 30 minute or 45 minute rides. The 30 minute rides are $15.00 and the 45 minute rides are $19.00. The thirty minute rides are prior to the Chuckwagon meal leading from the stables up to the ranch. The forty five minute rides are scheduled in the mornings, starting at 9:30am and ending with the last ride at 3:00pm.

The Circle B Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Western Music Show in Rapid City can be part of a package with lodging included. The ranch serves both lunch and dinner. Lunch is at the Circle B Stage Stop. Dinner is run from the Chuckwagon Barn. The meal begins at 6pm with the music show running after dinner has been served. The meal includes a foil wrapped potato, cowboy beans, applesauce, biscuits, gingercake, coffee and lemonade. For the main meal visitors can choose beef, chicken, a combination, or buffalo. There are also hot dogs available for those who do not eat the other meats served at the Circle B Ranch Chuckwagon Supper and Show.