Vermillion is proud home to an endless number of unique offerings that you can't find anywhere else. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, Vermillion delivers no shortage of arts, culture, history and heritage to explore. Whether setting out to explore any of our beautiful parks, many historic sites, or some of our countless artistic sites and venues, visitors are sure to discover many reasons to #LOVermillion.
We welcome you to come and learn more about the culture of Vermillion, our region, and the state of South Dakota by visiting some of our wonderful gems:

Shop, dine, and enjoy the nightlife in beautiful historic downtown Vermillion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is comprised of over 90 locations that offer dining, art galleries, theaters, pubs, entertainment, retail and specialty shops, and other businesses and services.

Old Main, the architectural heart of the University of South Dakota, was restored to its original glory in the mid-1990s and is now home to Farber Hall and the Oscar Howe Gallery, the largest collection of work by internationally-celebrated American Indian artist Oscar Howe.

With over 15,000 rare musical instruments in its holdings and 1,200 on public display, the NMM has been called a "national treasure" and has received travel-site TripAdvisor.com's highest certificate for excellence. Within the walls of this world renowned museum, guests will find everything Stradivari violins that were built in the early 17th century to Martin guitars played by Elvis.
Not only the place to see some of history's greatest musical instruments, the National Music Museum also hosts NMM Live! shows, bringing exceptional musical talent and unique instrumentation to the public. Find out more about tours, special events, the collections, and more at: www.nmmusd.org.

The W.H. Over Museum highlights the collection of William H. Over, a distinguished naturalist of the northern plains from 1913 to 1945. See South Dakota's largest collection of natural and cultural history, including a Lewis & Clark display with an 8x20 mural depicting the explorers' walk up Spirit Mound in 1804. You will find pre-reservation and early reservation Dakota and Lakota artifacts, and the Stanley J. Morrow collection of historic photographs, firearms, and clothing. Open Monday-Saturday 10-4 on USD campus. (605) 659-6151. www.whovermuseum.org

The Clay County Historical Museum is located in the Italian Villa style home known as the Austin-Whittemore House. The house was built in 1881 atop the river bluff after the disastrous flood swept three-fourths of the town away. The house is filled with Victorian furnishings and items of local interest, including many historical records and documents. Open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and by appointment. Free admission. 15 Austin Street in Vermillion. (605) 624-8266.
www.cchssd.org.

Hosted by the Vermillion Cultural Programming Committee, the Fools 48 is an opportunity to write, produce, edit and even act in your own movie. Inspired by Fischgaard Short Film in Aberdeen, SD, this unique festival aims to enrich film culture in South Dakota.
The film-making project gets underway Friday, April 13 at 5:30pm, culminating Sunday, April 15 at 6pm. The public showcase is scheduled for Monday, April 16 at the Coyote Twin Theaters, in downtown Vermillion.
https://www.facebook.com/Vermillion-Cultural-Programming-1692221617733972/

The South Dakota Shakespeare Festival (SDSF) is professional non-profit theatre company based right here in Vermillion. Presented in the heart of Vermillion at historic Prentis Park, our showcase of some of the finest theater in the region cannot be missed! In addition to the full-length production, the SDSF will feature live music and vending of food and beverages. Workshops and educational programming for all ages will be offered throughout the four days of the Festival. All programs are free and open to the public.
The South Dakota Shakespeare Festival will present William Shakespeare's 'Richard III', in Vermillion's Prentis Park on June 7th-10th.
www.sdshakespearefestival.org.

Thursdays on the Platz feature live music and food vendors at Ratingen Platz, on the corner of Main and Market Streets in historic downtown Vermillion. Enjoy food and spirits, socialize with friends, and take in the beautiful summer weather while listening to some great local musicians. Join in on the fun this summer, July - August.
www.facebook.com/ThursdaysOnThePlatz
A very special "Green Thursday on the Platz' is scheduled for April 19th from 5 to 7 p.m. This event will showcase local food and beverage vendors with their healthy options, local service providers such as utility companies and insulation contractors, and local organizations such as Missouri Valley Recycling and Sanford Health to offer folks information on how to green their lives!

Great music, tractor pull, Ranch Rodeo, Spring Fling Demolition Derby, and 4-H shows are only a few great experiences to be had at the Clay County Fair. Community members and visitors alike enjoy the many festivities as the food and entertainment attracts countless fans! You don't want to miss traditional livestock shows, live music each evening, inflatable, vendors, carnival rides, cotton candy, barnyard Olympics, youth talent shows, and so much more. Located at the Clay County Fairground at the intersection of Cherry and High streets. Events are August 9-11th.

Enjoy world-class barbeque at Ribs, Rods, and Rock' n Roll! Mouth-watering BBQ, live music, classic cars, and food and beverage vendors fill the streets of historic downtown Vermillion. Events include People's Choice Judging, Kids BBQ Competition, Kids Zone, Classic Car Show, Motorcycle Fun Run, and more. September 7-8, 2018.
www.sdbbq.us

The two-day Great Dakota Wine Festival is held annually in August at Valiant Vineyards Winery. The festival includes wine tasting from different South Dakota wineries, live music, cooking demonstrations, winery tours and food vendors. Visitors can even get the full experience by stomping grapes and receive a bottle of wine with a custom label displaying your picture. There is even an opportunity to enter an amateur wine-making competition! Makes plans to visit the Wine Festival August 25-26, 2018.
www.greatdakotawinefest.com

Vermillion's Annual Oktoberfest rolls around during the harvest season and brings two nights of great downtown fun! Head down to the Ratingen Platz on the corner of Main and Market Streets during the last weekend of September to hear some great live music, enjoy delicious, German-themed food and celebrate Vermillion's German heritage with a variety of vendors and tons of fun! You'll find Polka bands, folk-dancing, German beers, brats, costumes and a whole lot of fun for the whole family. Come dance with us Friday and Saturday, September 28-29, 2018.

Our annual Holiday Parade of Lights is unlike any other parade in the region because instead of the floats moving, the people move! Businesses and organizations decorate floats that are displayed along Vermillion's historic Main Street as parade-goers saunter up and down the street to get an up-close look at all the festive creativity. To cap off the event, Santa rides his sleigh (or sometimes, firetruck) to the Ratingen Platz for the annual tree lighting ceremony. After the tree lighting, Santa escorts children to the Edith B. Siegrist Public Library to warm up with hot cocoa, participate in festive holiday crafts, hear special music, and have the opportunity to take a picture with Santa! This year's parade is scheduled for Thursday, November 29th.

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