As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day during the nation’s 250th anniversary year, South Dakotans will join millions of travelers on the road despite rising costs for gasoline, hotels and airfare.

AAA projects that 216,942 South Dakotans will travel during the Independence Day holiday period, which runs from through July 5. The forecast represents a slight increase from 2025, continuing a steady upward trend in holiday travel.

Nationally, AAA expects 72.2 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday period, setting a new record and surpassing last year’s mark of 71.8 million travelers.

Most South Dakotans are expected to travel by car. AAA estimates roughly 181,000 state residents will take road trips, mirroring a national trend in which 85% of holiday travelers are expected to drive. The continued popularity of road travel comes despite significantly higher fuel costs. The average gasoline price in South Dakota is approximately 80 cents per gallon higher than it was at the same time last year. 

More than half of South Dakota visitors travel from within 150 miles of home, according to tourism research conducted by Future Partners.

In Rapid City, local leaders are preparing for what they expect to be one of the busiest Independence Day weekends in recent memory. 

The city has organized a five-day “Real America Birthday Bash” from July 1 through July 5 featuring concerts, a parade, food vendors, family activities, fireworks and a drone show. 

Locally, Ramona’s 4th of July Parade will start at noon on Saturday, with games and music to follow, and fireworks at dusk. 

Madison’s fireworks display will begin at 10pm on Sunday, at Prairie Village. Madison will also hold a 250th Celebration on Thursday, July 8th, at Library Park. That commemoration of America’s 250th Anniversary will begin at 4:30pm.