RAPID CITY THEATER FIELD GUIDE
Tin Plates, Film-Set Boardwalks and a Foot‑Stomping Variety Show at Fort Hays
An evening 2-hour program in Rapid City that pairs a hands-on Old West film set and workshops with a chuckwagon supper and a family-friendly music variety show.
Tin Plates, Film-Set Boardwalks and a Foot‑Stomping Variety Show at Fort Hays.
Experience a staged slice of the American West at the Fort Hays Old West Town Square: browse the Dances With Wolves film set and hands-on workshops, eat a classic chuckwagon supper served on tin plates, then settle in for a lively music variety show that aims to entertain all ages.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Dances With Wolves Film Set & Fort Hays Workshops
Stroll the boardwalk looking toward Mount Rushmore, visit operating antiques and themed workshops, and try hands-on activities such as making your own tin plate or rope. Stops include the Rope Shop, Tin Shop and Blacksmith shop alongside gift shops and the Buffalo Hunt Roller Coaster.
Original Chuckwagon Supper Served on Tin Plates
When the supper bell rings, a western menu is served on handmade tin plates with drinks in tin cups: chuckwagon potatoes, sliced beef in BBQ sauce or baked chicken, western baked beans, homestyle biscuits and honey, chunky applesauce and old‑fashioned spice cake alongside cowboy coffee, lemonade and iced tea.
Fort Hays Wranglers: A Family-Friendly Music Variety Show
After supper the Fort Hays Wranglers take the stage for a foot‑stompin', family-oriented music variety show designed for broad appeal—an upbeat close to an evening of Old West sights and hands-on workshops.
What the day feels like
What the Evening Feels Like
The program unfolds as an accessible evening outing: arrive early to collect tickets and wander the Fort Hays boardwalk and film set, sample workshops and novelty attractions, answer the supper bell for a hearty chuckwagon meal served on tin plates, then linger for a one‑hour music variety show that emphasizes family fun.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this evening suits—and who might skip it.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Theater doors open at 6:15 pm and the overall evening is approximately 2 hours; guests may arrive earlier to browse the film set and workshops starting at 5:00 pm.
Bring a camera for photos during the show and while exploring the set; be aware that coffee is served hot in tin cups.
Ticketing and early browsing occur around 5:00–5:45 pm at the Fort Hays Old West Town Square; supper and the evening performance follow on the site.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Chuckwagon Supper & Music Variety Show?
The total program runs approximately 2 hours.
When should I arrive and what is the schedule?
Guests can pick up tickets and browse the film set and workshops beginning about 5:00 pm; theater doors are noted as opening at 6:15 pm with one schedule entry listing a 6:30 pm start. The program lists supper at 6:30 pm and the Fort Hays Wranglers taking the stage 7:15–8:15 pm.
Is this appropriate for children and families?
Yes—marketing and the operator describe the evening as family-friendly and 'fun for all ages.'
Can large groups and bus tours attend?
Yes—the operator welcomes families, groups of any kind, bus tours, international travelers and family reunions.
What on-site activities and workshops are available?
Visitors can explore the Dances With Wolves film set, visit the Rope Shop, Tin Shop and Blacksmith Shop, make a tin plate or rope, and browse gift shops; the site also features the Buffalo Hunt Roller Coaster.