Public Holidays and Observances in South Dakota 2026
South Dakota holidays 2026: full list including Native Americans' Day on October 12, the first state to replace Columbus Day with this observance.
South Dakota was the first state to replace Columbus Day with Native Americans’ Day in 1990. The state honors Native American culture and heritage on the second Monday in October. From Sioux Falls’ growing business sector to the Black Hills tourism region, here’s what 2026 holds.
What Are the Federal Holidays in South Dakota 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Presidents’ Day | February 16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth | June 19 | Friday |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Saturday |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Native Americans’ Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Note: Independence Day falls on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Federal and state offices will observe it on Friday, July 3.
What Are the State Holidays in South Dakota 2026?
| Holiday | Date | Day | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Americans’ Day | October 12 | Monday | Replaces Columbus Day; honors Native American culture |
South Dakota is the only state that does not observe Columbus Day in any form. The state replaced it entirely with Native Americans’ Day in 1990 after Governor George S. Mickelson proclaimed 1990 as the “Year of Reconciliation.”
What Are the Major Observances in South Dakota?
| Observance | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Statehood Day | November 2 | South Dakota became 40th state in 1889 |
| Arbor Day | Last Friday in April | Tree planting observance; no closures |
| Crazy Horse Memorial | June–October | Ongoing monument; major tourism attraction |
When Do Schools and Businesses Close in South Dakota?
Government offices close on all federal holidays, with Native Americans’ Day replacing Columbus Day. When a holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday is observed. When it falls on Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed.
School districts across South Dakota set their own calendars. Common closures include:
- Winter Break: Typically late December through early January
- Native Americans’ Day: October 12, 2026
- Spring Break: Dates vary by district, often in March or April
Check your local school district or the South Dakota Department of Education for specific dates.
Banks close on federal holidays. Since Native Americans’ Day falls on the same day as the federal Columbus Day observance, banks also close.
Private businesses in South Dakota vary by industry. Tourism in the Black Hills region (Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Deadwood) operates through holidays during peak summer season using seasonal employees. Agriculture adjusts schedules around planting and harvest seasons. Healthcare in Sioux Falls operates 24/7 with shift differential pay for holiday workers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did South Dakota replace Columbus Day with Native Americans’ Day?
South Dakota became the first state in 1990 to replace Columbus Day with Native Americans’ Day after Governor George S. Mickelson proclaimed 1990 as the “Year of Reconciliation.” The change honors the state’s significant Native American population and heritage.
What happens at Crazy Horse Memorial on Native Americans’ Day?
The Crazy Horse Memorial hosts a major celebration on Native Americans’ Day (October 12, 2026) featuring Native American dancers, singers, artwork displays, and cultural storytelling. Admission is often discounted or free for Native Americans.
Do Black Hills tourism businesses close on Native Americans’ Day?
Most Black Hills tourism businesses including Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Deadwood attractions remain open on Native Americans’ Day. October is shoulder season with moderate visitor traffic.
How do Sioux Falls employers handle holiday scheduling?
Sioux Falls employers typically follow federal holiday schedules. Healthcare facilities operate 24/7 with premium pay for holiday workers. Financial services and retail generally close on federal holidays but remain open on state-only observances.
Do banks close on Native Americans’ Day in South Dakota?
Yes, most South Dakota banks close on Native Americans’ Day since it falls on the same day as the federal Columbus Day observance. Federal banking regulations apply regardless of what the state calls the holiday.
Summary
South Dakota observes all 11 federal holidays in 2026, with Native Americans’ Day (October 12) replacing Columbus Day. As the first state to make this change in 1990, South Dakota continues to honor Native American culture and heritage. Plan staffing around the summer tourism season in the Black Hills and Native Americans’ Day celebrations.
Learn more about US Federal Holidays, floating holiday implementation, and handling time off requests.
