South Dakota has a small adult entertainment scene spread across a large state. Our directory lists eight venues in seven communities, running from Sioux Falls in the southeast to Box Elder on I-90 in the west. Most are small-town bars and lounges rather than big cabarets, and several listings date back some years, so confirm details directly with each venue before you travel.
What the law says
At state level, South Dakota regulates “adult oriented businesses” under SDCL chapter 11-12. Two rules matter most to visitors:
- Hours: under SDCL 11-12-3, an adult cabaret may not be open between 2:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Monday through Saturday, or between 2:00 a.m. and noon on Sunday.
- Location: under SDCL 11-12-2, no adult oriented business established after 30 June 2008 may be located within a quarter mile of a school, playground, public recreational facility, residence, place of worship or child welfare agency.
The same chapter lets counties and municipalities add their own rules on location and operation, so what you can expect inside a club depends largely on the town.
Rapid City has its own adult oriented business code (RCMC chapter 5.70). Under section 5.70.160, full nudity is not allowed. Semi-nude employees may not take tips directly from patrons — tips go to designated staff who are not semi-nude, or into a designated container. Semi-nude employees may not touch customers, and patrons may not touch semi-nude employees or the stage.
Sturgis is best known for its annual Motorcycle Rally, but there is no rally-specific adult entertainment licence; the temporary licences issued during the rally are vending licences. City ordinance requires any business with sexually oriented performances to hold a conditional use permit within the Adult Overlay District and a licence from the Police Department, with annual fees of $2,000 for the business and $200 per performer. Every licence expires on 31 December. We currently have no Sturgis venues in our directory.
Sioux Falls
- Scarlett O’Haras — 3201 S Carolyn Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57106
Box Elder
Box Elder is a separate municipality from nearby Rapid City, so Rapid City’s code does not automatically apply.
- The Belle Starr Gentlemen’s Club — 288 Box Elder Rd, Box Elder, SD 57719
Fort Pierre
- Hopscotch Nite Club — 118 N Deadwood St, Fort Pierre, SD 57532
Aberdeen and Watertown
- World Famous Silver Dollar Bar — 119 S Main St, Aberdeen
- Southfork Lounge — 1905 5th St SE, Watertown
Dallas and Lesterville
The two Dallas listings describe themselves mainly as western-themed bars with food and drinks, so call ahead to confirm whether there is dance entertainment on the night you plan to visit.
- Frank Days Bar/Rumors — 400 Service Rd, Hwy 18, Dallas, SD
- Cody’s Bar and Grill — 408 Service Road, Dallas, SD
- Lainie’s Golden Nugget — 203 Main Ave, Lesterville, SD 57040
What to check before you go
- Confirm the venue is still open. Many South Dakota listings are several years old. Call or check the club’s own website or social media for current hours, cover and dancer schedules.
- Know the local rules. Rules vary by town. In Rapid City, tips go through designated staff or containers rather than directly to semi-nude dancers, and touching is not allowed.
- Plan around the hours. State law closes adult cabarets from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and until noon on Sundays. Some clubs keep shorter hours or close on certain days.