Entertainment with the Fort Hays Wranglers
Updated: Jun 23
The Fort Hays Chuckwagon and Wranglers have been a mainstay attraction in the Black Hills for 30 years, drawing thousands of visitors every season. The story of the Chuckwagon began when the Fort Hays scene from the Academy Award-winning film "Dances with Wolves" was filmed on the Rev. H.H. Jones homestead, located just outside Rapid City in Caputa, SD. Five of the buildings from the film set were relocated to Fort Hays, including the Sawmill, Blacksmith Shop, Livery Stable, and Supply House.
Chan Foresman, co-owner of "Hillbilly Heaven," a comedy and music show in Custer, South Dakota, sold his share and started a new adventure with the Fort Hays family. And the rest is history. For 30 years now, Fort Hays and the Wranglers have been entertaining guests with its Chuckwagon Dinner Show, attracting thousands of people each season.
For 30 years now, Fort Hays and the Wranglers have been entertaining guests with its Chuckwagon Dinner Show, attracting thousands of people each season.
The show is unique in that it offers a variety of music, including Show Tunes, Classic Rock, Western, New, and Old Country, famous impersonators, and comedy. The Wranglers consist of ten members, who create different bands throughout the week to perform around 150 shows a season for approximately 40,000 tourists. Their music and videos have been shared throughout the world.
The Fort Hays Chuckwagon Dinner Show is just one part of the attraction. Herman Jones' dream didn't stop with the Chuckwagon. He designed a turn-of-the-century town square around the buildings brought in from the Fort Hays set, including various old-town activities, a gift shop, and a roller-coaster. The 99¢ pancake breakfast, as well as the Rushmore Tour package, are big draws.
The Wranglers will perform in Phoenix, Arizona, for the Christmas Gala on December 9th, benefiting the Pheonix Children's Hospital.
The Wranglers will perform in Phoenix, Arizona, for the Christmas Gala on December 9th, benefiting the Pheonix Children's Hospital. This Branson-style comedy entertainment group is to be noticed. Their exceptional musical talent and comedic abilities will delight even our sophisticated Gala audience dressed in black-tie and formal wear.
As we look forward to the Christmas Gala and the performance of the Fort Hays Wranglers, we can't help but think back on the rich history of this family-owned attraction. Through "Dances with Wolves," the Jones family found a new purpose and a way to entertain people worldwide. 365 Days of Grace is proud and excited to have them at our Christmas Gala and Silent Auction event. We know they'll provide an unforgettable experience for our guests, just as they have for countless others over the past 30 years.
