6500-acre grass-based beef ranch in South Dakota
South Dakota
We are a working, grass-based beef ranch with a guest and hunting enterprise. We raise beef cattle, keep a dairy cow and chickens, and manage deer, elk, and bison as part of our hunting operation. At Sunrise Ranch, we welcome WWOOFers to work alongside us, learn, and experience life on the ranch.
Daily life here follows the rhythm of the animals and the seasons. Each day begins with the basics—making sure all animals have water and feed, and checking that everything is as it should be. Beyond that, no two days are the same. Some can be long and physically demanding, others are more relaxed, and there are almost always projects going on.
We generally spend most of our days working outside. In spring and summer, the focus is on livestock care—calving, fawns, and daily checks. In fall and winter, we run a significant hunting operation, and during that time Wwoofers have helped with everything from skinning and meat cutting to hospitality-related tasks such as cooking and cleaning.
We’re constantly working to improve the ranch and make it more sustainable, which can include anything from bringing in new livestock and everything that comes with that, to irrigation work, building projects, and general repair and maintenance. Most Wwoofers find themselves learning plenty of new skills along the way. Handy skills are welcome but no professional experience is required—a good attitude, attention, and willingness to work and learn go a long way.
We use horses occasionally for cattle moves and leisure, but they are not part of the daily routine. It helps if WWOOFers have a drivers license, as it allows for more flexibility when working around our properties.
Outside of ranch work, we’re involved in the local community—my wife directs the community theatre, and depending on the time of year there may be opportunities to take part if that interests you. We don’t live fancy but we eat well. Between fresh eggs, milk, beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, nobody leaves here protein-deficient.
This is a place for anyone who wants to experience what ranch life is really like. Days can be long, sometimes tough, but always rewarding. You’ll learn a lot, try things you’ve never done before, and get a real sense of what it takes to run a working ranch. Do check out our reviews from previous Wwoofers for more reference.
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Learning opportunities
Poultry farming
Cattle farming
Sheep or goat farming
Dairy farming
Forestry
Meat processing
Traditional crafts
Methods or systems
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Production farm
2,630.5
Hectares
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6,500
Acres
Accommodation
Mark
Member since 2016
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 93%
Response time: typically within 6 days
South Dakota
Rapid City, SD Airport
Reviews
Tobyn
United States
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October 2025
I spent about three weeks at this ranch March of 2025. It was everything i could've hoped for. Lots of novel experiences, new practical skills and time to decompress on an awesome ranch in an incredibly beautiful area. Mark was a great boss and his whole family was super welcoming. Most of the work I did while I was there revolved around feed and water for the animals but every day was different. If hoping in a truck and heading off to go solve a new problem every day sounds fun to you than it would probably be a good fit. If super concise communication and hands on management is crucial to you than it might not be the best fit. While I was there we only had one group of hunters come through but its worth considering that depending on the time of year, hosting hunters could be a decent part of your duties. For myself the accommodation side of things is more of a chore so I was glad to be there when I was. The ranch has such a great atmosphere. When I wasn't working id go for runs, play the 100 year old piano, or play pool with my friend Jason. Overall a great experience and I can whole heartedly recommend.
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Veralynn
Netherlands
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October 2025
I loved working at this beautiful ranch in South Dakota! I learned soooo many different things and met a lot of amazing people. Everyday was filled with things I’d never done before. Working with the deer was my favorite thing ever. It was hard work for sure but super rewarding. The surrounding areas are stunning aswell. Got to see Mount Rushmore, the badlands and the black hills while I was there. Could totally recommend to anyone who considers going to this place!
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Jenna
United States
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June 2025
The nicest people you’ll ever meet! Only wish I could’ve stayed longer! You’ll learn a lot about livestock and what it takes to keep a ranch going!
Emily
United States
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May 2025
I truly enjoyed my time here, I learned so many wonderful things that I look forward to applying in my future. Mark is great guy and gives ample opportunities for hands on experience and he's a hoot to work with. Every day was full of different tasks and the people were amazing. I would definitely go back again! Next time I'll be sure to bring a cow home in my suitcase :P
Lara
United States
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March 2025
I enjoyed my time at Mark’s ranch! My jobs primarily included feeding animals, hauling water from the city for the ranch, helping with small repair jobs, and helping to cook and clean for hunters when they were staying at the lodge. Mark and Suzanne were good bosses and kind hosts. Mark in particular taught me a lot while I was there, both about the tasks I had to complete and about the economic landscape of the ranching industry in South Dakota. They also brought me to town events like basketball games, and introduced me to other folks in Edgemont - it was cool to get to meet and talk to a bunch of folks. Also the ranch land is beautiful - the sunsets and the stars at night are amazing! Would highly recommend to anyone thinking of going here.
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Grace
United States
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March 2025
The Hollenbecks are generous and welcoming - I feel so fortunate to have spent a short time here in December. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about processing game, the daily needs of their milk cow and chickens, and Mark’s insights into managing cattle and rangeland.
