🌅Most popular
Sunset Cruises
Throughout the season
The classic. Cruise both lakes from the upper deck, watch the sun drop, dock at dusk. Sunset cruises are scheduled throughout the season — check our Events page for upcoming dates and tickets.
★ 4.4/5 · 127 reviews · Open year-roundWentworth, SD · 45 mi from Sioux Falls
← The Hillside Resort
Flagship Charter · Lake Madison
The BluMana
55 feet of South Dakota's most-requested party boat.
55 ft
Length
Up to 38 guests
Capacity
2 decks · bow + upper
Decks
USCG-licensed, included
Captain
Bluetooth speakers + sub
Sound
On-board, climate-controlled
Restroom
Why The BluMana
You bring the crew.
We bring everything else.
Two decks. Thirty-eight friends. One lake. The BluMana is the only 38-person charter boat on Lake Madison — built for sunset cruises, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate outings, and any night you want the dock to come to you.
Pricing
$650 · 2-hour minimum charter
Then $225 / additional hour
Captain and bartender included. Cash bar is private — you don't pre-buy alcohol.
Included with every charter
- ✓Captain + bartender included
- ✓Private cash bar on board
- ✓Two-deck access (bow + upper)
- ✓Climate-controlled on-board restroom
- ✓Life jackets for every guest
- ✓Fuel included (it's a flat charter rate)
Why "BluMana" — and why the Big Kahuna Burger.
In the summer of 2019, The Hillside Resort's flagship touring boat — The Big Kahuna — was destroyed in a violent storm on Lake Madison. The BluMana was commissioned to replace her, and set her maiden voyage on July 1, 2020. The Big Kahuna lives on in the burger that bears her name. Order one. Toast the old boat. Then go cruise on the new one.
Pick Your Trip
Three ways to charter.
🎉Birthdays · Bach Parties
The Celebration
4 hours · pick your start
Your soundtrack, your bar, your crew. We provide the boat, the captain, and the cooler. Customizable food + drink add-ons from the Hillside kitchen.
$1,100 · 4-hour charter ($650 + 2 hrs)
💼Corporate · Off-sites
The Corporate Outing
8 hours · full day
Morning meeting on the upper deck, lunch from the Steakhouse delivered to the boat, afternoon on the water. We handle catering, AV, dock-to-conference-room transitions.
$2,000 · 8-hour charter ($650 + 6 hrs)
Reserve Your Date
Tell us your date.
We'll do the rest.
The BluMana books out 4-6 weeks for prime summer weekends. Send us your date + group size and our captain crew will lock it in within a few hours.
Charter FAQ
The questions we get most.
How far in advance should I book?+
Private charters: 4-6 weeks out for weekends in peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). We can sometimes squeeze in same-week — call (605) 838-7953. Sunset cruises are scheduled throughout the season — check the Events page or follow Hillside on Facebook for upcoming dates and tickets.
What's your weather policy?+
We cancel for lightning, sustained winds over 25 mph, or small-craft advisories. If we call it, you get a full refund or first-pick reschedule. If you cancel for personal reasons, see our 48-hour policy below.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?+
Drinks: yes, BYOB welcome. We stock the cooler with ice. Food: yes, or order from the Hillside kitchen for dockside loading. Upstairs can pre-package a charcuterie or hot-bar setup for an add-on fee.
Is there a deposit?+
Yes — 50% at booking, 50% on the day of charter. Both refundable up to 48 hours before. Damage deposit ($500) is authorized on your card and released on safe return.
What's the max guest age policy?+
No age limit. Kids under 8 must wear life jackets at all times; ages 8+ when the boat is moving. Booster seats / car seats available with 48-hour notice.
Does the BluMana have a restroom?+
Yes — a full climate-controlled head with sink and mirror. No external dock stops needed.
Can we get the boat moved to our dock?+
On Lake Madison: yes, $200 reposition fee. Long Lake: yes if you're on the no-wake side, $300 fee. Off-lake: not at this time.
What about tipping the captain and crew?+
Gratuity is at your discretion. 15-20% on the charter total is industry standard for excellent service. Add to your final invoice or cash on the day.