🌅Most popular
Sunset Cruises
Throughout the season
The classic. Cruise the lake from the upper deck, watch the sun drop, dock at dusk. Sunset charters run all season — call the marina for open dates.
★ Reviews on Google · Open year-roundWentworth, SD · 45 mi from Sioux Falls
← The Hillside Resort
Flagship Charter · Lake Madison
The BluMana
The Hillside's 38-guest party boat on Lake Madison.
Up to 38 guests
Capacity
Two · bow + upper
Decks
Included
Captain
Included
Bartender
Private cash bar
Bar
On board
Restroom
Why The BluMana
You bring the crew.
We bring everything else.
Two decks. Thirty-eight friends. One lake. The BluMana is the Hillside's captained party boat — built for sunset cruises, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, corporate outings, and any night you want the dock to come to you.
Pricing
$600 · 4-hour charter
Then $250 / additional hour
Captain and bartender included. The bar on board is a private cash bar.
Included with every charter
- ✓Captain + bartender included
- ✓Private cash bar on board
- ✓Two-deck access (bow + upper)
- ✓On-board restroom
- ✓Life jackets on board (inventory-based — bring your own for kids)
Pick Your Trip
Three ways to charter.
🎉Birthdays · Bach Parties
The Celebration
4 hours · pick your start
Your soundtrack, your crew, our captain and bartender. We provide the boat and the crew; you bring the party. Customizable food add-ons from the Hillside kitchen.
$600 · 4-hour charter
💼Corporate · Off-sites
The Corporate Outing
4 hours · pick your start
Get the team on the water for a half-day — lunch from the Steakhouse delivered to the boat, a meeting or two on the upper deck, and an afternoon nobody spends staring at a screen. We handle the catering and the dock-to-boat logistics.
$600 · 4-hour charter
Reserve Your Date
Tell us your date.
We'll do the rest.
The BluMana books out early for prime summer weekends. Send us your date and group size and the Hillside team will confirm within a few hours.
Request the BluMana →
Pick your date and group size on the next screen. The Hillside team replies within a few hours — no commitment until you confirm.
Charter FAQ
The questions we get most.
How far in advance should I book?+
A few weeks out for peak-season weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day). We can sometimes fit in same-week — call (605) 838-7953. Sunset charters run all season — call for open dates, or follow Hillside on Facebook.
What's your weather policy?+
We cancel for lightning, high wind, or unsafe water. If we call it, you get a full refund or first-pick reschedule. If you cancel for personal reasons, the charter tiers apply — 14+ days out is a full refund, 7–14 days is 50%, and inside 7 days is non-refundable.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?+
The bar on board is a private cash bar. For food, order from the Hillside kitchen for dockside loading — the Steakhouse can pre-package a charcuterie or hot-bar setup for an add-on fee. Ask us about options when you book.
Is there a deposit?+
Full charter payment is due when we confirm your date — we email a secure payment link that locks it in. Cancel 14+ days out for a full refund, 7–14 days for 50%; inside 7 days the charter is non-refundable. There's no separate damage-deposit hold on the BluMana — your captain operates the vessel.
Is the BluMana family-friendly?+
Yes — no age limit. Life jackets are on board (inventory-based); we recommend bringing your own for kids so they get the best fit.
Does the BluMana have a restroom?+
Yes — an on-board restroom, so there's no need to head back to the dock mid-cruise.
Can we get the boat moved to our dock?+
On Lake Madison, we can sometimes bring the boat to your dock — ask when you book and we'll let you know if it works for your spot and what it runs.
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 it to your final invoice or leave cash on the day.