South Dakota is full of surprises. Those lucky enough to visit will discover a place filled with stunning landscapes, outstanding cuisine, and unique attractions that offer unforgettable experiences. Reptile Gardens is one of those unique attractions and is truly unexpected since its known as one of…
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One of the highlights of Rapid City's Real America Birthday Bash is watching the night sky come alive. On July 2, hundreds of drones will launch from Rapid City Central High School to create a patriotic light show above downtown. Then on July 4, fireworks will light up the sky from Executive Golf…
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There’s a certain kind of confidence that comes with loading up the car for a day in the Black Hills. Snacks packed. Water bottles filled. Kids buckled in. Playlist queued up. Everybody excited for bison sightings, scenic overlooks, and roadside ice cream. And then, somewhere between Rapid City and…
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Forever 605 is more than a message. It is a shared commitment to protecting the landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and communities that make South Dakota so remarkable. From the granite peaks of the Black Hills to the wide-open prairie stretching beyond the horizon, this place leaves a lasting…
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There is a moment many travelers experience when they arrive in Rapid City. At first, the icons pull you in. Towering monuments, surreal landscapes, and wildlife that feels almost impossibly close. It is the kind of place that fills your camera roll on day one. Then something else happens. You…
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One year and one month after sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski moved from Connecticut to the Black Hills at the invitation of Lakota Chief Henry Standing Bear, the first blast was made on Thunderhead Mountain outside the town of Custer. Ziolkowski had gained national acclaim after his sculpture earned…
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Spend a little time in downtown Rapid City and you will inevitably end up at Main Street Square. Kids dart through the fountains on warm summer afternoons. Live music echoes across the plaza during evening concerts. Families gather for festivals, movies, and holiday celebrations. When winter…
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The Museum of Geology, located on the campus of South Dakota Mines, has been an active part of the Rapid City community for nearly a century. The Museum was founded in 1885 along with the university, but did not open to the public until 1923. In its first year of public access the Museum of Geology…
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In the same amount of time it takes to unload the dishwasher, vacuum the living room, or fold one load of laundry, you can drive from Downtown Rapid City to the edge of the Black Hills National Forest. South Dakota’s favorite 1.2 million acre playground is a short ten minute drive from the heart of…
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There’s a story behind every attraction in our area. Some are well known, such as Mount Rushmore, others need a little more research to uncover. One of my personal favorites is the story of Reptile Gardens. This must-see attraction holds wonderful memories for many and is one of the world's largest…
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