There is a lot to see in the Black Hills. Mount Rushmore. Badlands National Park. Custer State Park. Deadwood. Crazy Horse Memorial®. Spearfish Canyon. Devils Tower. Mountain lakes, granite spires, wide-open prairie, wildlife, historic towns, and roads worth traveling simply for the view. The good…
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There are landscapes that make an impression, and then there are landscapes that make you wonder how they got here in the first place. Drive about an hour east of Rapid City and the rolling prairie suddenly breaks apart. Jagged pinnacles rise from the earth. Deep canyons cut through bands of red…
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Looking out onto the beauty of the Black Hills are four famous granite faces. But who are they? And why were they selected to be one of America’s most iconic landmarks? The idea of a memorial that would draw tourists to the area originated from South Dakota historian, Doane Robinson. Robinson's…
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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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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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Created out of tragedy, the space now known as Memorial Park is a vibrant centerpiece in the sprawling greenspace that extends throughout the city and traces the banks of Rapid Creek. Anchoring the northern edge of Downtown Rapid City, this park brings together family-friendly recreation, scenic…
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If you’ve spent any time in the rapid City area, then you know how easy it is to find amazing trails, public land, and beautiful views with just a short drive. But what I didn’t realize was that I could find great hiking without ever leaving Rapid City. That’s when I learned about — and explored —…
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Stretching over one million acres, the Black Hills National Forest encompasses many of our area’s well-known destinations like Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial ® , Wind Cave National Park, and more. And while each of those locations deserve their own visit, we highly recommend giving at least a…
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This is where adventure shows up in its Sunday best — rugged, iconic, and larger than life. Rapid City, South Dakota sits in the heart of it all, surrounded by nine unforgettable parks and monuments that were made for exploration. From granite peaks to otherworldly landscapes, this is your gateway…
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The Rapid City area is packed with adventure—iconic sites like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park, and more. But what really sets this region apart are the moments in between —the hidden trails, uncrowded lookouts, and unexpected local experiences that make your trip…
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