As America marks its 250th birthday, there’s no better place to celebrate than Rapid City and the Black Hills. Here, patriotism isn’t a performance — it’s part of the landscape. From the granite faces of Mount Rushmore to the Berlin Wall’s solemn fragments, this region tells the story of leadership, freedom, and community that defines the nation.
Whether you’re planning a road trip, family getaway, or once-in-a-lifetime celebration, these experiences capture the heart of America’s 250 years of courage, creativity, and connection.
Patriotic Things to Do in Rapid City
Walk Among the Presidents
Downtown Rapid City celebrates American leadership in bronze through the City of Presidents. Each life-size statue represents a U.S. president, creating a self-guided outdoor walking tour that spans generations of history. Listen to the City of Presidents Audio Tour to hear fascinating stories and details or turn your visit into a family adventure with the Presidential Scavenger Hunt. Every statue tells a story, and every corner feels like a page of history comes to life.
Reflect on Freedom at the Berlin Wall Exhibit
Few places in America offer a more tangible reminder of freedom than Rapid City’s Berlin Wall Exhibit in Memorial Park. Featuring original sections of the wall, a guard tower and interpretive panels, it’s a striking testament to the struggles and triumphs of liberty around the world. The display connects the global pursuit of freedom to the American spirit of resilience and unity.
Honor Service at Memorial Park
Just north of downtown, Black Hills Veterans Monument invites visitors to pause and remember. Dedicated to those who served in the U.S. armed forces, it features monuments and flags that stand as symbols of sacrifice and strength. It’s a peaceful stop that embodies gratitude and a place where patriotism feels deeply personal.
Trace America’s Story at The Journey Museum
History comes alive at The Journey Museum, where you can explore the story of America through the lens of the Black Hills. Exhibits highlight Indigenous cultures, pioneers and the innovators who shaped the modern era. It’s a powerful look at how this region helped define the nation’s frontier spirit and enduring sense of adventure.
Discover America’s Aviation Legacy
Just outside of Rapid City at Ellsworth Air Force Base, the South Dakota Air & Space Museum honors the men and women who have safeguarded America’s skies. Visitors can explore indoor and outdoor exhibits filled with historic aircraft, engines and artifacts that showcase the evolution of American aviation. Outside, walk among massive bombers, fighter jets and missiles that tell the story of the nation’s air power. Inside, discover interactive displays, flight gear and stories of innovation and service that continue to inspire new generations.
Celebrate Local Ingenuity
Patriotism also thrives in Rapid City’s local businesses. Stop by Fork Real Community Café, where meals are served on a pay-what-you-can model that celebrates community and compassion, or visit Prairie Edge Trading Co., where local and Native artisans share their craftsmanship and culture. Supporting local makers is more than shopping, it’s a salute to the creativity and determination that fuel the American dream.
Patriotic Experiences in the Black Hills
See the Nation Carved in Stone
No landmark captures American ideals quite like Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Standing beneath the granite faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt and Lincoln, you’ll feel the gravity of leadership and the vision that shaped the country. As evening falls, stay for the lighting ceremony and flag retreat, where the memorial comes alive with music, reflection and unity. During the ceremony, military personnel, veterans and active-duty service members are invited to join on stage for the flag folding, creating one of the most moving tributes to America’s heroes you’ll experience anywhere.
In 2026, the memorial will host a special fireworks display on July 3 in honor of America’s 250th Birthday, a rare and unforgettable celebration set against one of the nation’s most iconic backdrops. A lottery system for tickets will be announced as details become available.
Step Inside the National Presidential Wax Museum
Just minutes from Mount Rushmore in Keystone, the National Presidential Wax Museum brings history to life with lifelike figures of every U.S. president and re-creations of defining moments, from signing the Declaration of Independence to pivotal Oval Office decisions. It’s an engaging, family-friendly stop where the pages of history stand right before you.
Witness the Ongoing Story at Crazy Horse Memorial®
The Crazy Horse Memorial ® honors Native American leaders and heritage, reflecting an essential part of America’s collective story. Still in progress, the monument’s immense scale mirrors the enduring strength of culture and identity. Explore the visitor complex, museums and cultural programs that celebrate the diverse voices that make up the nation’s spirit.
Drive the Great American Roads
The freedom of the open road was born here. Journey through the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, Needles Highway or Iron Mountain Road — routes that wind through forests, granite spires, and tunnels framing Mount Rushmore. Every turn tells a story of craftsmanship, nature, and the American love for exploration.
Reach the Summit of Freedom
At 7,242 feet, Black Elk Peak is the highest point east of the Rockies — and one of the most awe-inspiring hikes in the country. The trail leads through towering pines and granite outcrops before opening to panoramic views that stretch for miles. It’s a fitting place to celebrate freedom, reflection and the vast beauty of America’s wild places.
Beyond the Hills: Expanding the Story
Stand Where History Stood Guard
East of the Black Hills, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site shares the story of America’s Cold War vigilance. Tour the underground launch control facility and explore missile silos that once stood ready to defend peace. It’s a fascinating and sobering look at the balance between strength and stability in modern American history.
Find Freedom in the Badlands
Rugged, raw and unmistakably American, Badlands National Park stretches across a landscape of layered rock formations and endless horizons. Watching the sun rise or set here feels like witnessing time itself — a powerful reminder of the country’s resilience and the beauty of its open spaces.
Venture Underground at Wind Cave National Park
As one of the oldest national parks in the United States, Wind Cave National Park celebrates America’s commitment to preserving its natural wonders. Below the surface, guided tours reveal an intricate maze of passageways filled with rare boxwork formations found almost nowhere else in the world. Above ground, the park’s sprawling prairies and roaming bison showcase the untamed beauty of the Great Plains. Together, they tell the story of exploration, conservation and the enduring spirit that shaped the National Park System itself.
Honor the Past. Celebrate the Future.
In Rapid City and the Black Hills, patriotism isn’t confined to a single day — it’s woven into the monuments, museums and mountains that tell America’s story. As the nation celebrates 250 years of freedom, come stand where history lives, culture thrives, and the American spirit feels as real as the granite beneath your feet.
Real America. Rapid City, SD