When it comes to hosting a meeting or convention that aligns with your sustainability values, Rapid City, South Dakota is the perfect choice. Our vibrant city is committed to environmentally conscious practices, offering outdoor venues, locally sourced dining, walkable urban spaces and green infrastructure that help reduce environmental footprints.

 

Outdoor Meeting Venues

Rapid City, South Dakota boasts several outdoor venues that provide a refreshing setting for events, meetings and conventions: 

Main Street Square with lush green grass, people relaxing, kids playing near fountains, umbrellas providing shade, and historic brick buildings surrounding.

Main Street Square 

A lively downtown venue known as Rapid City’s living room is surrounded by shops, restaurants and public art.

 

Aerial view of Memorial Park with a central pond surrounded by green lawns and pathways. Tall trees dot the landscape, evoking a calm, peaceful atmosphere.

Memorial Park 

A peaceful park near downtown, ideal for serene outdoor meetings with lush greenery, a large pond and open space.

 

Aerial view of Chapel in the Hills, with steep gabled roofs in a lush forest setting. The earthy tones contrast with vibrant green trees, creating a serene, historic ambiance.

Chapel in the Hills 

A tranquil venue nestled on the west edge of town, featuring a picturesque Norwegian-style chapel for peaceful outdoor gatherings. 

 

Mount Rushmore IRU

Mount Rushmore National Memorial 

Host your event with one of America’s most iconic landmarks, offering both grandeur and natural beauty. 

 

A serene lake reflects rugged rock formations and dense pine forests under a blue sky, evoking tranquility and natural beauty.

Custer State Park 

A stunning natural backdrop with rolling hills and wildlife, perfect for large gatherings or team-building events.

 

Locally Sourced Cuisine 

Rapid City’s commitment to sustainability extends to its culinary scene. Many local restaurants emphasize farm-to-table dining. Sourcing ingredients from nearby farms to reduce carbon footprints and support the local economy. 

 

A plate of food on a rustic wooden table features golden potato gratin, green beans, and a stuffed meat roll. The setting is casual and inviting.

Fork Real Community Cafe 

More than a restaurant, Fork Real Café is a mission-driven community café offering wholesome meals made from locally sourced ingredients. With a pay-what-you-can model and a rotating menu, it’s a heartwarming spot where sustainability, nutrition and community come together. 

 

A corned beef sandwich with shredded cabbage on toasted rye, served on a white plate. The setting is cozy, with a background of blurred bottles.

The Bashful Bison South Dakota Market 

Located in the heart of downtown, Bashful Bison highlights locally inspired flavors with a focus on freshness and quality. The cozy dining space is complemented by a curated market, where guests can browse locally made products and specialty items from South Dakota producers. 

 

A chef in a dimly lit kitchen carefully plates gourmet dishes with precision, adding a final touch using a squeeze bottle. The atmosphere is focused and professional.

Tally’s Silver Spoon 

A downtown staple known for its inventive approach to classic dishes. Tally’s focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, offering a menu that balances creativity with comfort. Whether you're in for brunch or dinner, expect thoughtfully prepared food that reflects the region’s flavors. 

 

A bowl of ramen on a dark table, featuring a soft-boiled egg, mushrooms, and green onions. Nearby, there is a glass of water and black chopsticks on a pink napkin.

Bokujo Ramen 

"Farm" and "ramen" might not be a usual pair, but Bokujo makes it work beautifully. This modern ramen house crafts its broths, noodles and toppings with a focus on regional sourcing. It’s a cozy, unexpected spot where Japanese-inspired flavors meet South Dakota-grown ingredients. 

 

A chef grates cheese over a creamy pasta dish in a black bowl, creating a gourmet and refined presentation.

Juniper at The Vertex Sky Bar 

Set high above downtown Rapid City, Juniper combines stunning rooftop views with a menu focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The intimate atmosphere and creative dishes make it a standout for elevated, sustainability-minded dining. 

 

Walkable Downtown Experience

 

St. Joseph Street in downtown Rapid City with brick buildings, leafy trees and parked cars under a clear blue sky. The scene conveys a vibrant, sunny atmosphere.

Rapid City’s downtown area is designed with walkability in mind, featuring pedestrian-friendly streets, accessible public spaces and a plethora of boutiques within walking distance. This encourages attendees to explore the city on foot, reducing the need for transportation and fostering a more sustainable event experience. 

 

Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway

 

Aerial view of cyclists on a bridge over a stream, surrounded by lush trees and green fields. Warm sunlight casts long shadows, creating a serene atmosphere.

The Leonard Swanson Memorial Pathway stretches through the heart of Rapid City, offering more than just a scenic place to walk or bike — it’s a lasting symbol of sustainable city planning. 

After a historic flood in 1972, city leaders chose not to rebuild in the floodplain. Instead, they turned the area into a permanent green space. This decision protects the community from future floods and provides a natural corridor that benefits both people and the environment. 

Today, the pathway connects parks, neighborhoods and downtown, offering a safe and beautiful route for recreation and car-free transportation. It also helps cool the city, supports local wildlife, improves air quality and reminds us how sustainable choices can strengthen a community for generations. 

 

Rapid City offers more than just a beautiful destination. It’s a city committed to sustainability at every level. From outdoor venues and locally sourced dining to walkable spaces and green infrastructure, we invite you to choose Rapid City for your next meeting or convention. Let us help you create an event that is both monumental and environmentally responsible! 

For more information or to start planning your next meeting, contact our sales team today.