Rapid City's Unique Meeting Spaces
Beyond ballrooms and the standard convention space, Rapid City provides a wealth of innovative locations for planners who are looking to get creative with their meeting location. Unique experiences join knowledge building and networking to inspire curiosity and encourage engagement. Check out these buzz-worthy locations to make your next meeting, convention, or off-site break-out session anything but lackluster.
Dahl Arts Center
Originally built to house a 200-foot mural of American economic history, The Dahl Arts Center is one of the finest galleries in the area showcasing rotating creations from local and regional artists. Event space includes a large theater-style room and other smaller spaces – including space amongst the historical Cyclorama itself.
The Journey Museum & Learning Center
Experience 2.5 billion years of Black Hills history at the only museum of it’s kind. The Journey Museum & Learning Center includes intriguing exhibits with stories of Native American culture, historical Rapid City events, and pioneer history. There are six areas available for rent including galleries, a theater, outdoor areas and frankly – the entire museum. Nothing is off-limits here.
Hay Camp Brewery
Operating under the original name given to Rapid City in 1876, Hay Camp, this brewery not only caters to thirsty guests, but offers two generous spaces for events. Hay Camp’s Event Center, which can transform into a variety of configurations is large enough to hold smaller concerts. Tavern & Commons is a unique space for smaller meetings or social hours.
Pure Bean Coffeehouse
Rapid City’s specialty boutique air roaster puts as much thought into their space as they do their coffee. Pure Bean Coffeehouse is located in the Fairmont Creamery Mall downtown, a historically registered building used in 1929 to manufacture dairy products. A few cork-lined walls are still present – indicative of the cold storage plants used to keep products fresh. The event space is located in the basement of the building and booked events can enjoy catering and coffee.
Elks Theatre
The history of the Elks Theatre dates back to the early 1900s when it was known as Elks Lodge opera house. Today, Elks Theatre functions as a second run movie theatre with it’s original architecture intact and the largest screen in the state. The capabilities of the theatre has expanded over the years to also host everything from corporate events to wedding ceremonies.
Main Street Square
Frequently dubbed the heartbeat of the city, Main Street Square takes center stage for community gatherings. This outdoor event space is surrounded by charming downtown architecture and The Sculpture Project – a massive granite art piece representing elements of the Black Hills and Badlands.
Mount Rushmore
Ah, the Shrine of Democracy. Gather at the base of Mount Rushmore for an iconic Black Hills event. Carver’s Café offers a space for 25 to 250 guests with stunning views of the four faces. Try a menu themed around the presidents on the mountain and it will be an experience you won’t forget.
Crazy Horse Memorial
Meet on the premises of a great Lakota war leader at Crazy Horse Memorial®. Privately funded and currently the world’s largest mountain carving in progress, the carving is impressively larger than it’s neighboring giant, Mount Rushmore, and visitors can still watch active blasts throughout the year. On Campus, the expansive Welcome Center is home to conference facilities that are capable of theater-style seating of up to 300 people.
South Dakota Air & Space Museum
A unique museum that shares the stories of past aviation as well as the future of aerospace. Outside, visitors can wander through collections of historical aircrafts while the museums interior displays missiles, learning exhibits and hands-on activities.
Blind Lion Speakeasy
Rapid City’s only speakeasy will take you back to the 1920s. Hidden underground, the Blind Lion gives off a realistic Prohibition Era vibe with vintage furniture, memorabilia and staff dressed the part. Smaller sized groups will be impressed by their ice chiseling skills, over-the-top cocktails, and the no cell phone zone atmosphere.
Prairie Edge Trading Company and Galleries
Bold and beautiful, Prairie Edge Trading Company and Galleries stands two stories high and half a block wide. Native American art and Lakota flute music fill the interior of this historically restored building. Groups can find space in their main gallery surrounded by beadwork and one-of-a-kind items, or mingle on the second level enjoying fine art.
