Forever Rapid City.
Forever 605.
“Treat the Earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
— Crazy Horse
This powerful quote from the legendary Lakota warrior beautifully captures why we care so deeply about sustainable travel — not just here in the Black Hills and Badlands, but everywhere the road may lead.
Here in Rapid City — where the Black Hills rise like stories carved into the horizon — Forever 605 is more than a code. It’s a way of traveling that cares as boldly as it explores. This is our promise to protect the places we love: the sweeping landscapes, the vibrant communities, the traditions that shape our identity, and the experiences that stay with us long after the journey ends.
Forever 605 Pillars
Forever 605 is a commitment to preserving Rapid City’s natural beauty, cultural spirit, and local heartbeat for generations to come. Doing your part doesn’t require grand gestures — just mindful choices that honor this place and all who call it home.
Read MoreSupport Local
Supporting small businesses goes a long way. By shopping local and respecting frontline workers, you help South Dakota’s communities thrive.
Explore Beyond
South Dakota is more than Mount Rushmore. Explore off-the-beaten-path gems to ease crowding and share the magic of tourism with hidden treasures.
Honor Culture
Step into South Dakota’s story, where Indigenous heritage, pioneer spirit, and Old West legacy come alive through art, dance, music, storytelling, food, and vibrant cultural festivals.
Preserve Nature
Our wild spaces don’t stay wild on their own. Protect the outdoors by packing out waste, leaving nature as you found it, avoiding feeding wildlife, and staying on marked trails.
Take The Pledge
Sign the pledge for a FREE Forever 605 sticker and the chance to win more.
Sustainable Travel Blogs
View All Blogs77,000 Square Miles, One Code To Follow
- 4 minute read
Forever 605 is more than a message — it’s a commitment to safeguarding…
Sacred Spaces, Shared Responsibility: Practicing Leave No Trace in the Black Hills and Beyond
- 2 minute read
The landscapes around Rapid City - like the Black Hills (Paha Sapa) and the Badlands…
Sustainable Meetings in Rapid City: Outdoor Venues, Local Dining & Green Infrastructure
- 4 minute read
When it comes to hosting a meeting or convention that aligns with your sustainability…
Sustainable Travel Tips for Exploring Rapid City & the Black Hills
- 3 minute read
The Rapid City area is packed with adventure—iconic sites like Mount Rushmore…
Take The Quiz
Take the Forever 605 quiz to test your stewardship knowledge and discover simple ways to preserve the 605 State!

