Walk Among the Presidents
Start downtown with the City of Presidents, where life-size bronze statues of U.S. leaders stand proudly under bright summer skies. Use the Visit Rapid City app for the self-guided Audio Tour or take on the Presidential Scavenger Hunt for a fun way to explore leadership over the years.
Reflect on Freedom
Visit the Black Hills Veterans Monument in Memorial Park, a place of honor for those who served and sacrificed for liberty. During summer, the park’s walking paths, green lawns and river views make it a peaceful and patriotic stop.
Trace America’s Story
Cool off inside The Journey Museum, where the history of America unfolds through the lens of the Black Hills. Exhibits connect Lakota heritage, westward expansion and modern innovation, telling the story of a region that helped define the nation’s identity.
Discover American Ingenuity
Just outside of town, the newly-renovated South Dakota Air & Space Museum near Ellsworth Air Force Base celebrates American innovation in flight and defense. Walk among outdoor aircraft displays and explore indoor exhibits that showcase decades of courage, technology, and progress.
Step Into History
In nearby Keystone, the National Presidential Wax Museum brings history face to face. Life-like wax figures depict defining moments from 250 years of American leadership, offering a close look at the people and events that shaped the nation.
Ride Through History
Hop aboard the 1880 Train, a vintage steam locomotive that travels between Hill City and Keystone. The route winds through forested hills and granite peaks, creating a nostalgic journey through the pioneering age that helped build modern America.
See the Nation Carved in Stone
At Mount Rushmore National Memorial, visitors can walk the Presidential Trail, explore the Lincoln Borglum Visitor Center and stay for the Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony. The evening program fills the amphitheater with stories, music and light that honor the ideals of freedom and unity. Visitors can also cool off with Thomas Jefferson’s vanilla ice cream, a historic recipe he brought from France that adds a sweet nod to the nation’s past.
In 2026, the memorial will also host a special Fourth of July fireworks display to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday, creating one of the most memorable patriotic moments in the country. A lottery ticket system will be announced closer to the event date.
Witness the Ongoing Story at Crazy Horse Memorial®
The Crazy Horse Memorial® stands as a powerful tribute to Native American heritage and perseverance. Explore the museums, watch artisans at work and see the ongoing progress of the mountain carving, which honors cultural identity and shared strength.
Join the Tradition
Celebrate the Fourth of July in Belle Fourche at one of the nation’s oldest rodeos, the 107th Black Hills Roundup. This beloved summertime tradition blends cowboy culture, small-town pride, and patriotic fun, complete with parades, fireworks, and rodeo action that capture the heart of Real America.
Experience the Wild West
In historic Deadwood, summer brings daily Main Street Shootouts that recreate the legends of the Old West. Watch the stories of courage, justice, and rebellion unfold in the same streets where American frontier history was written.
Ride Freely
Every August, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally roars to life. Riders from across the nation gather to celebrate freedom, open-road adventure, and the thrill of the ride. Whether you join the rally or simply visit to experience the atmosphere, you’ll feel the pulse of independence that defines the American spirit.
Experience America’s First National Monument
End your summer adventure at Devils Tower National Monument, where dramatic rock spires rise from rolling prairie. As America’s first national monument, it represents exploration, protection and the pioneering values that continue to shape the nation.
