History

Unearth a time when mammoths roamed the High Plains of North America. With a quick 50-minute drive from Rapid City you can discover the fascinating finds of the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs.

Make the most of your visit to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Discover recent enhancements and plan ahead to stop at locations many miss within the memorial.

One of the worst floods in U.S. history descended on the Black Hills of South Dakota in the middle of the night on June 9, 1972. In the aftermath, the community gathered to rebuild, and today you can visit local parks and museum exhibits to learn more about the unforgettable impact this flood had on Rapid City.

A Rapid City vacation goes beyond outdoor exploration at area parks and monuments, above the thrilling heights found at area attractions, and deeper into historic events that will capture everyone’s attention.

In celebration of International Dark Sky Week, we’re helping you discover a different kind of Rapid City night life by sharing Lakota star knowledge, local astronomy attractions and events, and great tips for unforgettable stargazing.

Our world-famous monument has become part of our national culture, representing something different about the American experience for all who see it. So what does it mean to be the Mount Rushmore of family vacations – or of anything, really?

Visitors to Rapid City don't have to look very far to find celebrated cultural influences. While aspects of Native American culture can be found across the region, the Black Hills are continuously shared by the area's thriving Native American community.

Believe it or not, Rapid City was not always the City of Presidents, and Downtown Rapid City was not the must-see destination it is today.