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City of Presidents

In the heart of where legends tread and tales take shape, Rapid City earns its stripes as the City of Presidents. Wander downtown, and you'll find yourself amidst a gathering of greats, cast in bronze and frozen in time. Each life-sized statue stands as a tribute to the leaders whose footsteps echo in history's halls. It's our way of honoring the past, with a wink and a nod to the future, making history not just something you read about, but something you can reach out and touch.

This trail is made possible by generous donors. Consider supporting the City of Presidents and be part of preserving this one-of-a-kind tribute. Contribute to the trail here.
 

The Story Behind One of Rapid City’s Most Monumental Attractions Apr 23

The Story Behind One of Rapid City’s Most Monumental Attractions

  • 3 minute read

Believe it or not, Rapid City wasn’t always known as the City of Presidents, and Downtown Rapid City was not the must-see destination it is today. The corners where statues now stand were empty, Art Alley was a blank canvas, and the heart of it all, Main Street Square, was a parking lot. But…

BRING THE STATUES TO LIFE

Ways to Explore the Trail

Grab the City of Presidents Guide—your all-in-one companion to the trail. It enhances every experience, whether you're tuning into the free audio tour, following along with the dial-in version, or taking on the scavenger hunt. Use it to navigate downtown, track your progress, and uncover the unique stories behind each statue. Pickup a printed guide at 512 Main St., Ste. 240 in downtown Rapid City or view the digital version below.

View the Guide
mobile phone looking at the audio tour app with president john adams statue in downtown rapid city

Mobile Tour

Use the free Mobile Tour as your digital guide, complete with an interactive map, statue directory, and audio narration. Choose to dive into history by reading or listening.

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two visitors listening to the audio tour of the city of presidents in downtown rapid city

Dial-In Tour

Prefer a Dial-In Tour? Simply call 605-221-4921 and follow along with a City of Presidents Guide.

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person filling out scavenger hunt in front of Jimmy Carter city of presidents statue in rapid city,sd

Scavenger Hunt

Explore the City of Presidents with our Scavenger Hunt! Spot the hidden details on each statue and claim a presidential prize.

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Coming Soon to the Trail

Statue of President Donald J. Trump

The City of Presidents will soon welcome its newest addition: a statue honoring Donald J. Trump. Like all presidents on the trail, the statue followed the tradition of post-term installations—commissioned in 2021 after his term ended, and completed before the 2024 election.

The statue will be unveiled on May 3, 2025, and will be temporarily displayed at the Rapid City Visitor Center at 613 Main Street before being placed at 6th and St. Joe Streets in the fall. This latest addition continues the trail’s mission of honoring each U.S. president and sharing the diverse legacies of American leadership.

Attend the Unveiling

A set of three blue stars

Help Shape History

Each bronze figure in the City of Presidents tells a story of leadership and legacy. These statues are made possible through the generosity of individuals like you. By donating, you contribute to the creation and maintenance of these historical tributes, ensuring that future generations can walk alongside the leaders who have shaped our nation.

Donate Now

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