Rapid City is a vibrant city that boasts a wide range of amenities. It is often known as “The City of Presidents” due to its proximity to the iconic statues that make up Mount Rushmore, and it’s a great place for families looking for a four-season destination with sun and snow activities in equal measure.
It is also home to a number of attractions that you’ll definitely want to experience, from Art Alley and Dinosaur Park to Chapel in the Hills and Storybook Island. You can even take a hike through Badlands National Park, a site that features sandstone peaks and valleys formed by erosion. Click here.
Despite being a relatively large city, Rapid City is relatively affordable compared to other larger cities in the country. The average cost of living in Rapid City is 9% lower than the US average, making it an attractive choice for families and young professionals.
With a population of 67,956 as of the 2010 census, Rapid City is the second largest city in South Dakota and the county seat of Pennington County. It is located east of Black Hills National Forest and west of Deadwood, and is the hub of tourism for the area.
The economy of Rapid City is diverse. It has a significant manufacturing industry, which includes a Portland cement plant (constructed and owned by the State of South Dakota) and several other heavy and medium industrial businesses. Its tourism industry is also growing, and it has become an important hub for attracting tourists to the Black Hills.
As a city, Rapid City has a thriving arts scene with a variety of museums and galleries to visit. One such museum is the Journey Museum, which houses a range of exhibits on the local history and geology of the area.
In addition, the city is home to Reptile Gardens, a wildlife zoo that showcases the most popular species in South Dakota. Other family-friendly places to visit include Bear Country USA, Fort Hays Old West Town, Storybook Island, and the Dahl Art Gallery.
Some of the most famous landmarks in Rapid City include the City of Presidents, which consists of 43 bronze sculptures of American presidents that span several blocks downtown. Other notable attractions in the area include Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Custer State Park.
The city is also home to the University of South Dakota, which has campuses in both Rapid City and nearby Sioux Falls. It is one of the most affordable universities in the country, with the average tuition for a degree at the University of South Dakota being under $10,000.
For families, Rapid City has many schools to choose from, including two public high schools that field teams that compete in the SDHSAA and two private schools. There are also several specialized private schools in the region, such as the Lakota Nation Invitational and the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers.
Aside from sports, the city is also home to many concerts and festivals throughout the year. The annual Rapid City Blues Festival, the South Dakota State Fair and the Black Hills Music Fest are just a few of the events that draw crowds. Major things to do in the next article.
Point of Interest #1 Firestone Complete Auto Care, 425 Main St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Point of Interest #2 President James Garfield Statue, Rapid City, SD 57701
Point of Interest #3 Trinity Eco Prayer Park, 405 St Joseph St, Rapid City, SD 57701
Driving Directions TO Dedicated Dental Solutions From Trinity Eco Prayer Park