REASONS TO LOVE RAPID CITY 30
WITH ALL OUR LOVE
It’s been almost two years since we put out our issue on 25 Reasons to Love Rapid City. It was our most popular issue of all time, and since then, we’ve received a lot of feedback to do another issue just like it. In two years, a lot of things have changed in Rapid City. But the old saying is also true: the more things change, the more they stay the same.
One thing that hasn’t changed is Rapid City’s ability to garner more awards and accolades. Rapid City was recently named as one of Livability’s most 100 livable cities in the United States. It was also one of Wallet Hub’s safest cities in the country. Finally, a few months ago, Rapid City ranked #19 in the US for prime workforce.
Rapid City is on the rise again. Whether it’s having hundreds of miles of world-class mountain biking five minutes from downtown or being located within an hour’s drive of six national parks; whether it’s having one of the top 22 bakeries in the country located in downtown Rapid City or progress on the nearly $100 million of investment in Block 5; whether it’s vacationing or staying awhile, Rapid City is (still) the place people want to be.
Welcome to this issue of Elevate, where we decided 25 just wasn’t good enough. This time, we’re going for more. This time we’re give you 30 reasons to love Rapid City. While you didn’t need five more, we knew there were things we just couldn’t leave off the list. Definitely let us know what you think of our list. And let us know if we should have kept going.
Oh, one more thing—for good measure, we threw in a coupon for a free Apatosaurus. You can redeem the coupon by heading up to Dinosaur Park and screaming, “I love this place” at the top of your lungs. Careful, though. You might not be able to fit the thing into the back of your SUV.
Stay safe and God-speed.
Tom Johnson, President & CEO
PRESIDENT & CEO
Tom Johnson
SENIOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR
Taylor Davis
SENIOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRE CTOR
Elevate is a monthly publication produced by Elevate Rapid City. It is the premier business magazine for the Black Hills region telling the stories that make our area unique and vibrant.
PO Box 747 Rapid City, SD 57709 605.343.1744
elevaterapidcity.com
Shiloh Francis
SENIOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Lori Frederick
SENIOR PUBLIC POLICY DIRECTOR
Garth Wadsworth
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Liz Highland
EVENTS & MARKETING DIRECTOR
Rachel Nelson
WORKFORCE PLANNING DIRECTOR
Reese Niu
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Laura Jones
ECOSYSTEM SUPPORT & PROPERTY MANAGER
Loni Reichert
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Kallie Ruland
BUSINESS PROSPECT MANAGER
Drew Staufer
CREATIVE SERVICES MANAGER
Bailey Sadowsky
EXECUTIVE
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Ashley Simonson
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MONUMENT HEALTH SPECIAL RODEO
The Monument themonument.health/special-rodeo/
BULLFIGHTERS ONLY (BFO)
Kjerstad Event Center centralstatesfair.com/events
RAPID CITY XTREME BRONCS
The Monument themonument.live/events
SAM MILLER
West River Comedy Club westrivercomedy.com
BLACK HILLS STOCK SHOW
Kjerstad Event Center & The Monument centralstatesfair.com
LIZZIE
Catalyst Theater Company catalyst.art
RODEO RAPID CITY 20X SD
HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE 2025
The Monument themonument.live/events
ALL AMERICAN SHEEP DAY
James Kjerstad Event Center centralstatesfair.com/events
RANCH RODEO
James Kjerstad Event Center centralstatesfair.com/events
JACKSON DEAN
Kjerstad Event Center centralstatesfair.com/events
RAPID CITY PRCA RODEO
The Monument themonument.live/events
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13 14 15
IAN MUNSICK WITH COLBY ACUFF
James Kjerstad Event Center centralstatesfair.com/events
PHILIP DANIEL IN CONCERT
Homestake Opera House, Lead homestakeoperahouse.com/events
ALL ABILITY SKATE
Main Street Square
BOOTS & BEER FESTIVAL
Kjerstad Event Center centralstatesfair.com/events
CLINT BLACK
The Monument themonument.live/events
LETTERS FROM HOME
Allied Arts alliedartsrc.org
RAPID CITY RUSH VS. MAINE MARINERS
The Monument themonument.live/events
BLACK HILLS SPORTS SHOW AND OUTDOOR EXPO
The Monument themonument.live/events
CANDLELIGHT:
ROMEO & JULIET & MORE
Performing Arts Center themonument.live/events
WO MOTORSPORTS INDOOR ARENACROSS SERIES
Kjerstad Event Center centralstatesfair.com/events
20 25 263/1 273/1
HOWIE MANDEL
The Monument themonument.live/events
THE BLACK JACKET SYMPHONY - EAGLES HOTEL CALIFORNIA
The Monument themonument.live/events
RAPID CITY RUSH VS. IDAHO STEELHEADS
The Monument themonument.live/events
SDHSAA STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT
The Monument themonument.live/events
Events are curated with the most accurate information available at the time of print. Please check the event website for full details or changes.
RAPIDCITYBUSINESSJOURNAL.COM
Rapid City Business Journal is a weekly show and a business news website produced by Elevate Rapid City and The HomeSlice Group. We strive to produce daily and weekly business news supporting Rapid City, The Black Hills, and South Dakota.
333 West Boulevard Ste. 200 Rapid City, SD 57709
605.343.6161
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Mark Houston
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Leslie Cline
IT/ENGINEERING
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS
30 REASONS TO Love
RAPID CITY
Love ve
Rapid City’s prime location in western South Dakota and the Black Hills offers a quality of life unlike any other. Whether you crave adrenaline-pumping activities or the calming sounds of nature, the Black Hills are only minutes away. If you are looking for a vibrant downtown scene with food, local shops, arts and entertainment, Rapid City has that too.
Endless pages could be filled with reasons to love and appreciate Rapid City. This Valentine’s Day we narrowed it down to 30.
STORY BY SHILOH FRANCIS
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of the Black Hills BEAUTY
The beauty of the Black Hills is unlike any other. Rapid City is roughly 20 minutes away from mesmerizing trails and scenic cruises the national forest offers. For the history and national park buffs, you may be surprised to know that there are ten national parks, monuments, state parks, and historical sites within one hour of the city. It’s the perfect way to spend a weekend or evening after work.
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Rapid City Summer Nights is a free weekly concert series. From Memorial Day to Labor Day head to downtown Rapid City for live music, food, and community.
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SummerNights GlimpseInTime
If you want to take a glimpse back in time, you’ll love Rapid City’s museums. The Journey Museum & Learning Center is one of the more unique museums to experience not only the history of the Black Hills, but Native American culture. The Museum of Geology features skeletons, rare fossils, and gemstones. And then there’s the world’s only Pawnseum – where business and history collide.
Photo by Travel South Dakota
JOURNEY MUSEUM
Photo by Travel South Dakota
MAIN STREET SQUARE
TAKING FLIGHT
Rapid City Regional Airport continues to take off. With so much to offer it’s hard to think you’d ever want to leave Rapid City – but should the need arise there are nine direct flights (and counting) to get you where you need to go. We see continued investment in the infrastructure of this important asset and look forward to seeing its growth and expansion.
COFFEE BUZZ
Rapid City has an exceptional coffee scene. And they are often coupled with a great breakfast/ brunch menu, too. Some shops specialize in roasting in-house. Others have unique atmospheres. Some are ideal for working or talking with friends, while others are perfect for a quick grab-and-go. Connections happen in coffee shops, and Rapid City has plenty.
Rendering from Rapid City Regional Airport
RAPID CITY REGIONAL AIRPORT
Photos by Visit Rapid City
Left to Right | ESSENCE COFFEE & HARRIET & OAK
EDUCATION
Education opportunities abound. Rapid City sees thousands of graduates each year ready to enter the workforce. South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was ranked the #1 engineering university in the country for return on investment. Black Hills State University – Rapid City offers a variety of programs for students and professionals. It recently expanded to offer the new West River Health Science Center to help meet the need of healthcare related careers. Western Dakota Tech offers over 26 associate degree programs for students looking for a technical degree. There is also the nearby Oglala Lakota College which integrates the Lakota culture into their curriculum. For those looking for a fast-tracked program, Rapid City is home to AE Tech and the Great Plains Welding Academy.
FOOD TRUCKS
It seems that with every trip past Founders Park, there is a new food truck on the scene offering mouthwatering bites. While some become quick favorites (staff mentions include The Good Stuffed, Ugly Graffiti, and Mercy’s Tacos) – there are also enough options that you’ll never get bored! Tuesday nights in the summer bring Family Food Truck Night. Grab your lawn chair and enjoy an evening outside with great food, fun, family and friends.
BIKE PATH
The Leonard "Swanny" Swanson Memorial Pathway (also known as the bike path) spans more than 10 miles along Rapid Creek, connecting riders and walkers to Canyon Lake, Sioux Park, and Founders Park, as well as the Farmers Market.
Courtesy of SD Mines
SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL OF MINES
Photo by Visit Rapid City
LEONARD “SWANNY” SWANSON MEMORIAL PATHWAY Photo submitted
UGLY GRAFFITI FOOD TRUCK
FOOD FRESH
What Rapid City may lack in nationally known chains, it makes up for in local grocery and produce shopping options.
Breadroot is a locally owned natural foods co-op. They offer produce, meat, dairy, and wellness products. The Market is a 6,500 square foot store filled with natural and organic food, vitamins and supplements, local meat and cheeses, special dietary foods, and more.
Staple and Spice offers natural groceries, weekly fresh produce baskets, and bulk foods, as well as herbs and spices, coffees and teas, natural vitamins and supplements, essential
oils, and health and beauty products.
The Black Hills Farmers Market is open year-round, offering produce, canned goods, freshly baked treats, and more.
Dakota Butcher, Wall Meat Company, and Dakota Meat Company are great places to source local meats and goods for your next backyard grill out. (Don’t sleep on the Dakota Butcher breakfast pizzas or a smash burger at Dakota Meat Company!)
BREADROOT
Staff photo
SUMMIT ARENA
Since opening its doors, in 1977, The Monument has been a cornerstone for entertainment in the Black Hills. 2024 was The Monument’s most successful year to date, highlighted by a sold-out, record-breaking Chris Stapleton concert, the highly anticipated debut of Division I Basketball, and the continued growth of cornerstone events that have become staples of the community.
UNIQUE SHOPPING
Looking for a gift, fresh outfit, or décor? Rapid City has a great variety of local boutiques and shops to browse. Here are a few quick recommendations to get you started: For those who love an old-school sound, you’ll love flipping through the records at Black Hills Vinyl. Mitzi’s Books brings all the charm you’d expect in a local bookstore. Art House offers custom framing and printing with a unique gift, stationery, and art supply shop.
BLACK HILLS VINYL
Photo by Visit Rapid City
THE MONUMENT SUMMIT ARENA
Staff photo
12 DINOSAURS!
You cannot forget the iconic guardians of the city: the Dinosaurs! Cruise up Skyline Drive and you’ll find epic views and 9 giant concrete dinosaurs that make up Dinosaur Park. Recently remodeled to be wheelchair accessible, people of all ages and abilities love a visit or two each year.
Photo by Visit Rapid City
INNOVATION AT WORK
Innovation and Entrepreneurship are thriving. Rapid City has seen dozens of successful startup companies including: B9Creations, VRC Metal Systems, Property Meld, Strider Bikes, Phase Technologies, C-Lock, ColeTAC, RESPEC, and more. The David Lust Accelerator Building and WildFire Labs work alongside tech startups to help them grow from startup to established company. With recent work on Tech Hubs and continued efforts around developing an innovation district, we are excited about what is in store for the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Rapid City.
13 RAPID
RESPEC
Staff photo
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Wine Don’t Ya
Here’s a toast to the wineries and breweries! Much like Rapid City’s coffee scene, the craft breweries and wineries offer various flavors and experiences. There are eight local breweries (and counting). Many host live music or trivia nights, giving you an even greater excuse to get together with friends and stay a while. Looking for something even more unique? Check out Black Hills Contraband Distillery, BB’s Naturals, or Tinder Box Cigar Lounge. Windsor offers an extensive whiskey selection, spirits, mocktails, and a Japanese section on its menu. There’s a little bit of everything for everybody.
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Golf Year Round
Hit the links at one of Rapid City’s six golf courses! A mix of municipal, public, and private courses span the city limits. Want to work on your game year-round? Challenge your friends to a round at X-Golf Rapid City.
CITY, SD
FIREHOUSE WINERY Staff photo
RAPID CITY ELKS GOLF COURSE Photo courtesy of Young Professional Group
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HOME FOR MILITARY FAMILIES
Rapid City is a military community. The people who bravely wear the uniform and answer the call of duty aren’t a distant thought in Rapid City. They are our friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Rapid City is proud to be the home of Camp Rapid and nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base. The community works hard to ensure that military members and their families feel welcome and supported. The Defense Symposium connects businesses with defense opportunities. The Military Advisory Coalition is made up of community leaders and volunteers who aim to improve the quality of life for our service members and their families. All these efforts resulted in the Black Hills region being named one of three communities across the country selected as a 2024 Great American Defense Community.
HOCKEY FOR EVERYONE
The Rapid City Rush is Rapid City’s East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) professional ice hockey team. For more than 15 years, they have called Rapid City home. Rapid City also has a junior hockey program – the Badlands Sabres. The team competes in the Frontier Division of the North American 3 Hockey League.
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE Staff photo
RAPID CITY RUSH
Photo by Visit Rapid City
HEART OF TOWN
Main Street Square is the heart of downtown Rapid City. In the summer, people of all ages enjoy the splash pad, green space, dining, and the granite stones carved by Masayuki Nagase. During the winter, the square transforms into an ice rink that’s even larger than the one at Rockefeller Center. And in between, there is shopping, dining, events, and concerts. If, somehow, you are struggling to find something to do in Rapid City, head to the Square.
A few favorite signature events include:
• Pumpkin Festival
• FRÜHLINGSFEST
• Cruiser Car Show
• Bierbörse Festival
• Winter Market Precedes Festival of Lights Parade
Photos by Visit Rapid City
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
CRUISER CAR SHOW
BIERB Ö RSE FESTIVAL
SPRING MARKET
MAIN STREET SQUARE
#RAPIDCITYEATS
The dining scene continues to grow in Rapid City. There are long-standing favorites like Firehouse Brewing Company, Black Hills Bagels, and Tally’s Silverspoon and international cuisine such as A&D Jamaican, Bokujō Ramen, Gyro Hub, Sabatino's Italian Ristorante, Himalayan Kitchen, Katmandu, and Sumo to dig into. Some of the newest places you won’t want to miss include Salt Block Burger and The Sour Bakery (a New York Times-recognized best bakery!)
Photo by Travel South Dakota
BOKUJŌ RAMEN
Staff photo
A&D JAMAICAN
Photo by Visit Rapid City
SABATINO’S ITALIAN RISTORANTE
Photo submitted
SALT BLOCK
If you want to see talent take the stage, Rapid City has several theater groups and live entertainment options! Keep an eye out for the next production from Seraphim Theatrical Entertainment, Catalyst Theater Company, or Black Hills Community Theater (and their Youth Theatre program). In the summer, you can also venture down to Custer State Park and take in a show at the historic Black Hills Playhouse – the cast is comprised of actors from across the United States. They say laughter is the best medicine, so if you need a dose, be sure to check out the brand-new West River Comedy Club in downtown Rapid City.
BANANA BELT THEATER, BABY
If seasons aren’t your thing, you will likely disagree, but the weather is certainly something to love about Rapid City. The location at the base of the Black Hills is not only great for outdoor adventure but also for the weather. The “banana belt” shelters Rapid City from the harshest winter weather – the average high is around 45°F – while maintaining moderate summers. The snow brings new adventures like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling without getting too cold.
Photo by Visit Rapid City
SNOWSHOEING
Photo by Sage Studios
BLACK HILLS PLAYHOUSE
Nexus SD is a network of organizations across the state working to ensure people get help securing essentials, like food, housing, or transportation – without having to work extra hard to get it. When you sign someone up for Nexus SD, their record can be shared with our member agencies statewide. If there are opportunities to help, you can streamline communications and send secure referrals to each other, so help finds the people who need it. The more organizations that are part of Nexus SD, the more people we can help. Join Nexus SD today. Working together, everybody wins.
nexus.sd.gov
Rich Native American Culture
The “Paha Sapa” (Black Hills) are the ancestral and sacred land to nearly two dozen Native American Tribes. The culture is rich and abundant throughout the region. The Black Hills Pow Wow and Lakota Nation Invitational are two can’t-miss events held annually in Rapid City. Learning about the culture and history of local Native Americans gives a complete picture of the region.
Photo by Travel South Dakota
BLACK HILLS POW WOW
Speakeasy 24 Art Scene
There are unique dining experiences to be found. The Blind Lion is a prohibition-style speakeasy with handcrafted cocktails and a cutting-edge culinary program. Search or ask a friend for the number and get your reservation today! Looking for a more family-friendly unique dining option? Press Start is ready for you. You’ll find two levels of arcade games, a full bar, and menu of burgers and brick-oven pizzas. Want to take matters into your own hands? Grab a group and head to Nell’s Table –a teaching kitchen where you can learn how to make a variety of specialties.
We have an incredible art scene. It seems everywhere you look in Rapid City, art is proudly on display. There are the anchor sites like Art Alley or the Dahl Arts Center. But there are also intentional efforts to bring beauty through something as simple as local art on utility boxes. The Performing Arts Center puts the spotlight on local plays and dance recitals. And venues throughout the city host open mic nights and concerts. If you’re looking for local art to take home, you’ll want to check out the Suzie Cappa Art Gallery or Prairie Edge Trading Co.
SKYLINE WILDERNESS
Photos by Visit Rapid City
BLIND LION
SUZIE CAPPA ART GALLERY
25 Kids Outside
Speaking of parks, Rapid City is home to even more unique places to get outdoors with your kids. Storybook Island brings your favorite stories to life with statues and playground equipment. In the winter, you’ll want to bundle up and take in the magic of the park covered in lights! Outdoor Campus West is a free resource that offers walking trails, classes, and more to prepare you before you head out for an outdoor adventure for the first time. Don’t let the name fool you, Reptile Gardens is more than it seems! Explore botanical gardens and check out birds, tortoises, alligators, and of course, snakes. To make it even better, your first admission ticket of the year doubles as an annual pass, allowing you to return again and again.
Town Trails 26
Looking to hit the trail even sooner? Skyline Wilderness and Hansen-Larson Memorial Park offer more than 20 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails right in the heart of Rapid City.
REPTILE GARDENS
DogsForAll27| Parks-galore!
Rapid City was recently listed among the top 25 family-friendly cities in the United States and we would be remiss not to mention that it is a great community for your four-legged family members, too. Bring your dog with you on the trails. If they’re looking for more room to run, Braeburn Dog Park and Robbinsdale are both local favorites for off-leash dog parks. There are many restaurants and breweries that will welcome your dog to their outdoor patios. Don’t forget to be a good neighbor and clean up after them!
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ation for all. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but here are some highlights: Canyon Lake Park – 29 acres
Sioux Park offers year-round sports activities with basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, and a public pool. Don’t miss the Sioux Park Formalof walking paths along the pond. Throughout the summer you can also catch performances by the Municipal Band at the bandshell. One of the newest additions to the park system is the addition of a beginner-level bike park at Robbinsdale Park. Built in partnership with Strider Bikes, the park includes a concrete pump track, tunnels, ramps
Staff photo
STRIDER PARK
Photo by Visit Rapid City
NEMO ROCK MAZE
GENEROUS PEOPLE
We know our outdoor amenities are unlike any other, but there’s something else about Rapid City that could never be replicated: the people. We have our problems like any other community, but there’s a certain cooperation and resiliency that gives us hope and confidence in Rapid City’s future. Take the generosity, for example. Rapid City is home to over 500 501(c)3 organizations. People and businesses volunteer and donate their money to support the community. This is further epitomized through the unique example of Fork Real Café – a non-profit pay-what-you-can community café that allows people to pay the value, pay what you can, or
even volunteer in exchange for their meal if they cannot pay the monetary value.
While some may view the smaller population of our city as a barrier, we have come to find it is a great asset. We have ease of access to our elected officials. South Dakota has a citizen legislature, meaning your neighbors and colleagues represent you in the Capitol. Members of our Congressional delegation make regular trips to the area, allowing you to express any concerns you may have and seek solutions. In other regions of the country this is not the case, so we do our best not to take it for granted.
FEEDING SOUTH DAKOTA
Staff photo
CITY OF PRESIDENTS
When outsiders think of presidents and Rapid City, they often only think of Mount Rushmore. Locals know Rapid City received this nickname for the 41 statues found on the corners throughout downtown Rapid City. But something to love even more is how those presidents have transformed into a representation of Rapid City's kindness and generosity. In the winter, these statues will don hats, scarves, coats, and other winter-weather gear that those in need can have. Echoing Rapid City’s commitment to innovation, last summer, the City of Presidents Tour added an interactive audio tour component that lets you “hear” the presidents tell their biographies and fun facts.
Photo by Visit Rapid City
HERBERT HOOVER STATUE
Photo by Visit Rapid City
MOUNT RUSHMORE
It’s hard to capture all that makes this community great in one list. With unique people, ideas, and interests, we are not strangers to the idea there some things that you may not agree with, and others that we are missing. Regardless, we hope this inspires you to get out and enjoy what we have here – and continue contributing to our vision that Rapid City is the place people want to be. *
With Love, RapidCity
Photo by Travel South Dakota
Terri Miller Named Partner at Architecture Incorporated
Terri Miller, AIA, CDT, NCARB Principal Architect
Architecture Incorporated is excited to announce Terri Miller, AIA, CDT, NCARB as a new partner in the firm. With a master’s in architecture and bachelor’s in environmental design from North Dakota State University, Terri has been an integral part of our team since 2016. She has 17 years of architectural experience and extensive expertise across a variety of project types, including business/corporate offices, K-12 education, higher education, and public works facilities.
Terri’s leadership, experience, and dedication position her to help guide and advise the firm as we continue to grow and build on our legacy.
For over 50 years, TSP has helped shape Rapid City's skyline—and our focus remains firmly on the future. From our new office space, we'll continue to lead with innovation and deliver impactful solutions across the region. Honoring 95 years of our legacy, we proudly embrace our role in making communities better, by design.
READY TO GIVE
Sometimes families in our community struggle to pay their energy bills. Black Hills Cares is a way for you to help. Whether it’s a one-time or monthly donation, we’ll match your gift to our neighbors in need.
Learn more.
