2019-01-18 01:25:42
ENHANCE YOUR EXPERIENCE In Rapid City, discover something bigger. Nestled on the eastern foothills of the Black Hills, this vibrant city shines as the headquarters of this legendary region’s vacation activities. Whether you’re seeing the sights for the fist time or planning a return trip for more Black Hills experiences, Rapid City is a must see on your vacation. Here, you can meet American heroes, take in local arts and culture, explore the outdoors, indulge in a unique dining scene and still be within an hour’s drive of eight parks and monuments including two of the world's longest caves. Plan to spend a day or more exploring all the area has to offer. DOWNTOWN RAPID CITY Downtown Rapid City offers urban pleasures and the excitement of a cultural crossroads. The heart of downtown is located at Main Street Square, on the northeast corner of Sixth and Main streets. The Square’s interactive fountain delights kids of all ages. In the winter, the fountain transforms into an ice skating rink. Discover the massive public art project surrounding the Square. The Sculpture Project: Passage of Wind and Water transformed 21 large chunks of ancient granite into beautiful works of art. With weekly events such as Movies Under the Stars, concerts, roller derbies and more, the atmosphere is lively and intriguing. The lengthy roster of year-round special events offers ample opportunities to build lasting memories. ATTRACTIONS Whether you are looking to explore the world’s largest collection of reptiles, go on a scavenger hunt for the nation’s past presidents or discover seven prehistoric beasts that overlook the city skyline, Rapid City offers all of these opportunities and more. With Mount Rushmore located just 30 minutes southwest of the city, a number of entrepreneurs decided that the downtown location was a good bet for a large-scaled presidential sculpture installation. The City of Presidents allows visitors to experience all that downtown offers, while simultaneously posing for a picture next to their favorite president. America’s Founding Fathers Exhibit is another attraction that celebrates democracy. The exhibit, on U.S. Hwy 16 toward Mount Rushmore, houses a life-size sculpture installation of John Trumbull’s iconic “Declaration of Independence” painting. A mile southwest, Dinosaur Park pays tribute to the fie dinosaur fossils that were found here. As the park gained popularity after it was established in 1936 more dinosaurs were added, creating the seven green giants you’ll find today. Climb to the top of the park and experience spectacular 100-mile views in every direction. Look to the west and you’ll see the dense ponderosa pines that make up the Black Hills National Forest. Look to the east and you’ll find the other-worldly landscape of Badlands National Park. For the wildlife lover, find magnifient creatures at Reptile Gardens. The interactive campus is home to the largest reptile collection in the world. You’ll see reptiles, prairie dogs, exotic birds and a botanical garden filled with tropical plants and flwers. Pet a 100-year old tortoise named Orville, interact with Fluffy the baby alligator and even hold Marilyn, the park's 12-foot python. Just down the road at Bear Country U.S.A., experience the world’s largest collection of privately owned black bears — currently over 200. Drive through the wildlife park to view bears and other North American wildlife in their natural habitat from the comfort of your vehicle. Take the Wildlife Walk to see baby bear cubs and other young animals born and raised in the park. Continue further on U.S. Hwy 16 to Old MacDonald’s Farm, where the whole family can handfeed, pet and even bottle-feed some of the animals. Aircraft enthusiasts enjoy South Dakota Air & Space Museum at Ellsworth Air Force Base. More than 30 vintage military aircrafts from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War and the modern-day B-1 are on display in the museum's two major static exhibits — an outdoor air park and an immersive indoor experience. The Journey Museum & Learning Center tells stories through prehistoric and historic collections of the region. The museum includes archeological artifacts, Native American and pioneer culture, as well as interactive space and science displays. The Stratobowl Exhibit highlights the birthplace of the Space Age and the location of the manned hot air balloon launched in 1935. The actual site is 15 minutes southwest of Rapid City and is still used for balloon flighs. OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Find the great outdoors in Rapid City. Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park, known as M-Hill, has more than 18 miles of trails fl wing through 300 acres of terrain minutes from downtown. The park is great for hiking and biking. Near Dinosaur Park, Skyline Wilderness Area straddles Skyline Drive ridge and offers singletrack trails fi ed on 150 acres of land. Hike or bike a mix of rugged forest and hilltop meadows. ARTS & CULTURE Rapid City’s art scene blends urban, western and Native American cultures. The area proudly boasts creative exhibits in galleries, on street walls and even on utility boxes wrapped with local art. Art Alley is an ever-changing display of local art tucked between Main and St. Joseph streets. Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries offers fine art, goods and an enormous mercantile showcasing Great Plains Indian culture through crafts, books, music and cultural artifact reproductions in a two story building. Take a free factory tour at Sioux Pottery, where they make and sell fine Natie American ceramics and pottery. SHOPPING Discover unique boutique shopping experiences scattered throughout Rapid City, perfect for finding handc afted mementos to share with loved ones back home. Black Hills Gold is only created at one place on earth — on Mt. Rushmore Road in Rapid City. Take a factory tour of Mt. Rushmore Gold & Diamond Factory Outlet and watch makers of Black Hills Gold demonstrate the various methods of production. Jewelry items are available for sale to commemorate your visit. Authentic souvenirs and art can be found at Black Hills Sticker & Apparel at Bonzeye Studio, located adjacent to the historic Elks Theatre downtown. Shop at Again Books & Bazaar for quality used books and more. You can also find unique gifts and souvenirs along U.S. Hwy 16 at the House of Scandinavia and Christmas Village. For Rapid City business listings, turn to page 157.
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Rapid City
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