BLACK HILLS & BADLANDS REGION Outdoor recreation in Memorial Park IT’S HIP TO BE SQUARE IN RAPID CITY MAIN STREET SQUARE With one-of-a-kind shops & galleries, elegant to eclectic eateries & pubs, presidential statues, and turn-of-the-century buildings, downtown Rapid City embodies a city center that draws local folks and visitors alike. THE SCULPTURE PROJECT Surrounding Main Street Square, discover The Sculpture Project, where 21 blocks of granite are on the verge of an amazing transformation into an ambitious public work titled “Passage of Wind and Water.” During the summer months, watch as master sculptor Masayuki Nagase carves the granite pieces using traditional stone carv-ing tools. In 2017, he will work towards completing his fifth and final summer spent carving the granite slabs. The sculpture reflects the region’s natural and cultural past, present, and future, focusing on two major visual themes; wind for the Badlands Garden, and water for the Black Hills Garden. Downtown Rapid City offers the perfect complement to a Black Hills adventure with added urban pleasures and the excitement and allure of an authentic, cultural crossroads. Undoubtedly, the heart of the city center is located at Main Street Square , on the northeast corner of Sixth and Main Street. The Square is designed around a water fountain that delights kids of all ages. During the winter months, the fountain area transitions into an ice-skating rink, sur-rounded by the warmth of fire pits and kiosks featuring hot cocoa and holiday treats. With weekly events such as Movies Under the Stars, con-certs, dances, roller derbies and more, the atmosphere is always lively and intriguing. And with a lengthy roster of special events, there is always a reason to plan a pleasant urban interlude as part of your Black Hills visit. 96 CITY OF PRESIDENTS In many ways, Rapid City’s downtown renaissance began in 2000 with a project called “The City of Presidents.” Playing off the area’s proximity to Mount Rushmore National Memorial , the presidential artwork was a
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