Rapid City SD Community Information

So…What do you need to know about Rapid City SD?

Looking for things to do in Rapid City?

What’s going on at Main Street Square tonight?

Where do you find out about the city parks, ice arena, and swim center?

How about the local economy, weather, news or climate? It’s all right here.

Things to do, places to visit, and places to stay in Rapid City SD

The Rapid City Visitor’s Center has put together a great resource for you….combining all of these things into one place. Find out:

where to spend the night (from hotels and motels to bed & breakfast to nightly cabin rentals),
local places to eat
places to explore in Rapid City and the Black Hills
Rapid City shopping (Downtown is really cool)

Download a Visitor’s Guide to take with you.

And take a couple minutes to watch the “Do Big Things” video. It’s really well done and will make you want to go and see it all!

Downtown Rapid City SD

I really enjoy Downtown. It has been revitalized the past few years with the addition of Main Street Square, local shops and dining, Art Alley and statues of the Presidents on the corners.

For the past number of years, downtown has become a gathering place every Thursday night for Rapid City Summer Nights. A live band plays on the street while beer and food vendors are there to quench your thirst and appetite. Plus there are kids activities, dancing, and tables to enjoy the evening. The tradition has continued into the fall with “Autumn Nights” – carving every last warm day into the last few months before winter.

Downtown is home to some of my favorite restaurants as well: Firehouse Brewing Co, Botticelli’s Italian Restaurant, Demonico Grill steakhouse, Independent Ale House, and Murphy’s Bar and Grill – and that’s just a few.

You gotta put downtown Rapid City on your list of things to experience.

Main Street Square in Rapid City SD

Main Street Square deserves its own blurb. Located on the corner of Main Street and 6th Street, the powers that be pack it full with events ranging from beer and wine festivals, local band performances, kids fairs, school showcase events, movies in the park, and so much more.

With fountains (including a light show!) and grass for the warm months and ice for skating during those winter months, there is always something to do on the Square.

Even if visit some evening with no event in process, you can enjoy watching the kids (and not-so-young big kids) splash through the fountains, enjoy an ice cream cone or coffee from the neighboring store, or just sit at the table and enjoy the evening. There is even an on-going sculpture project you can observe.

Main Street Square has been written about in some national papers and has had numerous visits from big cities to “see how it’s done.” Definitely a feather of honor in the cap of Rapid City. Go and see!

Rapid City SD Civic Center

The Rapid City Civic Center is the entertainment and event center for a radius of over 100 miles. With 2 arenas, a fine arts theater, and multiple convention rooms, they have done a good job bringing in big names and events to give Rapid City some awesome evenings of fun.

Plus – it’s the key to local sporting championships, the Black Hills Stock Show, the Rapid City Home Show, and many other conventions, shows, bands and promenades.

It’s also (and maybe should have been mentioned first) home to the Rapid City Rush – a semipro Hockey Team (part of the ECHL). Rapid City Rush games have packed the house with huge local support and fans for the past number of years.

Rapid City SD Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce is a great resource for Rapid City relocation information….everything from arts & culture to business information.

Looking into more specifics about the Rapid City in general? Check out their business directory that is full of information about parks, business climate, places of worship, and all kinds of stuff. Plus it contains a listing of the Chamber of Commerce business members.

City of Rapid City SD Government Website

Yeah – I know it sounds boring right? But there’s a bunch of hidden gems of information on the City of Rapid City site.

Not only will you find information about city zoning, regulations, and rules, you can also check out the hours of the Rapid City Landfill.

Like to read? Find out when you can drop by the Rapid City Public Library.

I’m always trying to figure out how to call the Rapid City Community City Swim Center (or one of the other swimming pools). That’s here too – as well as open swim times, rates, and more.

Like to ice skate? Find out the hours and prices of the Ice Skating Arena here.

Of course, information on how to contact the Mayor and other government offices is here as well.

Rapid City SD Newspaper

Keep up to date with the local and national news and happenings. The Rapid City Journal is the local newspaper.

If you are looking for a place to rent, the Journal classifieds are a good source to check out as well.

Rapid City SD Weather and Climate

I’m sure you’ve already got this on your phone or tablet, but make sure you have this link handy to plan your day: Rapid City weather.

What are things like around here, anyway? I’m sure you’ve heard tales of snow and blizzards, crazy winds and huge hail. All of which are true, but are the exception – not the rule. We see lots of sun in Rapid City (I hope I didn’t jinx anything by writing this….) and typically don’t experience the extreme colds and hots for long periods of time. Check out the facts at this Rapid City Climate page.

Rapid City SD Utilities

For most homes in Rapid City, here are the links and contact to change or add services to your home:

Electricity (depending on location):

Black Hills Power
409 Deadwood Ave N
800-742-8948

West River Electric Co-operative
3250 East Hwy 44
605-393-1500

Natural Gas:

Montana Dakota Utilities (MDU)
1-800-638-3278

Water/Sewer/Garbage (if you live within Rapid City Limits)

City of Rapid City Water Division
1111 Mt. View Drive
300 6th Street (Mailing Address)
605-394-4162

If you live outside city limits, your services may be different depending on your location.