Living in Rapid City….Why Would You Want to Live in Rapid City?
[table id=5 /]When you live in South Dakota, you often get looks that pretty much say, “Why in the world would you want to live there?” And while much of the state is small town America farm and ranch land, over here on the west side of the state is Rapid City – the Gateway to the Black Hills.
I asked my Facebook friends who are living in, ready to move back, and even just visited for a vacation what they liked about our home, Rapid City. Here is what they said.
Black Hills Backyard Playground
I mean – come on! You’ve got a 2,000 square mile Black Hills National Forest just minutes away from your doorstep. Enjoy the scenery from the mountain top, along the babbling brook, next to the waterfall, and among the pines.
Hiking trails are abundant. Not to mention biking, ATV, and 4 wheeling trails. Climb Black Elk Peak – at just over 7,200 feet – it’s the highest point in the Black Hills. Trust me, though. Dress warmly if you try a climb in December…
Like to fish? Choose from fly fishing in Rapid Creek to shore fishing on Center Lake to fishing from you boat in Deerfield Lake. Or if you’re like me, forget about the fish and go waterskiing and tubing on Sheridan, Pactola or Angostura Lakes.
Get your rustic on with a variety of camping sites…or enjoy the good life in your RV!
Plus, there are family attractions everywhere. Reptile Gardens, Bear Country, Wine tasting and micro-breweries, natural caves, alpine slides and so much more. Of course, I’d be in big trouble if I didn’t mention Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments! And if nothing else, there are scenic drives galore – Spearfish Canyon, Vanocker Canyon, Iron Mountain Road, the Cathedral Spires.
Getting tired of nature? There is so much to see and do in historic cities Deadwood and Lead, “Heart of the Hills” Hill City, Spearfish, Custer, Hot Springs and the motorcycle Rally in Sturgis each summer.
When the snow falls, winter sports are the place to be. Snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing (wow! Look at all the “s” words), or just snuggling up next to the fire with a good book.
Even us city dwellers rent a cabin a few times a year to take in the peace, beauty and serenity of it all. One summer, we took a week off and took a “stay-cation”. What a fun week of exploring and experiencing our backyard playground.
Check out our hike on Little Elk Creek Road near Horsethief Lake
Parks, Pools, and Outdoors
Part of the beauty of Rapid City are the parks and green spaces you see everywhere. It’s been called “The City of Parks.” When the 1972 flood ravaged many homes along its path, those areas were turned into parks, trails, and green spaces. 18 Parks! Which park you choose is up to you! Canyon Lake Park boasts the beautiful Canyon Lake with its fishing bridge, gazebo island, canoe and paddleboat ramp, various playparks for different ages (even the kids at heart), walking paths, picnic shelters and areas, and trees and green grass everywhere. Have fun at Sioux Park with its tennis courts, horseshoe grounds, soccer fields, playgrounds, and bike path next to the Rapid Creek. And that’s just 2 of the many parks in and around Rapid City.
I especially enjoy the bike path. A 12-mile concrete path that stretches across Rapid City. It generally follows Rapid Creek and connects many of the most popular parks together. Whether you love to run, walk, bike or listen to your kids yell “faster, faster” from their kid’s carriage in the back, the bike path is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and get your exercise on. Plus, it’s the site of many 5K runs and other nonprofit runs.
When the summer wears on you, there are 4 outdoor pools and 1 indoor pool to cool off and refresh. The outdoor pools are located in different parts of the city, so you are never far from one. Each one has different depths and slides for the family to enjoy. The Rapid City Swim Center features zero depth leisure pool with kid playground, lazy river channel, vortex pool, hot tub and an 8 lane, 25-yard lap pool that includes diving board and basketball hoop. An outdoor lap pool that was recently added as well. No need to run out of pool time!
This doesn’t include the other outdoor activities such as Frisbee golf, hiking trails, biking trails, nature walks, golf courses, sporting venues and more! Keep reading for more on some of these! 😊
Downtown
This needs to be its own separate blog! So much to talk about in downtown Rapid City! Here are some of the main points:
Main Street Square. This is an amazing public space that hosts so many activities and events you can’t help finding something to enjoy. It’s centered around an interactive water fountain and green space in the summer and ice skating rink in the summer. On the back corner is a stage complete with lights, sound system and even a screen for Movies in the Park in the summer. In addition to ice skating and hanging out, the square hosts live local and national music on Thursday Nights in the summer (as part of Downtown Rapid City’s Summer Nights), Easter egg hunts, art and wine festivals, kid’s carnivals, bridal fairs, Halloween “Scare in the Square”, beer tasting event with local brewers, and more. With shopping, ice cream, coffee and restaurants right next door, it is an event destination for Rapid Citians and visitors alike.
Summer Nights. As I mentioned above, every Thursday night during the summer, a few streets get closed off, a stage is set up, and free music and dancing is available to all. With a beer garden, kids lane, and food vendors, it is a popular Thursday night destination.
Restaurants. Dude! The food downtown is amazing. No matter what you are into, there is something to satisfy that need downtown. Highlights include Botticelli’s Italian Restaurant, Firehouse Brewing Co., Delmonico Grill, Independent Ale House (try their pizza), Muphy’s Pub and Grill (amazing Reuben or steak salad), Que Pasa (your Mexican place – eat outside!), and Tally’s Silver Spoon. If you stay at the Hotel Alex Johnson, take the elevator to the top floor and eat at the Vertex Sky Bar. Take the time to go outside to the patios and enjoy the city views! Of course, there are many more options, specialties, bars, and coffee shops that deserve a try.
Unique Shops. Wandering around downtown Rapid City is never boring. With local history shops such as Prairie Edge and Dakota Drum, specialty shops such as Cranky’s and The Celtic Connection, plus bridal shops, antique stores, olive oil shops, and art galleries, you’re sure to find interesting, unique and amazing stuff. Hop aboard the trolley and look out for the Party Pedaler group bike. Then experience some fun at Press Start Arcade, Black Hills Escape Rooms, or Canvas to Paint. Don’t forget to check out the President Statues on each corner!
The Art and Wine Festival was a blast! –>
Climate
I know, I know. You’re looking at Rapid City in the Midwest North and you are thinking, “Yeah. That’s cold.” I won’t deny that we get some cold spells and some long winters. But here is what is awesome about the area:
Little humidity. I grew up in SW Minnesota. Mom was frugal…so she turned the AC off at night and opened the windows. I remember damp sheets at night and wet feeling clothes in the morning. Ugh. In Rapid City, our humidity is considerably lower. The air feels dry and the sun shines bright! We will still get out hot weeks and temps hitting 100, but it won’t feel 20 degrees hotter because of the humidity in the air.
Sunshine. Rapid City rules South Dakota in most days with sun. According to currentresults.com, Rapid City has 111 sunny days per year and 115 partly sunny days per year. That’s 226 days per year we see the sun! Seeing the sun shimmer across the water in the summer and glisten on the snow in winter always makes me smile.
Spring and Fall. When the cold winter and hot summer is over, we enjoy beautiful spring and fall temperatures. Those “not to hot, not too cold” kind of days. The air smells wonderful as new life and flowers are coming back to life in the Spring and autumn is setting in the fall.
Banana Belt. With the Black Hills to the west, we see some weather patterns that make for some mild-er winters than you might expect. Typically, we will get some snow and 20-degree temps for a while. Then we’ll get a few days of 40 or even 50-degree weather when everyone is outside in shirt sleeves and shorts while the snow melts. Then back into the snow and 20s. Although some years are worse than others, we tend to average around the 30-degree range. Of course, we do get some below freezing temps and crazy wind chills. What better way to spend at home cuddling with a book and a mug of hot chocolate? And if you have a fireplace…score!
Snowshoeing in the Black Hills –>
The Culture – Arts, Music, and Museums
If you can’t find some culture in Rapid City, you haven’t looked too hard. Music, arts, theater (including a community theatre), dance, even improv – you’ll be able to find what you are looking for!
Music. Coffee shops and bars have consistent live music. Many times, FREE! Just remember to get there early because they pack the house! The Emerging Artist showcases the young, local talent in the area with performances and open mic nights. The Performing Arts Center has many concerts and plays throughout the year. And then there’s the Rapid City Schools music program…it’s amazing how well the students play.
Arts. The Dahl Fine Arts Center continually showcases art from all over the world. A by-donation gallery, it also hosts a gift shop and spaces to rent for performances, galleries, and craft fairs. They also host all sorts of classes, events, and other performances. A trip downtown will showcase how embedded the arts are into Rapid City. Art Alley is an alleyway painted by various and local artists. Unique to say the least! Sculptures and murals are never far away. Even the electrical boxes downtown are painted with designs by local artists!
Museums. Rapid City hosts four museums! The Journey Museum is Rapid City’s premier museum – showcasing the history of the area and beyond. If you love dinosaurs, check out the Museum of Geology at the School of Mines. Outdoor Campus West is its own style of museum with hands on exhibits and activities. Go below the water and see the fish! Prairie Edge is a must see. It showcases Native American art, history and philosophy.
Art Alley. (Picture above) Where else can you stroll down an alley and see a display of original and ecclectic art? Welcome to Art Alley. During Summer Nights, you’ll see all kinds of performers, vendors, and more setting up shop in the alley.
Shopping
Small city shopping with the big stores you want! Since Rapid City has a 200-mile trade radius, it has become the hub for good shopping.
Rushmore Crossing. This line up of stores and restaurants is always busy! With Target, Sam’s Club, Scheels Sporting Goods, Michael’s Crafts, Petco, Bed Bath and Beyond, TJ Maxx and Gordmans as the main anchor stores, you can get everything you need from specialty apparel, shoes, jewelry, party stuff, health and beauty supplies and services (pedicure, anyone?) and all sorts of food and snack options.
Big Box Stores. Aside from the ones mentioned above, Rapid City is home to a Best Buy, Lowes, Menards, Walmart (2 of them, actually), Office Depot, Kohls, Pet Smart, Walgreens and Runnings. You’ll be able to get what you want and need!
Rushmore Mall. Being anchored by JCPenney and At Home, the mall is home to many specialty shops and stores. Especially if you are looking for clothing… 😊 The food court has its usual mall food fare, and it’s the place to meet Santa and the Easter Bunny!
Looking for a new car? No problem! There are used and new car dealerships all over.
Aside from the department stores, Safeway and Family Fare round out the grocery side of shopping. Looking for that all-natural health food store? Find what you need at Breadroot Natural Foods Co-op, The Market, or Staple and Spice.
Tristan and his WHITEBOARD Buyer Video Series –>
Restaurants and Food
Wow…where to begin?? This one needs a few posts all to its own! What do you like? American? Oriental? Sushi? Italian? Seafood? You’ll find it somewhere in Rapid City.
My favorites I mentioned earlier in the Downtown section of this post. But there are also a few sandwich restaurants downtown, The Gyro Hub, Pita Stop, and Kol fine dining. Or enjoy some lighter fare at the coffee shops, Great Harvest Bread Store, or Bakeworks – owned and operated by Black Hills Works.
Up by the mall, you have your normal chain restaurants – Olive Garden, Red Lobster, IHOP, Applebee’s, Perkins, and Texas Roadhouse. Minerva’s is a regional chain and serve some great food as well. Their salad and breadsticks are amazing, and the tiramisu is the best in town! Of course, the mall food court and your choice of fast food are never far away!
If you are looking for a more cultured taste, we’ve got numerous Chinese restaurants, plus Ichiban Japanese and Sushi, Everest Cuisine Indian and Nepalese, and Himalayan Kitchen are few other options. Italian and Mexican aren’t hard to find either.
Pizza? You’ve got your favorite brands as well as some local grills that are amazing. (Check out Blaze and Independent Ale House downtown for local loves.)
Steaks? You bet. Dakota Steakhouse, Outback Steakhouse, and Elk Creek Steakhouse are just a few to try.
Got yourself a sweet tooth? Sweet Secrets bakery, Pistachio Pie, and Jerry’s Cakes and Donuts.
And that is just small list of the numerous choices and decisions for your taste buds to make.
Sports, Fitness, and Activities
Everybody likes to get their activity on! Whether you are looking for sports programs, fitness centers, yoga studios, exercise options, or a place to have fun, you’ll find it in Rapid City!
Look at this list:
- Seven Soccer Fields/Complexes
- 12 Softball/Baseball Complexes
- Four Swimming Pools
- Indoor Swimming Pool Complex (Rapid City Swim Center)
- 36 Tennis Courts
- Six Sand Volleyball Courts
- Two Frisbee Golf Courses
- Eight Outdoor Racquetball Courts
- 18 Horseshoe Courts
- Two Bowling Alleys
- Eight Golf Courses
- Ice Arena
If you are looking for more, the YMCA is here! They host kid adult activities ranging from pickup Basketball games to pottery. With several pools and exercise machines available for your use – along with a running/walking track, you can certainly get your fit on there.
I mentioned the Rapid City Swim Center earlier. Not only can you enjoy the pool for leisure, they also offer swimming lessons for all ages, adult fitness classes, and numerous other swimming programs. Rent it out for a birthday party! Within the center you’ll find a couple of racquetball courts and rooms where fitness instructors hold exercise, yoga, tai chi, and other fitness classes.
Don’t worry – there are plenty of fitness clubs and membership gyms to get your work out on. Don’t forget the yoga studios! And each Spring and Fall, Community Education of the Black Hills provides numerous lifestyle classes. Learn to dance, create art, defend yourself, code a computer, or manage your finances.
Rapid City is your summertime pool destination. With 4 outdoor pools in different areas of town, each provides a day of fun for you and your family. For more of a waterpark experience, Watiki is an indoor water park with big slides, the lazy river, and kid climbing land. Plenty of fun for adults and kids.
Golf Courses are ready for you to get your “Fore” on. With the beauty of the Black Hills area, your golf game will not only be fun, but a scenic view as well. Rapid City has two 9-hole executive courses, a number of pubic 18 hole courses, plus private courses. Plus, the Hart Ranch golf course and Southern Hills golf courses are award winning courses you’ll have to check out. Me? I’ll stick with the executive course until I can tee off more than 100 yards…
Tristan and his WHITEBOARD Seller Video Series –>
Events and Happenings
Rapid City Summer Nights. I know – I already mentioned this. But it’s cool! Each Thursday evening, parts of downtown Rapid City get closed off. A stage is set up. Food and beer vendors put up booths. A bounce house and kids carnival is set to roll. And Summer Nights take off with free music by local and regional bands that don’t disappoint. Meet your friends and hang out downtown. Dance, eat, drink and have an amazing time!
Main Street Square. Just wow. As I mentioned earlier, Main Street Square is not only the pivotal point of downtown, they host events all year round. On Thursday nights, they join Summer Nights with their own free music on their stage, beer and refreshments. Never a dull moment downtown!
Civic Center Events and Concerts. The Rapid City Civic Center is host to several huge events each year. The biggest ones are the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, Black Hills Home Show, and Sport Show. Here you will also find the Lakota International Basketball tournament, high school wrestling and basketball tournaments, student band, choir and orchestra competitions and performances, private events and fundraisers, and so much more. The Civic Center Theatre is home to the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, the Rapid City Broadway Series, and performances year-round. Finally, take in a concert! Throughout the years, we have seen many performances from multiple genres. People come from miles away to attend.
Rapid City Rush. Yes – this one deserves its own paragraph. At the ice arena in the Civic Center is our very own semi-professional Hockey team. And they have hit the town by storm. Bring your cowbell and be part of the fun and action many Friday and Saturday nights throughout the hockey season. The Rush have been amazing community leaders as well, hosting charity events at their games. We even watched the 2 high school drum lines battle on center ice!
Black Hills Speedway. Like car races? Cool beans! Every Friday night during the summer the Black Hills Speedway lights up the night with a variety of car races. Don’t forget to check out the fireworks display they shoot off near the 4th of July.
Central States Fair. All the greatness of your county fair with some added awesome each August. Each night in the grandstand are concerts, rodeos, and even monster trucks. Carnival rides light up the night. This fair brings in visitors from all over. When not fair time, the fairgrounds are used for other events and shows.
Festival of Lights Parade. Christmas time in Rapid City is full of events, parties, and art classes. One of the premier events is the Festival of Lights Parade the day after Thanksgiving. Local businesses dress up floats in Christmas lights for a shot to win the contest. Downtown is alive with Christmas spirit that evening.
Medical Community
Rapid City has the medical resources to take care of your family. Rapid City Regional Health not only provides the hospital and emergency room services, they also have numerous medical clinics, a same day surgery center, several urgent care centers, sleep center, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Center, the Regional Heath Heart and Vascular Institute, and John T. Vucurevich Cancer Care Institute.
The Black Hills Surgical Hospital is another option for your surgery needs. Owned and operated by local doctors, they specialize in an upscale experience. (they even fed me when my wife had surgery!) They also own a few clinics in Rapid City and urgent care centers.
Aside from these, the area around the Hospital has everything you need – including pediatric care, laser eye surgery, hospice care, specialty doctors, and in-home care professionals.
You don’t have to worry about your vision and teeth needs, either. There are many eye doctors, dentists and orthodontists to help your family’s needs.
In addition, there are numerous assisted living centers and senior apartment options. Enjoy some company for you or your loved ones at the Minneluzahan or Canyon Lake Senior Citizens Center.
Education Opportunities
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Rapid City’s premier engineering and mining school. With reasonable tuition and over a 90% placement rate, this school is a no brainer for many local, national and even international students.
Western Dakota Tech. For those students looking to get into a trade such as electrician, plumber, welder, truck driver, and more – WDT is an exceptional choice. Offering dual enrollment with Rapid City High Schools has made them a great choice for local students.
Black Hills State – Rapid City Campus. Black Hills State University is in Spearfish, but they have established a campus in Rapid City for several their classes and studies.
National American University. NAU has a beautiful facility off Highway 16 near Rapid City. They offer business, IT, legal, and healthcare studies as well as some online courses.
Buy a home in the Rapid City and Black Hills area –>
Economy and Business
The economy in Rapid City always remains strong. Even during the housing depression around 2008, new buildings were going up, new restaurants established, and the housing market was only about 15% foreclosures. Rapid City has a 200-mile trade radius with around 470,000 people, providing retail, business, and manufacturing services for the region. With big employers such as Regional Health, Black Hills Corporation, City of Rapid City, DiTech Call center, and Walmart/Sam’s Club, our employment rate has been consistent. Add that to the economic support of Ellsworth Air Force Base, and we have seen a stable market. Even home values tend to rise steadily.
Rapid City also remains a strong place to establish and run a business. There are NO:
- Corporate income taxes
- Personal income taxes
- Personal property taxes
- Inventory taxes
- Inheritance taxes
Plus:
- Competitive workers compensation rates
- Lowest average unemployment insurance rates
Look at a few of the national polls and rankings:
- Right-to-Work state In CNN’s poll for ‘Business Friendliness,’ which measures the state’s legal and regulatory climate, South Dakota finished No. 2 to Delaware. Other recent accolades that have put South Dakota on top for favorable business climate:
- The Tax Foundation ranked South Dakota #2 in its 2017 State Business Tax Climate Index.
- CNBC ranked South Dakota #2 for Business Friendliness, #4 in Cost of Doing Business in 2016.
- The Pollina Corp. Pro-Business 50-State Rankings rated South Dakota #16 in 2015. In labor, taxes and other factors, the state ranked #7.
Agriculture and tourism will always remain the strong pieces of Rapid City Economy, but we have additional strength and growth in the following categories: Energy (Extractive), Business Services, Health Care & Life Sciences, Financial & Insurance, Manufacturing (Metal Works). With the Black Hills Development Center and the Homestake Mine in Lead becoming the Sanford Science Lab, the area is ready for growth in the technology and science industries.
Rapid City Real Estate Market Reports by Tristan and his WHITEBOARD – LIVE! –>
History
The gold rush in 1876 started what we know as Rapid City (then known as “Hay Camp”). Families and merchants were brought in to the 6 square mile settlement and the Gateway to the Black Hills was founded. Soon the city was supplying supplies to miners and pioneers and became a natural trade hub for the Midwest.
But before all of that, there were the dinosaurs. And then Lakota Native Americans. This rich history is displayed throughout the museums and art. Dinosaur Park, The Geology Museum, Prairie Edge, Dakota Drum Company…stories that made us who we are.
Of course, there are many other stories around Rapid City and the Black Hills. The settling and events in Deadwood, General Custer and his armies traveling through, Borglum and Mount Rushmore, the Rapid City flood of 1972, the Railroads, the establishment of the Air Force Base.
I’ve had military clients that have seen the world. They chose Rapid City and the Black Hills to be their permanent home. The people help to make it what it is…they’ll smile to you on the bike path, give to charitable causes, and generally care for each other – while still giving you space.
A place to be, live, and call home.
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