In 1874, the public unearthing of gold through the Public Hills Expedition generated a rapid inflow of European-American miners in Dakota territory. Due to the substantial bronze presidential statues downtown, they renamed the city “the Gateway to the Black Hills” throughout their discovery process. However, Rapid City got its name from the limestone spring stream that flows through the city. In February 1876, a group of 11 men led by John Richard Brennan and Samuel Scott laid out a one-square-mile business district and renamed it the” Hay Camp.” The merchants, therefore, embarked on selling stocks to miners and pioneers. The city’s strategic location at the fringe of Plains, Hills, and a large river valley made it the locus of railroads constructed in the 1880s to accommodate the growing population. By 1900, the city economy had pulled through the crests and troughs. It became the top regional trade center for the Upper Midwest, with ranching and agriculture as the primary industries. Extensive construction commenced in the 1950s when Rapid City positioned itself as the periphery of regional retail and wholesale trade. City officials mapped out a development plan which started off with infrastructural development through the construction of schools, street paving and an extension of the parking area downtown. Over the years, the city has continually grown to the present second-largest city in South Dakota. It has also become a center for education, commerce, culture, and transportation.

Rapid City has endless fun activities for both children and adults. Catch a thrilling live performance at The Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, assembled over 80 years ago by a group of string players. And yes, it is still thriving with over 90 musicians currently. How fascinating. It goes by the mission “To provide the finest orchestral performance and symphonic music education to the people of the Black Hills region.” Book a seat at the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City, experience a thrilling performance like the Nutcracker, and join the lineup.

Experiencing a dull Saturday afternoon? Dress up. Here’s something for you. A short 8 miles South of Rapid City, The Bear Country USA is the place to wind up your day. Surrounded by gigantic pines and rolling meadows, an exceptional 3-mile-drive, awards you a view of North America’s most fascinating mammals ranging from wolves, reindeers, and black bears to cougars. Your fun experience ends with a walk in the wildlife Walk Area for an exciting live wildlife demonstration.