Rapid City, the seat of Pennington County, is a diverse and thriving small Midwestern city that refers to itself as "The Star of the West." The city enjoys a thriving economy based on the farmers who have been raising beans, wheat, and alfalfa since the turn of the last century.

Centrally located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Rapid City is a vacation destination for family vacations offering a variety of shopping, dinning, attractions and outdoor recreation. Unpack in Rapid City and unwind in the Black Hills where you can discover Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park and much more.

We are proud to host more than 2 million visitors each year who come to see and experience the awe inspiring mountain carvings of Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse, the Badlands and the magnificent Black Hills National Forest.

Ellsworth Air Force Base, home of more than 3,000 airmen and a large contingent of B-1 Bombers, is a vital and integral part of our community.

Rapid City is a regional trade center for people from five states, including parts of South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska, who look to us for the finest medical care, air transportation, shopping, higher education and sports and entertainment.

Family vacations in Rapid City include fun attractions like Dinosaur Park, Storybook Island and huge indoor and outdoor water parks. Learn the history the Black Hills at The Journey Museum or get up close to wildlife at Bear Country USA and Reptile Gardens. When you vacation in Rapid City you can have outdoor adventures while still enjoying all the things you love about home.

Golfing in Rapid City takes you deep into pine forests, cross rushing trout streams and alongside spectacular mountain vistas. Golfers are challenged by the tree-lined fairways, unique rock outcroppings and wildlife hazards. 

Family vacations in Rapid City, South Dakota are ideal for outdoor adventure seekers. Walk along Rapid Creek. Ride along 13 ½ miles of biking trails. Or hit the links on one of Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play.”  Rapid City offers all types of adventure for all levels of adventure seekers.

Bicycle touring and pleasure riding are popular activities in Rapid City and the Black Hills area. Within the city limits you’ll find 13 1/2 miles of trail that wind along Rapid Creek. Wide shouldered highways are also a favorite among road bike enthusiasts.  Some of the most popular rides are Rapid City to Mount Rushmore; Needles Highway; Iron Mountain Road; Spearfish Canyon; and the Badlands Loop Road. All have some steep grades and long climbs but the scenery is worth it. 

Rapid City is the place to go if you are looking for professional hockey, world-class American Legion baseball and PRCA Rodeo action. Local, regional and state-wide high school athletics can also be enjoyed in Rapid City. Did we also mention you can get your game on at basketball, soccer and motor cross events? 

Rapid City has two historic districts for your enjoyment.
The first is the historic downtown district. Included in the notable buildings is the 1914 First National Bank building at 7th and Main. Across the street you will find the 1911 Lions Head Fountain, which was once a watering station for horses.

Visitors to historic downtown Rapid City are greeted by the City of Presidents, a series of life-size bronze statues of our nation’s past presidents along the city’s streets and sidewalks. Whether you’re enjoying downtown shopping, dining or other attractions, you can enjoy these sculptures free.

With so much to see and do in one place it's easier than ever to see the beauty and excitement of the Black Hills with one of our local tour companies! After all, it's not everyday that you can discover the wonders of America's most iconic parks, monuments and memorials and it all begins in Rapid City.

Housing Cost

Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $152,533

Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $184,032; Detached houses: $194,824; Townhouses or other attached units: $201,243; In 2-unit structures: $199,393; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $108,929; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $107,767; Mobile homes: $22,585


Demographics

Population in July 2008: 65,491. Rapid City covers 44.6 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 3,247 feet above sea level. Zip codes: 57701, 57702, 57703, 57709 - Area code: 605

Weather

Rapid City, SD climate is mild during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 60's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 20's.

The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 82.70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 10.30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 26 degrees Fahrenheit, and moderate during winter with an average difference of 24 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Rapid City is 18.45 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 3.46 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com