RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA
RAPID CITY, SOUTH DAKOTA, WAS NAMED ONE OF THE BEST SMALL TOWNS TO VISIT IN 2023. APART FROM ITS PROXIMITY TO THE 60-FOOT CARVINGS OF PRESIDENTS’ HEADS IN THE BLACK HILLS, THE BREATHTAKING “BADLANDS” AND FOUR OTHER NATIONAL PARKS, THE TOWN OFFERS UNIQUE SURPRISES.
Giant concrete dinosaurs have been straddling the city skyline and capturing traffic heading to Mount Rushmore since 1936. Life-sized bronze statues of American presidents decorate downtown streets next to charming facades of historic buildings filled with shopping and restaurants. Look closely at each pose in “The City of Presidents”; you’ll be surprised how well local artists have depicted their time in office. History continues at the Berlin Wall exhibit, paying homage to the local Air Force Base’s role in the Berlin Airlift. Nearby, the Stratobowl marks the onset of the Space Age. Visit in September for an annual balloon launch from the center of the stunning bowl-shaped limestone cliffs.
Take part in other forms of celebration at the Black Hills Powwow or the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo® – two iconic events that represent the diverse culture of the region. Western culture can also be found at a Fort Hays chuckwagon and live music variety show, situated next to the “Dances With Wolves” film set. Along the same stretch of road also lies a diverse assortment of wildlife, from exhilarating gator shows at the world’s largest reptile zoo to a drive-through park inhabited by with freeroaming North American wildlife such as black bear, elk and mountain lion.
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