Things to Do in Rapid City

Nearly three million visitors from across the country and world come to Mount Rushmore National Memorial every year to see this monumental sculpture of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. The work of sculptor Guton Borglum began in 1927 and took 14 years an $1 million to complete. Interpretive programs and exhibits are available by rangers and audio tours to guide your route through the memorial, and a film is shown at the Lincoln Borglum Museum.

Heading east of Rapid City you will discover Badlands National Park. Here you will step into a moonscape on earth. Explore the limitless backcountry by hiking or backpacking. Experience the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, created to illustrate the history of the Cold War, arms race and intercontinental ballistic missle developement.

Crazy Horse Memorial is a tribute to the culture, tradition and living heritage of Native Americans and the spirit of their legendary Lakota leader, Crazy Horse.

The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is a 150,000-square-foot exhibition center, in Rapid City, South Dakota. It contains a 10,000 seat, multi-purpose arena. It was built in 1977 and the grand opening event was an Elvis Presley concert on June 21st. The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is home to many large events including the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo, Lakota Nations Invitational, and the Black Hills Homebuilders Expo. It is home to the Rapid City Rush Hockey team.

There are plenty of attractions for families to take in at Reptile Gardens. Stroll through our garden oasis of colorful flowers, lush vegetation, and well manicured lawns. Discover a myriad of ornamental trees, tropical plants, orchids, and bromeliads. Meet our exotic residents! Enjoy a chance encounter with our rare Komodo Dragon and notorious saltwater crocodile, visit our legendary collection of venomous snakes, or pet our gentle giants, the Galapagos and Aldabra Tortoises. We also have a fe

Very few people have had a full-grown black bear look in the window of their family car, or if they have, it was not by choice. Even fewer have seen a reindeer or a elk up close. However, many people are getting experiences like these at Bear Country U.S.A. in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Nestled over 250 acres amidst towering pines and along rolling meadows just eight miles south of Rapid City, Bear Country U.S.A. offers visitors intimate views of most North American mammals.

Small in Size. Big in Stature. Unmatched in Value. You might be very familiar with Mines or you might have just found out about us as part of your college search. Either way, we hope you'll investigate our website, talk with our Admissions Office, request Mines materials, and — the most informative step of all — come for a visit.*