Planners needn’t look further than Mount Rushmore for inspiration when holding a meeting in Rapid City.
The four presidents carved in stone there knew a thing or two about managing busy days, as the presidency of the United States is known to be the most stressful and demanding job one could aspire to.
Following is a sample fun-filled itinerary to showcase what a group might expect during an action-packed day in Rapid City.
Morning
A great way to start the day is to have a delicious breakfast at the popular Colonial House Restaurant, where the menu includes hotcakes, omelets and other egg dishes, waffles and more to satisfy everyone in the group.
“And let's not forget the caramel rolls,” said Tyson Steiger, manager of convention sales at the Rapid City CVB, of the gooey local favorite.
Next, stop by either The Journey Museum & Learning Center, where the group can learn about the history and culture of the area via interactive exhibits and dramatic displays, or America’s Founding Fathers Exhibit, where they’ll see life-size sculptures replicating John Trumbull’s iconic ‘Declaration of Independence’ painting.
Sometime during the day’s early hours, active groups might enjoy a round of play at a local group-friendly golf course, including Hart Ranch, or a yoga session held at downtown’s Main Street Square.
“After your relaxing time, stretch out the legs further and wander a downtown district unlike anywhere else, filled with a variety of local shops,” Steiger said.
Afternoon
Lunch at a local eatery and a visit to nearby Mount Rushmore are two musts during the afternoon.
Attendees can also explore downtown’s City of Presidents and take either group photos or selfies with the life-size bronze sculptures of U.S. Presidents that reside on its streets.
“Or play a teambuilding game or scavenger hunt with them,” Steiger said. “Make sure you stop along the way for ice cream at either Armadillo’s or Silver Lining Creamery.”
If in town during the summer, the midday hours are a good time for an outing to Rushmore Tramway Adventures, which offers ziplining, a free-fall tower, an alpine slide and more, or a ride aboard the City View Trolley for a narrated tour highlighting Rapid City’s favorite attractions.
“Or go behind-the-scenes to learn how locals make their goods by hand at the Black Hills Gold Factory, where jewelry is created, and Sioux Pottery,” said Steiger, who also recommended groups learn about South Dakota wildlife and enjoy over 1.5 miles of nature trails at Outdoor Campus West.
Evening
Among the places where groups can dine or grab a drink to toast the end of the day are Dakotah Steakhouse, Delmonico Grill, Hay Camp Brewing Co., Lost Cabin Beer Co., Firehouse Wine Cellars and a 1920s speakeasy named Blind Lion, which is located in the basement of Murphy’s Pub & Grill and is accessible only with a password, which changes daily.
“Another special experience awaits you and your bunch at the Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show,” Steiger added. “Meat-and-potato meals are served in a down-home space followed by a Wild West-themed variety show.”
Planners might also check the calendar of events at Black Hills Playhouse, Elks Theatre, Potter Family Theatre, and the Broadway Series at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, to name a few other entertaining local options.
Another possibility, Steiger said, “is an evening reception among the finest selection of Native American art, crafts, jewelry, books and music displayed anywhere in the region at Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries.”
And for a hands-on activity, check out Canvas 2 Paint, where attendees will work on a painting to take home as a keepsake of their day in Rapid City.
