Rapid City, S.D., a jumping-off place to some of the country’s most treasured sites, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and Black Hills National Forest, is also a popular Midwest host for group events.
“Rapid City’s No. 1 economic driver is tourism, and this is due in large part to our world-renowned attractions surrounded by a landscape filled with a geographic diversity unlike anywhere else,” said Tyson Steiger, manager of convention sales for Visit Rapid City.
He added that just like the meetings industry has been experiencing an uptick across the country, the same holds true for Rapid City.
“There are several reasons for this rise in Rapid City, including lower gas prices, low rates throughout the community, an elite regional airport and most importantly, a tourism trend seeking authentic experiences,” Steiger said.
An eclectic array of groups is drawn to all that Rapid City has to offer, including recent meetings booked by the International Twins Association, the International Snowmobile Congress, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (International), and the National Sheep Growers Association, as well as many regional groups.
“Great meetings start with great locations, and Rapid City is both budget-friendly and camera-friendly, offering adventure and all the amenities conference attendees expect,” Steiger said.
Meet and Sleep
Rapid City offers approximately 4,500 hotel rooms and eight full-service hotels, including the Best Western Ramkota, Grand Gateway Hotel, Holiday Inn Rapid City-Rushmore Plaza, Hotel Alex Johnson, Ramada Rapid City and The Rushmore Hotel & Suites. There is also Canyon Lake Resort, an in-city retreat that boasts a picturesque lakeside setting.
“Rapid City, which is easily accessible because of its central location, offers a variety of conference locations to meet each group’s needs, all nestled in a vibrant family-friendly community that inspires possibilities,” Steiger said.
Beyond hotel meeting space, the 250,000-square-foot Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, a downtown facility situated beside the lovely Memorial Park, includes two arenas, a 1,774-seat theater and over 15 meeting rooms.
The Central States Fairgrounds, popular with agricultural groups, according to Steiger, features a 6,000-seat grandstand, a 118,000-square-foot event center and 45 additional acres of event space.
The city is also home to several attractions that double as off-site venues for group gatherings, including the Journey Museum & Learning Center and Main Street Square.
“To get a complete grasp and appreciation for Rapid City and the beautiful Black Hills, every group should start their voyage with an opening reception at the Journey Museum,” Steiger said. “Main Street Square is an excellent option for a banquet or social mixer in the heart of downtown.”
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Historic downtown should be the first stop for group excursions in Rapid City.
Here, attendees will find a vibrant arts scene that includes Art Alley, several art galleries, murals painted on buildings, Elks Theatre, the Performing Arts Center of Rapid City, the Suzie Cappa Art Center and the City of Presidents, which is a series of life-size bronze statues situated along the city’s streets and sidewalks that planners can work into a fun scavenger hunt.
Downtown is also home to Native American arts-and-crafts trading posts, jewelry and antique sellers, quaint restaurants, nightclubs, three breweries, including Firehouse Brewing Co., one winery and a speakeasy.
“Rapid City’s downtown district really comes alive with a plethora of events happening nearly every week, and throughout the summer, every Thursday night, Summer Nights rocks the streets with its two free concerts occurring at the same time,” Steiger added.
In addition to the sites surrounding Rapid City, groups can visit Custer State Park, which is located 28 miles south of the city and home to abundant wildlife, from bighorn sheep and antelope to coyote, prairie dogs and one of the nation’s largest free-roaming buffalo herds.
Groups can arrange a number of activities at the park, including jeep rides alongside the buffalo herds, horseback riding, guided fly-fishing, kayaking, mountain biking and chuck wagon suppers.
Each fall, Custer State Park hosts the Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival, Steiger added, and during the summer, the Black Hills Playhouse offers professional theater performances.
Outdoor Campus West is another stellar option for groups wanting to incorporate the great outdoors into their agenda.
“Explore trails, prairie, wetland and stream habitats outside while being guided and educated by Game, Fish and Parks staff,” Steiger said. “Groups can also rock climb, kayak and learn archery at Outdoor Campus West.”
Winding Down
At the end of a day of meetings, there are after-hours opportunities for groups looking to continue networking away from the meeting room.
“The culinary scene within Rapid City has a taste for nearly every craving,” Steiger said.
The group-friendly lineup includes various eateries like Botticelli Ristorante Italiano, Fuji Japanese Steakhouse, Kathmandu Bistro, Que Pasa Cantina: A Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar,
Tally’s Silver Spoon, Delmonico Grill, Murphy’s Pub & Grill and Dakotah Steakhouse.
“For a private group experience, kol, the Blind Lion speakeasy and Wine Barrel Room below the Firehouse Wine Cellars are all great options,” Steiger added. “Another great dining idea for groups is to have a food truck show up in Memorial Park, Canyon Lake or any other beautiful location within Rapid City.”
After a meal, groups can check out Press Start, a vintage arcade that’s certain to elicit nostalgia for attendees of a certain age. But all ages will have a ball while playing some of the nearly 200 arcade games and enjoying a cocktail.
Vertex Sky Bar, an upscale rooftop bar atop the Hotel Alex Johnson, is another great place to toast over cocktails at the conclusion of business.
And located in the heart of the Black Hills about a 40-minute drive from Rapid City is the iconic town of Deadwood, which was made even more famous in recent years after the airing of the brilliant namesake HBO series.
Deadwood, where Wild West legends including Wild Bill, Calamity Jane and Seth Bullock once roamed around, is a hit any time of day, but in the evening, this casino town welcomes groups that would like to try their luck.
