Last updated on April 30th, 2024
Rapid City is the gateway to the Black Hills, as it has been since gold was discovered here in the 1870s. Today it is mostly an unattractive conglomeration of the usual sprawl, but it has a nice historic downtown with a number of interesting shops and restaurants.
Rapid City and the Black Hills area is served by a full-service regional airport with regular scheduled flights on Northwest, Delta, and United.
Lodging
There is an abundance of run-of-the-mill hotels that serve visitors taking day trips into the Black Hills. (There are also a large number of hotels within the Black Hills themselves.) My conference was based at the Ramkota, which is relativly inexpensive, has large non-smoking rooms, a very helpful staff, and free wireless internet in every room. The free shuttle has some schedule limitations, but they make an effort to get everyone where they want to be when they want to be there.
Dining
The Corn Exchange is a tiny spot tucked between the shop fronts along Main Street. Expect friendly efficient service and exquisite food prepared using the finest ingredients. Make a reservation to ensure yourself a table, as we almost didn’t get one on a Tuesday night in the off-season. Entrees run from $15 -$30.
I did not get a chance to eat at Botticelli Ristorante Italiano, but I would have liked to try it.
More restaurants and reviews are listed on Frommers or do what I did, and check Trip Advisor.