Rapid City, SD

Mammoth Site near Rapid City

The Mammoth Site is located an hour south of Rapid City in Hot Springs, SD. The discovery of the Mammoth Site happened in 1974, when an excavation for a housing development unearthed the first of these amazing treasures. Today, scientists and paleontologists have unearthed over 55 mammoth, bear, camel, llama, prairie dog, wolf, fish and invertebrates.Thousands of years ago, men in Rapid City had more to worry about than dropping a call or missing the last play of the Super Bowl. Food was the driving need of prehistoric man and one of the stranger food sources was the Wooly Mammoth!

Now extinct, you can see the amazing fossils of these enchanting beasts right outside of Rapid City, at the Mammoth Site. See for yourself these titans of the tundra (and be thankful cows have never grown any larger!)

What makes the Mammoth Site near Rapid City so unique is how the fossils have been preserved. The land where they found the Mammoth remains was originally a sink hole. As Mammoths roamed the Black Hills, they would go into the sinkhole for food and warmth and would be unable to get out. As they sank, their bodies were preserved! Visitors to the Mammoth Site can expect to see layers upon layers of sediment and fossils. The museum will teach you about the mammoths, other animals roaming the area around Rapid City, and how prehistoric humans survived the ice age. Make plans to visit from Rapid City today!!

1800 US 18 Bypass Hot Springs, 605.745.6017

Mammoth Site near Rapid City

1880 Train near Rapid City

Before roads spanned across the country, people traveled by train. The train tracks brought adventurers, homesteaders, miners, and more to South Dakota; making Rapid City a boom town. Train travel is so relaxing and the views can not be beat. See a new view of the Black Hills surrounding Rapid City through the eyes of one of those adventurers by riding the 1880 Train!

Located about 30 miles south of Rapid City, the 1880 Train celebrates the rich places, people, and history of steam powered train culture. Visitors can board the train from two locations: the main station at Hill City, or Keystone. Each ride will take you through the forests, meadows and canyons that make living in and near Rapid City so appealing. The train follows Battle Creek, which was a popular gold mining area, so visitors can expect to see historical remnants of the old mines!

The ride is narrated by a host who will tell you about the history of the 1880 train, the area you are traveling through, interesting spots, and more! For those who wish to know even more, the gift shops at either depots or on the train carry guide books. Food is also served on the train and at both depots. If you have friends coming to Rapid City, or are looking to get out of Rapid City for a while, the 1880 train is the relaxation you are looking for.

The 1880 train ride lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes from one depot to the other and back. With both enclosed and open air train cars, expect to pack accordingly before you leave Rapid City. Tickets can be picked up the day of the journey. The 1880 Train also hosts various events during the year like the Mothers Day Express, and has special deals for groups and weddings. Enjoy the sound of the 1880 Train’s steam engine as you travel back to a simpler time! Take the trip from Rapid City today!

1880 Train near Rapid City

Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City

The Stock Show and Rodeo has come to Rapid City, bringing with it all the excitement, fun, and flare a person could want. From January 27^th through February 5^th, the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center will host a menagerie of people, animals, events, sales, food, and more. With so much to see, you can discover something new every day you go!

Stock shows were originally started so ranchers, farmers, and food companies could get together to buy or sell livestock. This tradition is still very popular today and is the business side of the Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City. If you can not make it to the Rapid City area for the Stock Show, you can now view livestock and bid online! If you do not have a ranch or a farm then you are in luck because the Stock Show also has a playful side: the Rodeo!

The Rodeo was started informally as a way to display cattle herding skills in the 1800’s. Today, Rodeos involve many events like: roping, riding, sheepdog trials, and shows. You can see local Rapid City saddle bronc riders along side riders from around the west compete for cash prizes. Take a break from the Rodeo to view the various Stock Show exhibits, buy food and drink from local, Rapid City vendors, or enjoy the live entertainment. There is so much to see and do for the whole family, so come on down to Rapid City! The Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo will be waiting for you! Friend them on facebook too!

444 N Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City 605.394.4115

Stock Show and Rodeo in Rapid City

Bear Country in Rapid City

When hiking or biking through the Black Hills near Rapid City, most people would prefer not to see a bear close up. Although the Rapid City area is not a usual habitat for black bear, and certainly not grizzly bear, there are bears to be seen at Bear Country USA in Rapid City. This 250 acre enclosure is a great stop to see some of America’s most amazing wildlife close up.

Bear Country USA was started in 1972 with 11 black bear, one cougar, one wolf, three buffalo, and a large bull elk. Now expanded to include grizzly bear, badger, beaver, sheep, bobcat, lynx, coyote, porcupine, raccoon, fox, reindeer, otter, goat and skunk, visitors to Bear Country in Rapid City can see all of the amazing views from the comfort of their own car. The three mile drive will take you through the different habitats where you will certainly see one of the over 200 black bear that reside at Bear Country.

On your way to the Bears Den, you will stop by the most popular attraction at Bear Country: Babyland. Babyland features the new, black bear cubs born on the premises. The adorable bears will capture your heart as they frolic and play in the enclosure. After seeing how big they can grow, you may want to brush up on your wildlife knowledge and safety at the Bear’s Den. The exhibits at Bear Country will teach you how to recognize these animals in the hills outside of Rapid City, information about Bear Country and how it is run, and more!

Now is the perfect time to visit Bear Country USA in Rapid City! Many of the animals are perfectly at home during the winter and many of the younger residents are born during this time of year. Plan your next visit next time you are in Rapid City soon!

13820 S Hwy 16, Rapid City 605.343.2290

Bear Country in Rapid City

Hockey in Rapid City

Hockey season is in full swing! Rapid City’s hockey team, the Rapid City Rush, is the team to see in the area. As a newer team to the Central Hockey League, the Rush has been doing well in the last three years as they finished third in the Northwest Division in 2008, Northern Conference Champions in 2009, first at the Turner Conference and the President’s Cup Champions in 2010. With the amazing support of Rapid City hockey fans the 2011-2012 season has been exciting as well!

Rush at-home games are played at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena in downtown Rapid City. Located off of North 8^th St and Omaha St, the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Ice Arena has ample parking, and is very easy to navigate. Get their early to find your seat, grab some food, a beverage, and see what other activities you can participate in like the chuck a puck! Don’t forget to wear your favorite hockey jersey, or pick up a new one with your favorite Rush hockey players at the arena.

When the Rapid City Rush is away, there are multiple locations you can view the hockey games, including Dublin Square, Buffalo Wild Wings, the Golf Club at Red Rocks, Boston’s, and more. Away from Rapid City yourself? You don’t have to miss out on seeing the best hockey moments of the season. Log onto http://chltv.neulion.com/chltv/ to see the Rapid City Rush live.

Come out and support your local hockey team! The Rapid City Rush and their fans would love to see you there! If you are looking for a place to put on your skates and pick up a hockey game, don’t forget about the new ice skating rink downtown! Check with their website for hockey game times in between free skate!

444 N Mt Rushmore Rd, Rapid City 605.394.4115 800.468.6463

Hockey in Rapid City