Votes
2012 Best Small Towns in America
- 4 votes - Most Patriotic
- 2 votes - Friendliest
- 1 vote - Most Beautiful
Description
Rapid City, SD hosts both Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial, two must-see national landmarks. The town is as beautiful as it is patriotic, surrounded by the Black Hills, and is the home of Ellsworth AFB.
For a combination of history and beauty take in the scenery on Skyline Drive and visit the Berlin Wall exhibit, the Chapel in the Hills, the Badlands, and bronze statues of all of America’s presidents.
Visitors should take advantage of Downtown Rapid City. In addition to shopping and dining, the area is the Black Hills’ hub for local and regional art. Museums, numerous galleries, and a historic theatre are all located within a few blocks of each other downtown.
Traveler Reviews
Rapid City has been a wonderful destination for many visitors from all over the world and we like to think for the regional visitors as well. With small town flavor we give you the big city options without the stress of big city life. We have wonderful events year round and offer family friendly attractions. The surrounding area is full of historic sites and magnificent geography. The diversity of the environment is matched by the diversity of the people who live here. We are just a short 25 minute drive from Mt.Rushmore and Crazy Horse Mountain.
As the gateway to the Shrine Of Democracy and home to Ellsworth Air Force Base, the citizens of Rapid City, SD consistently demonstrate their love of the USA! It's a way of life to honor the courageous men and women who serve in the Military. The Fourth of July celebrations in Rapid City as well as Mount Rushmore are second to none. Rapid City is proud of their country and the people who serve her!
I was raised in Rapid City and left when my husband and I were moved for the Air Force. Twelve years later, we finally recieved orders to come back and have been here ever since. Between Ellsworth, Mt. Rushmore and the bronze Presidents all over downtown Rapid City, I believe that Rapid City is the most patriotic city in America!
I work in the tourist business in Rapid City and I am constantly told by visitors from all over the US "the people are SO friendly."
Rapid City sits in the heart of America, geographically and emotionally. It is the center of American progress west, and the pioneering spirit. The people who came out there though brought with them the core ideas that our country was founded on. This is why the Mt. Rushmore monument ended up in South Dakota. The patriotism of this place extends beyond the military base there, or the veteran’s support units. It transcends the historical societies. It picks up the story lines of the Native American and weaves them into our own. The patriotism of Rapid City is at once reverent and dynamic. People come from across the nation and across the world. They are drawn to this place on a pilgrimage. Whether they come for understanding or enlightenment or just to feel a sense of wonder they are all drawn to the black hills and the history that is preserved here. One of the most interesting parts of the area is the Hall of Records, a stone chamber carved behind Lincoln’s head into Mt. Rushmore. There in a titanium vault are ceramic documents. The most important documents of our nation. From Native American legends to the Constitution. The Hall of Records is the perfect metaphor for Rapid City, it is a hallowed tomb carved out of sacred ground to preserve the story of our nation and us as a people.
