Explore Beyond Campus
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South Dakota Mines is located in the heart of Rapid City, giving students and visitors easy access to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the region. Whether you're craving outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or just a great place to unwind, you'll find it all just beyond campus.
Students love that life at Mines offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant city and the great outdoors right in our backyard. You can hit the trails without even leaving campus or take a short walk to cozy coffee shops, local restaurants, live music, and community events. There’s always something happening, whether you’re looking to explore, study, or just relax with friends.
Location
Rapid City is the largest city in western South Dakota and the gateway to the Black Hills, a region rich in Native American history, gold rush heritage, and world-famous landmarks like Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial.
Located at the crossroads of Interstate 90 and Highway 16, it offers easy access to Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, and Devils Tower. The city is a hub for outdoor adventure, with hiking, biking, and climbing just minutes away. Rapid City Regional Airport provides direct flights to many major cities, making travel convenient for students and visitors alike.
Weather
Rapid City, SD, experiences all four seasons, with a mix of sunshine, snow, and everything in between.
- Spring (March-May): Mild with occasional snow early in the season, transitioning to warmer days with blooming landscapes.
- Summer (June-August): Warm and sunny, with highs in the 80s-90s°F but cool evenings. Perfect for hiking and exploring the Black Hills.
- Fall (September-November): Crisp air, vibrant autumn colors, and mild temperatures, making it a favorite season for many.
- Winter (December-February): Cold but variable, with snowfall and temperatures ranging from mild to below freezing. Some winter days even bring sunshine and highs in the 50s°F.
Overall, Rapid City enjoys over 200 sunny days per year, and the weather can change quickly—so layering up is always a good idea!
Things to Enjoy
Just minutes from campus, you’ll find The Dahl Fine Arts Center and The Journey Museum,
both packed with history, creativity, and interactive exhibits. Need a night out?
Catch a movie at The Elks (with the best popcorn in town!), see a live performance
at a local theater, or check out a concert at one of Rapid City’s nearby venues.
Hit the trails without leaving town—hike Skyline Wilderness Area, visit Dinosaur Park for a great view of the city, or cast a line in Rapid Creek for some fly fishing. Just beyond the city, you’ll find hundreds of miles of singletrack for biking, world-class rock climbing, and skiing and snowboarding in the Black Hills. Adventure is never far away!
Dining in The Black Hills
When family visits, these are the go-to spots our ambassadors love—so they’re a great place to start!
- Murphy’s Pub & Grill – Classic pub food with a gourmet twist in a laid-back setting—perfect for a casual night out.
- Kathmandu Bistro, Everest Cuisine, or Himalayan Kitchen – A three-way tie for the best curry in town, serving up rich Himalayan flavors the whole family will enjoy.
- Dakotah Steakhouse – If you're craving steak and hearty Western-style meals, this upscale yet welcoming spot is a great choice.
- Ugly Graffiti – Cool, casual, and creative—expect unique bites in a fun, artsy space.
- Sickies Garage – A student favorite with a huge menu of burgers, wings, and fun dishes that make it great for families.
- Tally’s Silver Spoon – One of the best brunch spots in town, with an elevated evening menu for a more gourmet dining experience.
- Sumo Japanese – Conveniently located across from campus, this is a go-to for sushi and Japanese favorites.
- Bokujo Ramen – If your family loves ramen, this cozy spot serves up delicious bowls of Japanese comfort food—plus, the owner, Justin, was the winner of Food Network Star Season 8!
You'll also usually find a few food trucks parked at Founder’s Park, and honestly, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention how good the food truck scene is here. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or planning a sit-down meal, there’s no shortage of great food to enjoy in Rapid City!
Hotel Recommendations
When making your reservation at The Rushmore or the Howard Johnson, mention that you're visiting South Dakota Mines for a special rate.
| The Rushmore Hotel & Suites | Hotel Alex Johnson | Elevation Inn & Suites | Hilton Garden Inn |
| 445 Mt. Rushmore Rd., Rapid City, SD 57701 605-348-8300 |
523 Sixth St., Rapid City, SD 57701 605-342-1210 Use this link to make your reservation and receive a special rate. |
950 North St., Rapid City, SD 57701 605-737-4656 Use this link to make your reservation and receive a special rate. |
815 E. Mall Drive, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701 Use this link to make your reservation and receive a special rate. |