It was settled in 1876 during the Black Hills gold rush. In the beginning the community grew slowly, and there was often discord between the settlers and the Sioux. Rapid City soon became a transportation centre and the eastern gateway to the mining region, and the railroad arrived in 1886. Today the city is a regional centre of commerce, culture, transportation, education, and health care. Tourism is the basis of the economy. Forestry and mining (gypsum, clay, sand and gravel, and crushed stone) are also important. Manufactures include electronics, wood products, cement, and jewelry. The area’s main agricultural activities are cattle and sheep ranching; wheat, oats, and hay are also produced. Financial and business services, beef processing, and distribution are other economic factors.
Rapid City is the seat of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (founded 1885) and National American University (founded 1941). The Journey Museum combines several collections in exhibits on pioneer history, the Sioux, and regional archaeology and geology. The Museum of Geology, on the mining school campus, includes displays of minerals and dinosaur skeletons found in the area. Reptile Gardens has one of the largest collections of reptiles in the world. Bear Country USA is a drive-through wildlife park with bears, bison, mountain lions, elk, wolves, and bighorn sheep. Ellsworth Air Force Base is located just northeast of the city; on its grounds is the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. A popular annual local event is the Central States Fair (August).
Rapid City is located in an area of tourist attractions and public lands, including Badlands National Park and Buffalo Gap National Grassland to the southeast and Black Hills National Forest, Wind Cave National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park (noted for its herd of bison) to the west and southwest. There are several caves in the area with unique crystal formations. The Pine Ridge Sioux reservation is southeast. Heavy rain and thunderstorms over the Black Hills in June 1972 triggered runoff floods that roared down Rapid Creek, killing some 235 people. Inc. 1882. Pop. (2000) 59,607; Rapid City Metro Area, 112,818; (2010) 67,956; Rapid City Metro Area, 126,382.