Joani had quite a few sites researched for us to see in Rapid City, so we tried to get an early start. First up was the Geology Museum on the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology campus. Luckily we found full shade even though it was a cool morning, so we didn't have to worry about Sam waiting for us in the car.
The museum had an extensive collection of rocks and minerals. A couple of our favorites are below.
Ammonite found along the banks of the Cheyenne River east of Rapid City, SD
Nature is an amazing artist!
Downtown we found a convenient parking spot and started walking. We found Rapid City was extremely walkable, compact and easy to navigate.
You get a glimpse of Art Alley just beyond and below the clock that is stuck in time.
"Art Alley" surprised us as we ambled through the city streets. This was one the places Joani wanted to explore and we found it without even looking. Filled with sunlight it was interesting, but I thought it would be a spooky place to visit at night.
When you see this alley, you realize why Rapid City has such a clean look...
...they tucked all of the electrical tangles into the alley to leave the streets looking orderly.
On one corner I found this interesting American Indian sculpture. As I was looking it over this guy struck up a conversation telling me the artist was his uncle as he tried to explain the symbolism of the piece. I'm afraid I was a bit suspicious of his story, but it was entertaining so I gave him some "coffee money" and moved on.
The Prairie Edge was a beautiful store, inside and out. The building was well preserved and inside the space included what was once many different establishments with several different levels, large open staircases and open mezzanines.
This "dog-friendly" store was a treasure! Be sure to go to the upper floor that houses the fine art collection (photography welcome!).
This level housed three such alcoves of beads of every color and shape. (Sharon, it made me think of you!)
On the upper floor was a fine art gallery where we found the most incredibly detailed sculptures made entirely out of paper. Even though the store was pet-friendly and everyone loved Sam, Joani and I took turns on the upper floor sans Sam so we could study the works without worry of an incident. A woman who worked at the store told us we should visit the Rushmore Hotel to see another amazing sculpture by Allen and Patty Eckman that was on a much larger scale on display in the lobby.
Prairie Grass Dancer by Allen Eckman, cast paper
1/3 life-sized sculpture
John F. Kennedy and John F Kennedy, Jr. by John Lopez
Just inside the lobby, the sculpture was placed in a prominent location where it was impossible to miss. The nice people at the desk had no problem with Joani studying the work and taking pictures of the details.
Prairie Edge Hunt by Allen and Patty Eckman, cast paper sculpture $75,000
It took them 11 months start to finish. The detail is astounding!
I thought equally impressive was the marble inlay floor creating the beautiful tribute to the Mount Rushmore Monument. With this at the entrance, it was no wonder they named the hotel the Rushmore.
We by no means had seen all of Rapid City, but we were ready to retire for the afternoon so we headed home. The Presidents walk would have to wait for another day and this downtown was so enjoyable we were happy to make a return visit.
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