Western South Dakota, known for its stunning scenery, historic landmarks, and plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities, has long been a magnet for adventure seekers. However, recent improvements in travel and infrastructure have made the region a more attractive destination for individuals and businesses seeking economic prosperity as well. Here are some recent enhancements and how they have impacted the Black Hills area:
Expanded Air Travel
Rapid City Regional Airport, the only commercial airport in the Black Hills, has set a record for passenger enplanements during the first six months of 2024.1 The previous record of 146,216 that was set in 2023 was beat by 20.3%, totaling an impressive 175,953 passengers that boarded flights at RAP in the first half of this year. This is largely due to the increase in direct flights, allowing travelers to more easily reach the area from major hubs across the United States without the hassle of long layovers and multiple transfers.
Currently, an expansion project is also underway at the Rapid City Regional Airport, which will further improve the facility’s efficiency and travel amenities over the coming years.
Improved Road Networks
Recent investments in road maintenance and traffic flow improvements in Rapid City and other communities throughout the Black Hills have resulted in reduced travel time and increased safety. Having smoother, safer roads not only makes the region more accessible to visitors and residents, but they also help in facilitating the transport of goods and services to the area.
Highways and roads leading to major attractions such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park have also seen major upgrades, which will help boost tourism in coming years.
Updated Digital Infrastructure
Investment in adequate digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet and mobile networks, are crucial in maintaining a thriving community. It allows visitors to plan their stay, businesses to run more efficiently, students to learn, and communities to connect. Residents can access remote work opportunities and jobs are created locally in fields such as telecommunications and IT support.
Over the years, there have been many digital infrastructure projects throughout the Black Hills, including a $5.2 million grant from the State of South Dakota that brought high-speed broadband internet to 700 homes and businesses between Rapid City and Hill City.2 Losing cell service while exploring the Black Hills is becoming more and more rare, and the region is benefiting from more people becoming digitally connected.
Public Transportation Options
Reliable public transportation is vital for both visitors and residents and allows for longer stays, increased spending, and better access to employment opportunities and city amenities. Not only do larger communities like Rapid City and Spearfish benefit from having public transportation systems in place, but smaller towns such as Newell and Hot Springs also have access to a growing amount of public transportation resources to get around the Black Hills more easily.
Laying the Foundation for a Brighter Future
These improvements in travel and infrastructure in the Black Hills are poised to create a robust foundation for growth. As these enhancements attract more tourists and support local businesses, the region will continue to thrive for years to come, making it the perfect destination to visit, live, and run a business.
