Rapid City Information

Western Dakota Technical College is located in Rapid City at the foothills of the beautiful Black Hills. Just 20 miles from the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Rapid City is the second largest city in South Dakota with an estimated 2018 population of more than 75,000. (U.S. Census Bureau July 1, 2018.)

Home to ponderosa forests, rippling streams, iconic monuments, and a rich western history, Rapid City greets more than 3 million tourists from around the world each year. Home to numerous year-round museums, golf courses, and hundreds of events ranging from hockey games to festivals, and more, there is never a shortage of things to do and places to explore.

Sitting at the foothills of the Black Hills offers the opportunity to explore the Black Hills region including Custer State Park, the famous Needles Highway, Badlands, Historic Deadwood and more. Click here to visit the Black Hills information page for more information about the cultural area surrounding Rapid City in the Black Hills.

Sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will find plenty of opportunities in the area. Freshwater streams entice fisherman and kayakers throughout Rapid City and the Black Hills. Winter sports enthusiasts will find two ski resorts within an hour’s drive of campus, and over 200 miles of groomed snowmobile trails through the hills. Mountain bikers and hikers enjoy a system of trails including the Mickelson trail, running 115 miles from Deadwood to Edgemont. Motorcycle Riders will enjoy visiting the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, just 30 miles away in the city of Sturgis.

Western Dakota Tech is easily accessible from all portions of Rapid City, the Black Hills, and the region, as well as by air travel through Rapid City Regional Airport. If you need additional directions, please contact Western Dakota Tech at (800) 544-8765, (605) 718-2565, or admissions@wdt.edu. We invite you to visit campus any time for a tour. We look forward to seeing you at Western Dakota Tech.