The Unlikely Things You Must Do In Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City is a place I have gotten to know:

1. As a site director in Pine Ridge 2, spending my summer Fridays frantically trying to get all my shopping done as quickly as possible.
2. As a summer Area Director in Pine Ridge and Rosebud twice, spending my summer Fridays holed up in coffee shops catching up on all my paperwork.
3. As a full time Area Director setting up the site for two years and visiting during the “off” season to meet with all YouthWorks’ partners and friends getting ready for the summer.

Over the past three years I have learned that Rapid City is a truly fascinating city. Every summer, it draws in thousands of tourists who are visiting the Black Hills, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore and many other attractions in the area. The city sees a swell of bikers late every summer as the Sturgis Biker Rally happens just a few miles out of town. But more than just a tourist destination, Rapid City has a complicated  (albeit ugly) history.

To briefly summarize: the Black Hills, being sacred to the Lakota, were a part of the reservation belonging to the Lakota tribe. However, after gold was discovered in the area, prospectors began to illegally move into the region to mine the hills. What most tourists driving to Mount Rushmore don’t realize is that the illegal takeover of land owned by the Lakota, to this day, has never been reconciled.

In addition to the history and obvious tourist attractions, I have had the chance to learn so much more about Rapid City through YouthWorks’ service partners and friends. They have shown me a significant population with various struggles, issues and difficulties ranging from poverty and homelessness to special needs and addiction. But more important than seeing the needs, I have been shown people who care too deeply to let any of their neighbors slip through the cracks.

If you ever get the chance, I would highly recommend that you visit Rapid City, South Dakota – not for the beaten paths the tourists take, but for all the unlikely things.

Sure, you should probably see Mount Rushmore, and maybe even stop at Wall Drug. But, even more importantly, you should go visit Woyatan Lutheran Church, listen to the stories of the Lakota there, and hear what they think of the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore or the American history is sometimes told. Also, make sure you go on a Wednesday so you can take part in a powwow celebration and dance.

Then, you have to go to the various homeless shelters, food banks, nursing homes, and kids programs and volunteer for a few hours. At these locations you will see how people love their neighbors – all of their neighbors. Finally, you have to swing by Trinity Lutheran Church on a Thursday evening during the summer for a fantastic cookout where, at times, it feels like the whole city is there.

After spending several years in and out of Rapid City, I can honestly say that this city has gained a special place in my heart, and I think it will in yours too.

Jordan currently works developing and piloting new ministry opportunities for YouthWorks, churches, and communities. This gives him an opportunity to use his passion for communities, education, learning, and innovation to benefit churches and communities. Previously, Jordan served for four summers and two years full-time on Native American Reservations, primarily in South Dakota, with YouthWorks.  Jordan occupies himself with fashion, good books, travel, conversations, friends, and adventures.