Cities and Towns in Pennington County, South Dakota

Founded in 1875, Pennington County is one of 66 counties in the state of South Dakota. Historically, Pennington County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of Rapid City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 103, Pennington County has a population of 111,806 and area of 2,776 square miles (7,190 km²).

List of all cities in Pennington County, SD alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Box Elder, SD	57719	605
Cactus Flats, SD	57775	605
Caputa, SD	57725	605
Conata, SD	57780	605
Cottonwood, SD	57775	605
Creighton, SD	57790	605
Deerfield, SD	57745	605
Dowling, SD	57790	605
Elm Springs, SD	57791	605
Farmingdale, SD	57725	605
Gumbo, SD	57791	605
Hill City, SD	57745	605
Hisega, SD	57702	605
Imlay, SD	57780	605
Jolly Acres, SD	57701	605
Keystone, SD	57751	605
Mystic, SD	57745	605
New Underwood, SD	57761	605
Old Town, SD	57701	605
Owanka, SD	57767	605
Pactola Lake, SD	57702	605
Quinn, SD	57775	605
Rapid City, SD	57701	605
	57702	605
	57703	605
	57709	605
Rochford, SD	57745	605
Rockerville, SD	57701	605
	57702	605
Scenic, SD	57780	605
Silver City, SD	57702	605
Viewfield, SD	57761	605
Wall, SD	57790	605
Wasta, SD	57767	605
	57791	605
Wicksville, SD	57767	605

Major Cities and Towns in Pennington County, South Dakota

Rapid City, South Dakota

Location and History

Rapid City is the county seat of Pennington County and the second-largest city in South Dakota. Located in the western part of the state, Rapid City is situated at the eastern foothills of the Black Hills, about 30 miles from Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The city was founded in 1876 during the Black Hills Gold Rush and was originally a mining camp known as “Canyon City.” Its proximity to gold discoveries attracted many settlers, and by the 1880s, it became a thriving town, drawing residents and businesses to serve miners and traders. Rapid City’s location along the railroads further spurred growth, and by the 20th century, it developed into a regional commercial hub. In the 1930s, Rapid City became a popular tourist destination, and its tourism industry expanded as visitors flocked to nearby attractions like Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, and Custer State Park. Today, Rapid City is known as the “Gateway to the Black Hills” and remains a vital cultural and economic center in the region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rapid City is home to the Rapid City Area Schools district, which includes multiple elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, as well as a number of private schools. The city is also home to several higher education institutions, including South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, a renowned engineering university. Major landmarks in Rapid City include Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a monumental sculpture of four U.S. presidents carved into the Black Hills, and the Crazy Horse Memorial, a massive mountain carving honoring Native American heritage. Downtown Rapid City features a vibrant arts district, with sculptures, murals, and galleries throughout. Other important landmarks include the Journey Museum & Learning Center, which covers the area’s history, and Dinosaur Park, which offers views of the city alongside dinosaur-themed sculptures. The city also hosts annual events like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, a world-renowned event that brings tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Key Statistics

• Area: 57.1 square miles
• Population: 78,000 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57701, 57702, 57703, 57709
• Latitude: 44.0805° N
• Longitude: 103.2310° W

Box Elder, South Dakota

Location and History

Box Elder is a rapidly growing city located just north of Rapid City, South Dakota, and part of the Rapid City metropolitan area. Founded in the early 1900s, Box Elder remained a small community for much of the 20th century, largely serving as a residential area for those working in Rapid City. It was named after the boxelder trees that are found in the area. Box Elder’s location near Ellsworth Air Force Base has greatly influenced its growth over the years. The base, one of the largest military installations in the U.S., has brought significant economic benefits and a steady influx of residents to the area. In recent years, Box Elder has seen considerable development, transitioning from a rural town into a growing suburban community with residential neighborhoods, retail outlets, and schools. The city’s growth is also driven by its proximity to the Black Hills, making it a desirable place to live for both military families and civilian residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Box Elder is served by the Meade School District, which includes schools like Box Elder Elementary School, Mountain View High School, and a number of other educational facilities. The district provides comprehensive academic programs and extracurricular activities, including athletics and clubs. As Box Elder is located just outside of Rapid City, many students also attend schools in the neighboring city. One notable landmark in Box Elder is the nearby Ellsworth Air Force Base, a major military installation that serves as a focal point for the town’s economy and community life. Box Elder’s proximity to the Black Hills offers residents easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping, with destinations like Custer State Park and the Badlands National Park just a short drive away. The city is also home to numerous parks and recreational spaces, making it a family-friendly area for residents.

Key Statistics

• Area: 8.5 square miles
• Population: 11,000 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57719, 57706
• Latitude: 44.0955° N
• Longitude: 103.0487° W

Hill City, South Dakota

Location and History

Hill City is located in the heart of the Black Hills in Pennington County, South Dakota, approximately 25 miles southwest of Rapid City. Hill City was established in the late 19th century, and its economy was initially driven by the discovery of gold in the region. Like many towns in the Black Hills, Hill City was part of the Gold Rush and served as a hub for miners and settlers. The town grew rapidly during this time, with numerous businesses, hotels, and saloons opening to serve the miners. However, as the gold supplies dwindled, Hill City transitioned into a farming and logging community, taking advantage of the rich timber resources in the surrounding hills. Today, Hill City is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors to its historic Main Street, charming bed-and-breakfasts, and nearby attractions such as the Black Hills Central Railroad, which operates a steam-powered train that takes passengers on scenic rides through the hills.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Hill City is served by the Hill City School District, which includes Hill City High School and Middle School, as well as elementary schools. The district is known for offering a range of academic programs as well as extracurricular activities such as sports and arts programs. One of the major landmarks in Hill City is the Black Hills Central Railroad, which offers visitors the chance to ride on a historic steam-powered train through the picturesque Black Hills. Another popular landmark is the Hill City Museum, which provides exhibits on the town’s history, particularly its mining and railroad heritage. Nearby, the Crazy Horse Memorial and Mount Rushmore National Memorial offer iconic attractions that draw thousands of tourists annually. Hill City is also known for its art galleries, antique shops, and scenic beauty, making it a popular stop for those exploring the Black Hills region.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.8 square miles
• Population: 1,100 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57745
• Latitude: 43.9791° N
• Longitude: 103.4912° W

Keystone, South Dakota

Location and History

Keystone is a small town located in Pennington County, South Dakota, approximately 15 miles southwest of Rapid City and near Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Established in the late 19th century, Keystone grew out of the mining industry that flourished in the Black Hills during the Gold Rush. The town was founded in 1883 and was initially known as a supply center for nearby gold mining operations. It became an official town in 1885 and saw steady growth through the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Keystone is best known for its proximity to Mount Rushmore, which was developed beginning in 1927, transforming the area into a major tourist destination. The town remains a popular stop for visitors heading to the national monument and other nearby attractions in the Black Hills.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Keystone is served by the Hill City School District, which includes Keystone Elementary School, where local children receive their primary education. The town is also near the larger educational institutions in Hill City and Rapid City, providing ample opportunities for further education. Keystone’s main landmark is Mount Rushmore National Memorial, which attracts millions of visitors annually to see the colossal granite sculptures of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. The town also features the Keystone Historical Museum, which highlights the town’s mining and cultural history. In addition, the Black Hills area around Keystone offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing in the nearby Black Hills National Forest.

Key Statistics

• Area: 0.4 square miles
• Population: 300 (2020 census)
• Zip Codes: 57751
• Latitude: 43.8797° N
• Longitude: 103.4595° W