Black Hills and tourism (Rapid City: campgrounds, live, cabins)

[Redbear1]

So how important is tourism in the Black Hills. I would guess Rapid is large enough its not the main thing but don't know. Just trying to gage how important it is to the economy of the whole area. And what about during hunting season? Could a guy hunt public land without seeing others or is it orange vests every place? Around here the hardest part of hunting is finding a spot. Thanks!

[WyoNewk]

Are you kidding? Tourism is VERY important to the Black Hills region, including Rapid City. I can't answer about the hunting, as I live across the border a ways.

[no8fann]

The Black Hills basically functions around tourism, year round. There is no major industry to speak of in this area. There are a few factories, but not the industrialism that other metro areas see. The northern hills gets more winter tourism, because they have the resources for it (ski and snowmobile areas). There are public lands to hunt during every season. While you won't be falling over other hunters, they are there. Also, don't expect anyone to let you in on the "good" spots - you'll have to figure that out on your own! There are cabins and campgrounds that stay open year round and cater to hunters in the winter time.

[SD4020]

Tourism is important. West river is good for big game hunts, deer, antelope, elk, and some mountain lion. If you want upland game birds or waterfowl you will have to head east and north.

Tourism is important. In Rapid it is retail and healthcare are big business. We are an agricultural state, and that is the number 1 industry. Cattle and some cereal grains west, timber in the hills.