Tourism and retail are easily the Black Hills’ largest industries, especially in Rapid City. The growing number of giant retailers on the community’s east and north sides and the construction of new office complexes downtown are evidence enough. However, a quick look at Rapid City’s southern district will tell you that the medical industry runs a close second. Rapid City Regional Hospital, just one player among dozens of local clinics and medical centers, is the largest private-sector employer in the region, boasting a staff of about 2,000 (not including consultants, contractors, and employees of the other clinics the organization owns—see its listing for details). Other major medical facilities include the Rapid City Indian Hospital, the Black Hills Surgical Hospital (see their listings later in the chapter), as well as several clinics for spine injuries, orthopedics, and radiology, among others.
But Rapid City isn’t the only place you can receive medical care in the region. Most major Black Hills towns have a hospital or clinic as well as independent doctors (some of whom still make house calls). Even tiny Deadwood, less than 15 miles from facilities in Sturgis and Spearfish, has its own hospital (which it shares with its sister city, Lead). Although there aren’t many wellness or spa facilities in the Black Hills, this sector of the health care community is also growing. More middle- and high-income residents coming to the area means there is a broader customer base for these sorts of facilities, and the commercial sector is beginning to respond.
With ranching still playing a major role in the economy, keeping animals healthy is also a big business in the Black Hills. You’ll find a small number of veterinarians listed at the end of this chapter. Because of the nature of the region, many of them are just as experienced with dogs and ferrets as they are with horses and bison.