Rapid City, South Dakota's second-largest city, rests amid the state's (and the country's) oldest mountain range ­ the Black Hills. This formation, with its abundant minerals and rugged terrain, has shaped much of the region's history. In fact, Rapid City's early prominence came from the Hills, although gold rather than rich mineral reserves generated the fame. Intent on seeking wealth, early prospectors defied government prohibitions against white settlements, which were enacted following hundreds of bloody conflicts with the indigenous Lakota. Although things have settled down in subsequent years, the area's natural beauty remains constant. More than 300 miles of streams (including Rapid Creek, which gave the town its name) thread through the Black Hills, making Rapid City a common jumping-off point for trout fishing. Hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing also contribute to the town's status as one of South Dakota's most vibrant, most visited cities. And, of course, Mount Rushmore, a tribute to democracy and the American will, attracts folks with its monumental stature and impressive spectacle.

Many visitors to Western South Dakota take as a reminder of their visit a piece of "Black Hills Gold" jewelry. Exclusive to the area, this type of jewelry is known for its motif of grapes and grape leaves in pink, green, and gold tones. Each piece is handmade and makes use of silver and copper additives to achieve the gold's distinctive colors. Legend has it that the style of the jewelry was created after a French goldsmith in the Black Hills dreamt of grape leaves and created in gold what he saw in his vision.