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Places (POIs) visited during this tour

Place #1
Distance: 0.00mi , Attraction : Religious Site, Historic Landmark (Recommended selfie spot).
Map Pin
4701 Steamboat Cir, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
POI 1 Tour Image
Chapel in the Hills
Our first stop of the tour takes us to a truly unique and serene spot, the Chapel in the Hills. As we approach, you might do a double-take, because what you're about to see looks like it was plucked right out of a medieval Norwegian fjord and gently placed here in the Black Hills. This remarkable structure is an exact replica of the 12th-century Borgund Stave Church in Laerdal, Norway, a masterpiece of Scandinavian craftsmanship built around 1150 AD.

The Chapel was constructed in Rapid City in 1969, not initially as a traditional church, but as a broadcast studio for the popular 'Lutheran Vespers' radio program. Architect Harold Spitznagel, along with skilled Norwegian craftsmen, ensured every detail, from the intricate dragon heads adorning the roof gables to the detailed carvings on the portals, was faithfully recreated. Inside, the dark, rich wood and the simple, yet profound, altar offer a peaceful contrast to the ornate exterior, inviting quiet contemplation. It truly feels like stepping back nearly a millennium.

For first-time visitors, the sheer authenticity and the surprising presence of such a structure here in South Dakota are often a source of wonder. For our returning guests, it’s a cherished opportunity to revisit a place of profound tranquility, perhaps exploring the surrounding meditation path or the traditional Norwegian Stabbur, a grass-roofed storage building, which houses a small museum of Norwegian heritage. It’s a testament to cultural preservation and a place that offers solace and a connection to a distant past, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected treasures are found right in our own backyard.

Read More

  https://chapelinthehills.org/
Place #2
Distance: 1.15mi , Attraction : Public Recreation
Map Pin
4349 Red Clf Ter, Rapid City, SD 57702, USA
POI 2 Tour Image
Canyon Lake
Please turn right on Beach Drive.

As we approach Canyon Lake, you’re entering one of Rapid City’s most peaceful and photogenic outdoor escapes. This serene, tree-lined lake has been a community favorite since the 1930s, offering calm waters perfect for kayaking, paddle-boarding, or simply watching the reflections dance across the surface. Families gather along the walking paths, anglers cast their lines for trout, and wildlife—especially ducks and geese—make regular appearances.

Right at the heart of the lake sits Gazebo Island, a charming little oasis connected by footbridge. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city, and for good reason. The gazebo, framed by cottonwoods and gentle ripples on the water, feels like something out of a postcard. Weddings, picnics, and quiet morning coffees all find a perfect setting here.

Canyon Lake and Gazebo Island offer a calm pause in your journey—a reminder of how beautifully nature and community blend in Rapid City.

  https://www.rcgov.org/departments/parks-recreation/parks/canyon-lake-park.html
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour

Map Pin Place 1 Chapel in the Hills
Map Pin Place 2 Canyon Lake
Map Pin Place 3 Rapid Creek
Map Pin Place 4 Storybook Island
Map Pin Place 5 Dinosaur Park
Map Pin Place 6 Skyline View
Map Pin Place 7 Petrified Forest Trailhead
Map Pin Place 8 Rapid City History
Map Pin Place 9 Fun Facts
Map Pin Place 10 Art Alley
Map Pin Place 11 Presidential Statues Downtown
Map Pin Place 12 Rapid City's Downtown Hub
Map Pin Place 13 Historic Berlin Wall Section
Map Pin Place 14 The Monument
Map Pin Place 15 The Journey Museum
Map Pin Place 16 South Dakota School of Mines & Technology
Map Pin Place 17 Museum of Geology
Map Pin Place 18 Rapid City Cuisine
Map Pin Place 19 WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort
Map Pin Place 20 Aviation History Museum



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