One hundred and fifty years ago, the spotlight landed on South Dakota when gold was discovered in the Black Hills. Today, families visiting Rapid City have the chance to learn all about that history while exploring one of the country’s most beautiful destinations.
After the 1874 Custer expedition led to the discovery of gold in the hills surrounding Rapid City (hills now home to the iconic Mount Rushmore and the work-in-progress known as the Crazy Horse Memorial), the production of a unique type of gold jewelry became synonymous with the region.
Henri LeBeau, a French goldsmith, was the first to craft a specific type of gold jewelry using the materials mined from the local mountains. Known as Black Hills gold jewelry, it features three types of gold (red, pink and green) adorned with motifs like leaves, vines and grape clusters.
Thanks to a federal mandate enacted in 1981, only jewelry made in the Black Hills can be called Black Hills gold jewelry, making Rapid City the perfect place to go if you want to learn more about this fascinating bit of American history.
There are plenty of ways for the family to learn more about this history during a trip to Rapid City, starting with Journey Museum and Learning Center, where you can learn all about the history of the region throughout the eons, along with how the Gold Rush impacted and changed the Black Hills and the Indigenous peoples who call it home.
Families will also enjoy visiting Black Hills Caverns, where a tour of the caves will give incredible insight into the local mining industry and what goes into extracting gold and gemstones from the landscape.
At Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory, located in Rapid City, families not only get to shop for their own pieces of Black Hills Gold Jewelry, but they can also take a free tour of the factory to find out exactly how this beautiful jewelry is made and what makes it stand out from other types of gold.
Not only will your visit to Rapid City introduce you to what has been an iconic symbol of the area for 150 years, but it will also give you a chance to discover one of the most beautiful destinations in the country.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
May 18, 2026Marriott Opens Boise’s Largest Hotel, First Dual-Branded Property
Family travelers have new options in Idaho. Last week Pennbridge Hospitality opened AC Hotel Boise Downtown and Element by Marriott Boise Downtown, the largest and first dual-branded property in Boise, Idaho.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
May 18, 2026Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island Launches Family Adventure Package
This summer, Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island partners with Outside Hilton Head, the Lowcountry’s premier outdoor adventure company, to enhance family travelers’ experiences through seamless access to the island’s top eco-adventures.
Adult Children
May 14, 2026Become a Kid Again at These 4 Fun Hotels
Family travel doesn’t have to be just about kids; these four hotels around the world allow adults to become kids again through unplugged action adventures; elevated, nostalgia-driven retreats; and 5-star resorts with reimagined summer camp experiences.
Hotels
May 14, 20265 Hotels Where Families Should Stay for Graduation Weekend
The right hotel can help ensure a celebratory weekend like college graduation becomes a happy memory that lasts as long as the degree. These five properties offer something beyond a place to sleep, providing a distinct backdrop for families ready to celebrate in style.
Hotels
May 13, 2026Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Announces Kids Stay Free Promotion
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts has a new — and unbeatable — sale for family travelers. This summer, Bahia Principe Explore launched a special offer where the first child stays free at Explore brand all-inclusive properties across the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
ShareThis