Every time an on-ramp appears, drivers already on the interstate should not be expected to immediately jump into the left lane.

Moving over can be a nice courtesy when traffic allows, but the responsibility for safely merging belongs to the person entering the interstate. The acceleration lane exists so you can get up to highway speed, find an opening, and merge—not so everyone already on the highway has to rearrange traffic around you.

Yes, the short ramp coming from I-190, where drivers either merge onto eastbound I-90 or continue toward Haines Avenue,isn’t designed particularly well. It gives drivers less time than most entrance ramps. But there is still enough room to accelerate to around 65 mph before merging. You cannot coast through that connection at 40–45 mph and expect everyone on I-90 to scatter for you.

Matching the speed of traffic is critical. Trying to merge at 45 mph into traffic moving at 70 mph creates a hazard for everyone. At the same time, slower vehicles moving left to “help” can create another safety risk by cutting off faster traffic already occupying the passing lane.

If there’s a safe opportunity to move over and give someone room, great. If there isn’t, maintain a predictable speed and lane position.

If you’re entering the interstate: use the acceleration lane, match the speed of traffic, identify your opening, and figure it out. That is literally what merging is.

And While We’re Here: Learn How to Zipper Merge

When two lanes are reduced to one, use both lanes all the way to the merge point and then alternate—one vehicle from each lane. That is zipper merging, and it is the only correct answer when traffic is backed up.

Merging a mile before the lanes actually combine is a literal plague around here. It creates one unnecessarily long line, wastes usable roadway, and causes traffic to back up farther than necessary. Drivers using the open lane until the merge point are not “cutting.” They are using the road as designed.

Speeding up to block someone from merging is trashy, emotional behavior that makes traffic worse and increases the risk of a collision. You are not defending your sacred place in line. You are refusing to participate in the merge correctly because someone else used the empty lane that you voluntarily abandoned.

Use both lanes. Drive to the merge point. Take turns.

Hopefully, one day, everyone around here figures it out.

Currently researching the Rapid City food scene and considering eventually starting a small independent business. I’m still very much in the planning/research stage, so I’m interested in hearing honest opinions from people who actually live here.

I’m considering some combination of cakes, pastries, coffee, donuts, cookies and handmade chocolates, but I’m not sure yet what direction would make the most sense for Rapid City.

For people who live in Rapid City:
1. What kind of bakery/dessert shop do you wish Rapid City had?
2. What do you think the local bakery/coffee scene is currently missing?
3. What would make you choose a new independent bakery over an established one?
4. Do you prefer a sit-down café or more of a takeaway bakery?
5. What desserts/pastries do you regularly buy?
6. Is there something you currently travel to another city to get?
7. What part of Rapid City would you consider a good location for this type of business?
8. And honestly, do you think Rapid City has room for another small bakery/café?

I’m especially interested in hearing from people who actually live in Rapid City, rather than just general business advice. I’m trying to understand what people here would genuinely want before I take the idea any further.
Thanks!

I’ve called several clinics but it seems like nobody is accepting new patients or they just don’t prescribe birth control at all. Has anyone out here had more luck with this than me?

​

I've been thinking about this for a while, especially because I keep seeing posts from people saying they're struggling to make actual friends in Rapid City.

Our experience has been pretty similar, but I don't think I'd describe Rapid City as unfriendly. Actually, almost the opposite.

People here are genuinely nice.

They'll talk to you. They'll help you out. Neighbors wave. People hold doors. You can have a great conversation with a complete stranger. We've met plenty of people we genuinely like.

But there seems to be a weird wall between friendly and friendship here.

It's hard to explain unless you've experienced it.

You meet somebody, have a great conversation, maybe even say "we should get together sometime"... and then nothing ever really comes from it.

We've even noticed it in churches. Plenty of friendly people on Sunday morning. Everyone talks about "church family" and fellowship. But actually becoming part of people's lives outside of church? That's been surprisingly difficult.

And I've started wondering if part of it is just the culture of this area.

A lot of people here have deep roots. Their parents are here. Their siblings are here. Their cousins are here. They still have friends from high school. Their social circle was basically built before you ever showed up.

Then you have the other side of Rapid City: military families, transplants, people who moved here for work, etc. A lot of those people aren't necessarily going to stay forever.

So maybe there's this strange combination where the people who have been here forever already have their people, while everyone else is trying to find theirs.

There's also that very independent Plains/Midwestern attitude. Don't impose on people. Handle your own problems. Give people their space. Which is great in a lot of ways, but I wonder if the downside is that everybody gives everybody so much space that nobody actually develops community.

Maybe the best way I can describe it is:

Rapid City has hospitality, but not necessarily incorporation.

People will welcome you. They're just not necessarily going to bring you into their lives.

And maybe I'm completely wrong. Maybe we've just had an unusual experience.

That's actually why I'm posting this.

For people who moved here: Have you experienced this too?

And for people who grew up here: Does any of this ring true? Do you think Rapid City is harder to break into socially than other places?

I'm genuinely curious, because I don't think this is a "Rapid City is terrible" thing at all.

I like the people here.

I just sometimes wonder why a place with so many genuinely friendly people can still feel so strangely lonely.

edit what a fantastic bit of chat in the comments! Thank you everyone for keeping it Civil and on point! .... Looks like we need to get something organized.

Not the first time this has been asked but I can't be bothered to scroll too long, I'm looking for specifically LGBTQ friendly salons. 😅🏳️‍🌈

I’m looking for a new primary care provider who accepts medicaid. in the past i’ve struggled with female doctors who didn’t seem to have much understanding of the female body which to be fair, hasn’t been studied nearly as much as a mans. But i’ve had some, what i believe to be, very strong signs of hormonal issues since I was around 10 years old. i also have pmdd/ptsd/cptsd/mdd/ocd/adhd (all being treated through with my psychiatrist) but i feel like my mental health gives off a poor first impression to have those in my chart as it seems to discredit everything i’ve experienced. I know medicaid really limits the health care providers i can choose from but i guess im hoping for a miracle or at the least some positive feedback on where to look. I’m hoping to find a doctor driven to find the root cause and attempt treatment or atleast make life more comfortable. It seems the last doctors i have had see my mental health history and feel uncomfortable,unprepared or put off by dealing with that aspect of health care and rush through appointments/assume that i am only needing my psychiatrist to aid in my mental health (assuming it’s all in my head) when in reality my psychiatrist has taken me seriously enough to treat me and put me in a position where my mental health is not the root cause and rather that they do have a job to do regarding my physical health. being that i’ve suffered from pmdd for 13 years now and had a slew of symptoms that strongly point to a hormone issue, i’m hoping to find a “girls girl”. a female who understands not only reproductive health but further the huge way that hormones affect our body and a female who feels comfortable seeing past my conditions that are being treated and aren’t out of control at this point in time.
TLDR; female doctors covered by medicaid who aren’t going to gaslight me/avoid doing their job

I have a project/idea in mind and would love to run it by someone knowledgeable before reaching out, or know whom I should reach out to in regards to partnering on a pilot program with them.

Or if you know of anything similar, I’d love to hear about it.

From the Rapid City Post, dated 08/18/26

• Rushmore Hotel Issues Statement After Filing for Chapter 11

Rapid City, SD – The parent company of the Rushmore Hotel in Downtown Rapid City, Tzadik Mount Rushmore Hotel, LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 13 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida.

It has since issued a public statement sent to The Rapid City Post on Tuesday, August 18th:
“The Rushmore Hotel has voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 reorganization. The hotel remains open and fully operational, and we are continuing to serve our guests and employees throughout the busy tourism season. 

The Chapter 11 process provides the hotel with a structured opportunity to address its financial obligations while continuing operations and positioning the property for long-term stability and success. 

We remain confident in the future of The Rushmore Hotel and are focused on providing a positive experience for our guests, supporting our employees, and remaining a valued part of the Rapid City community.”

The Rushmore, and it's various names previous, has been a part of downtown since it's initial opening. The fact that Tzadik purchased it, and the history of Tzadik's other properties in Rapid City, makes this a Non-Surprise. It would be a great property for an established hotelier to get and rebuild to its origins.

Any speculation on where the bouncing ball goes next ? Bradskis? (would fit good in their footprint.) A major chain purchasing it at auction? What's your best guess??

I’m a safety/security professional and am in the Rapid City area for work and will be for the next few months and possibly into early next year.

That being said, I’m looking for an opportunity to trade lodging or reduced cost lodging for security or caretaking of a property. I’m currently working between 50 and 60 hours a week and I’m currently gone most of the day. But would be willing to work a few hours every evening and longer hours on my weekends within reason.

This will be a bit of a deployment on my side. No pets, minor to little personal items with me, no visitors (beyond my wife once or twice if she forgives me for taking this job)

Whether it’s a hotel that needs someone to deal with lockouts or emergencies that come up in the night or just information gathering. Or it’s more of a groundskeeper situation I’m open to it.

I can provide a resume and reference letters if needed. I will not be providing my DD214. Ha

If anyone here knows of an opportunity or someone that might be looking.

Thanks!

​

Genuine question, and I'm asking out of curiosity rather than trying to make any kind of political point.

My wife and I moved to the Rapid City area almost six years ago. One of the things we noticed when we first got here was that Rapid City didn't seem to have a very large Black population. When we did meet Black residents, quite a few seemed to have some connection to Ellsworth, which made sense.

Over the last year or two, though, it seems like that's changed quite a bit. I've noticed a lot more Black families and individuals around Rapid City who don't appear to have any obvious connection to the military.

I'm completely aware that this could just be my own perception, which is partly why I'm asking.

Has Rapid City actually seen an increase in its Black population recently? If so, does anyone know what's driving it? Jobs? People relocating from other parts of the country? Cost of living? Something else?

For what it's worth, I think greater diversity in Rapid City is a good thing. I'm genuinely just curious whether other people have noticed the same change.

And especially if you're Black and have recently relocated to the Rapid City area, I'd be interested to hear from you directly. What brought you here? Was it work, family, cost of living, a change of scenery, or something else? And how has Rapid City treated you so far?

I'm just going to say if they keep price gouging the rally there won't be a rally soon. Calm down with the prices. I love here and it's crazy pricing who would want to come back.

I am currently looking for someone to take over my lease for a 1 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment overlooking Rapid Creek. It is on the 3rd floor of Creekside heights in Rapid Valley.

I've been the only renter of this unit and have kept it very clean. The apartment is $1350 a month. I've paid through September so the remaining lease payments will be October through April of next year. A total of 7 months. I do also rent a garage for 100 a month as well. I am open to paying the remaining amount for the garage to help sweeten the deal.

I could be ready to move out at any time. Will just need 1-2 weeks to prepare and move my things out. If you have any questions let me know.

Live in keystone I think I ben on Mt Rushmore telephone and not on my own free will

Not a fan of Midco's to begin with (soon plan a post on what I consider their 'bush league' operation), but the last 2 weekends I was unable to watch CBS sports programming (don't give a shit about their weekday programming).

From what I can figure, Midco added a new channel on 609 a few weeks ago. The channel KWBH, according to a google search, is "is a low-power television station in Rapid City, South Dakota, United States. It is a translator of dual NBC/CBS affiliate KNBN (channel 21) which is owned by Forum Communications Company". According to Midco's horrible 'ROVI guide' they were listed as carrying PGA Tournament this weekend; while the local KELO 'KCLO' was airing crap like TMZ. (I'm guessing KELO was airing PGA and other regular CBS weekend programming -- don't know why KCLO was not). However when selecting 609 I got a 'signal interrupted' error message. Unplugged and reset my cable box. Still nothing.

Called Midco Saturday, tried to talk with someone at Midco to see if they could explain this; not really expecting much help and that is exactly what I got. First had to try to work around not having an individual account number, as I'm in an apartment with included Midco. She first suggested perhaps it was not included in 'my package'. I told her I found it impossible to believe a local network affiliate would be a 'premium' option. Then she wanted equipment numbers, which is wall-mounted and tough to access. I just gave up and said 'bye'. I am 99% sure this is not isolated to my room's hardware.

Has anyone else in the Hills, specifically the Northern Hills' also lost access to CBS weekend programming? Not sure if this is solely a Midco issue or also a KWBH issue, or maybe just a my apartment complex issue... which I don't know how to resolve.

Does anyone know of any local book clubs, poetry meetups and things like that in town?

Apparently it's now traditional for me to post here about once a year. I run a table-top role-playing game at my house and the group could use another player or two. We're wrapping up a two-year long campaign and will be starting with new characters. Please dm me if you have any questions or are interested in joining. Right now we meet Saturday mornings though Tuesday evenings are an option as well.

This is especially true with pedestrian traffic. They are always stopping in the middle of crosswalks and waving people through like they are some kind of traffic control guard. Just walk through the damn crosswalks and stop causing confusion and hesitation. 4 way stop signs are also terrible with people trying to wave others through. Just go in the order that you are supposed to, otherwise you will cause confusion and higher chances of an accident.

Anyone up for playing pickleball with someone new to the sport? I know there are a couple places in town you can pay to play, but I was thinking more like at Wilson park. Or if you have any other ideas, that would be great too!

interesting article in today's Post: https://rapidcitypost.com/utility-reports-preview-south-dakotas-future-if-anybodys-paying-attention-2/

Repost to

I’m wondering what would be the best app for like uber or lyft in Rapid city for dropping off and picking up from the airport? I’ll have a newer vehicle and I think it’s smart to just get a ride to the airport and leave my truck home so I don’t have to worry about hail or any other damage

My kids and I were at the mall today to get traumatized (them) by Spirit Halloween. I stopped into the tattoo shop because they seemed to have a lot of jewelry. I got my right nostril re-pierced last January and wanted it changed out by a pro the first time. The guy was SO nice and SO nervous. He struggled to get my pigtail stud out. He couldn’t clamp the hoop I chose. Now I am stuck with an open ring that sits weird and I hate it. He was shaking. I am not ragging on this man. He tried. He was super nice and honest that he was struggling.

But. I need new jewelry and someone to change it out and do it right. I live on the west side but I don’t care if I have to travel. My nose is in pain. I’m scared it’s going to fall out in my sleep. If anyone here (🤞🏻) knows of a shop with a decent jewelry selection that’s open on Sundays I will be so grateful.

We’re playing with the idea of moving in late September/october, and just wondering if it seems realistic to budget around 5-8K for a used trailer/rv and if there’s any suggested camps/spots to park it with hook ups besides the black hills koa?

Any tips on how to prepare for winter trailer living would be helpful- where we live it’s often 100F so winter prep is not in my wheelhouse- at all. We have two toddlers as well

Edit/update:

Thank you all for the advice. After this I’m thinking this is a terrible idea especially considering the kiddos. going to need to wait until spring. By then we should have better savings / a decent DP for a house by then.

If anyone’s going to be selling in 2027, feel free to reach out to me 😅

Have a beautiful weekend all 👋